Lactitol with a probiotic in healthy elderly people
What it found
In healthy elderly people, a combination of lactitol and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM increased stool frequency and gut bacteria levels over 2 weeks.
Some immune markers changed slightly.
What they found
Studies in people
Stool frequency
After the 2 weeks, people in the lactitol and probiotic group had more frequent bowel movements than those in the placebo group.
Gut bacteria
Levels of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM in stool rose significantly in the group that took it. Bifidobacteria levels also increased significantly with the combination.
Short-chain fatty acids
Levels of short-chain fatty acids in the stool did not change significantly.
Immune markers
One immune marker, PGE2, differed between the two groups. Another, IgA, changed over time. These changes were modest, which may be because the volunteers were healthy.
Spermidine
Spermidine levels changed over time, which may suggest better gut lining and bowel movement.
What the authors conclude
“The results suggest that consumption of lactitol combined with L. acidophilus NCFM twice daily may improve some markers of the intestinal microbiota composition and mucosal functions.”
Also in their conclusions
- They suggest that taking lactitol combined with L. acidophilus NCFM twice daily may improve some markers of gut bacteria composition and gut lining function.
How it was done
Age brings changes in immune and bowel function, which may be linked to shifts in gut bacteria, especially fewer bifidobacteria.
Healthy elderly people were split into two groups. One group took lactitol plus Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM twice daily for 2 weeks, and the other took a placebo (sucrose).
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- The study lasted only 2 weeks, so it cannot show what happens over a longer period.
- The volunteers were healthy, so the results may not apply to people who are unwell.
The paper
- Title
- Influence of a combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and lactitol on healthy elderly: intestinal and immune parameters
- Type
- Randomised controlled trial
- Evidence
- Studies in people
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Ouwehand AC, Tiihonen K, Saarinen M, Putaala H, Rautonen N (2009). Influence of a combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and lactitol on healthy elderly: intestinal and immune parameters. The British journal of nutrition. doi:10.1017/S0007114508003097PubMed 18634707DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error