As the people old, they become more susceptible to infections and a wide variety of diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases (Hou et al., 2019; Michaud,et.al., 2013; Fan and Weeraratna, 2019; North and Sinclair, 2012). Aging is associated with a number of physiological changes including metabolic dysregulation, cognitive decline, vascular alterations, and changes in hormone production (López-Otin, et al.,2013; Ungvari, et.al., 2018; Pataky et.al., 2021; Hedden and Gabrieli, 2004). Microbiota are known to impact numerous processes within the gut including the mucosal immune system, digestion, and vitamin synthesis (Macpherson,2004; Grenham et.al., 2011; Flint, et.al., 2012). The effect of the intestinal microbiota extends well beyond the intestine, as it is involved in immune disorders such as irritable colon syndrome, diabetes and low grade inflammation (Collins,2014; Qin et.al., 2012; Hutchinson et.al.,2020). The diversity and amount of beneficial bacterial species in the gut also decreases as people old (O’Toole and Claesson, 2010; Rondanelli et.al., 2015). The scientists found that Bifidobacteria make up at least 60 to 70% in the gut of a young child. By the time the person reaches old age, it make up only 5%. Elderly people also have more harmful bacteria in their intestines than younger adults. Therefore, the elderly is much more prone to gastrointestinal infections and bowel conditions.

There have been several systematic reviews published on probiotic use in elderly with diagnosed conditions and diseases (Vernaya et.al., 2017; Krüger et. al., 2021), but few have specifically focused on their effects in healthy elderly. The use of probiotics has been shown to be beneficial in maintaining a healthy gut and strong immune system (Martinez-Martinez et.al.,2017; Miller et.al., 2019; Xie et.al., 2015; Wachholz et. al., 2018). They also help restore the natural diversity of our gut bacteria, strengthen the immune system, and even positively impact on cognition and mood. Due to this reason seniors people, especially those who are elderly, should consider taking probiotic supplements. Therefore, various manufacturer of probiotics across the globe manufacturing the best probiotics for older adults particularly for those who over the age of 50 years.

Benefits of Probiotics for Older Adults:


Probiotics offer a number of benefits to older adults.

  • They help reduce the frequency and duration of diarrhea
  • Some strains can help improve heart health.
  • They can help relieve lactose intolerance – the inability to digest sugar in dairy products.
  • They can help relieve various food and skin allergies.
  • They help reduce inflammation in the vagina due to an overgrowth of bacteria.

How Probiotics beneficial for Older Adults?


Certain health issues become more prevalent with age. This can be due to a wide range of factors, including the natural aging process, more medications, less movement, and/or a change in diet. When the healthy balance in the gut is disrupted, digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and bloating may arise along with other serious health problems such as a weakened immune system, allergies, trouble concentrating, and even changes in mood. Probiotics help resolve these health issues by performing various beneficial activities. Benefits of probiotics in older adults have been demonstrated in scientific studies in everything from weight loss to vaginal health. Dementia and Alzheimer’s are debilitating age-related conditions and the research over the past few years has highlighted a strong connection between the gut and the brain, called the “gut-brain axis.” Some of the more advanced probiotics –also referred to as “psychobiotics”– strengthen the gut-brain axis, which has a positive effect on memory, cognition and mood (Mayer, 2011; Foster et al., 2017; Ho and Ross, 2017). Probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lacticaseibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus casei, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Bifidobacterium lactis and Bifidobacterium longum, have been shown to help treat common intestinal problems that seniors face.

How Probiotics beneficial for Older Adults?


Lactobacillus acidophilus: This strain is often used to treat or prevent various gastrointestinal conditions such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, L. acidophilus has been shown to improve lactose intolerance and help reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Furthermore, this probiotic may also help boost the immune system and prevent vaginal infections.

Limosilactobacillus fermentum:It has been shown to be particularly effective for seniors. This probiotic helps to reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and boost immunity. It can also help to relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. Lactis: This probiotic strain shown to be effective in supporting gut health. Older adults who took B. animalis ssp. Lactis experienced a decrease in inflammation and an increase in the production of short-chain fatty acids, which are essential for gut health. Additionally, it has been shown to reduce the severity of symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Lacticaseibacillus casei: L. casei has been shown to boost the immune system, improve gut health, and reduce inflammation. In addition, L. casei has been shown to have antimicrobial activity against a number of pathogenic bacteria. As such, it may be an effective treatment for certain types of infections.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum: It stimulates digestive system, fights off disease-causing bacteria, and helps the body produce vitamins.

Limosilactobacillus reuteri: L. reuteri supports heart health by balancing cholesterol levels. It also reduces ulcer-causing bacteria and supports female urinary tract and vaginal health.

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus: L.rhamnosus helpful in relieving IBS symptoms, treating diarrhea, strengthening your gut health, and protecting against cavities.

Bifidobacterium longum ssp. Longum: In older adults this strain of bacteria can help prevent inflammation and provide some protection from colon cancer, intestinal infections, inflammatory bowel diseases, and even depression.

Bifidobacterium longum ssp. Infantis: This strain of bacteria is commonly used to treat bowel problems, eczema, vaginal yeast infections, lactose intolerance, and urinary tract infections.

Bifidobacterium bifidum: Bifidobacterium bifidum can help manage the digestive system, improve IBS, and boost your immune system.

How Probiotics beneficial for Older Adults?


From treatment of diarrhoea to boosting the immune system, there are several reasons to try best probiotics for older adults. There are various probiotic supplements are available in the market, so that people should choose their supplements carefully. Reports says half of all the brands available in the Market are not as effective as they claim to be, they said. The product needs to have the correct strain of probiotic bacteria, i.e. Bifidobacteria or Lactobacilli. They must also be able to prove that each product carries 10 million bacteria or more. Therefore, we recommended only the best supplements which contains best probiotic strains for older adults:

  1. Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic: Best probiotic for senior women: Seed’s DS-01 Daily contains 24 potential probiotic strains, including Limosilactobacillus fermentum and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, which have been studied in clinical trials for effectiveness. Product is gluten free, vegan and shelf stable probiotic. It also contains prebiotics which support the growth and performance of probiotic strains. Seed uses a ViaCap technology to help the friendly-bacteria make their way to the colon where they can do their magic. This not only keeps the gut healthy but can also increase immunity.

  2. Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Prostate+: Best probiotic for senior men: This probiotic supplement contains 15 potential probiotic strains including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium spp. with total potency of 50 billion cfu in each capsules. It is very effective in constipation and aid digestion. Clinically studied Flowens has added in the products as prebiotic which is a cranberry powder.

  3. MenoFit Menopause Probiotic: Best probiotic for menopausal women: The MenoFit Menopause Probiotic contains four probiotic strains. However, the strains which are present in the product like Lactobacillus gasseri, Bifidobacterium animalis and Limosilactobacillus reuteri 1E1, promotes weight loss, hormone balance, and supports the immune system. Along with the probiotics, the supplement also includes vitamin D3 and vitamin C, plus a variety of herbs to minimize night sweats, hot flashes, and jolt the metabolism.

  4. NewRhythm Probiotics: Best probiotic for seniors with acid reflux: Burping sometimes becomes problematic or chronic when it turns to acid reflux. New Rhythm Probiotics can help put a stop to everything with its almost two dozen strains. The formulation of product is shelf stable which also contains prebiotics. It contains potential probiotic strains including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus gasseri and Limosilactobacillus reuteri which can survive in stomach acid and regulate the gastrointestinal track. Digestive enzymes of the products help in bloating. The formula is non-GMO, doesn’t contain soy, gluten, or artificial flavors.

  5. Wholesome Wellness Raw Probiotic: Best probiotic for seniors: This probiotic supplements contains 34 different potential probiotic strains including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Limosilactobacillus fermentum, plus digestive enzymes. It also contains well known probiotic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae which may promote healthier hair, as well as Bifidobacterium longum to break down the carbs. It contains prebiotics which come from a variety of organic vegetables, and its completely vegan.

CONCLUSION

Increasing evidence suggests that probiotic supplementation may be efficacious in counteracting age-related shifts in gut microbiota composition and diversity, thereby impacting health outcomes and promoting healthy aging. Probiotics provide many health benefits to the older adults. Specifically, formulated probiotics can help support the aging individual from their core and help combat many popular health challenges seniors are facing. Various potential probiotic strains were reported for their beneficial role in old age people. Generally, Seniors struggle with digestive issues more frequently than younger people. The high quality of probiotic supplement which contains potential probiotic strains is uniquely designed by the probiotic manufacturers to support a healthy gut microbiome and prevent harmful bacteria from colonizing the gut. Probiotic supplements not only support the health of older adults but equally benefits the different age of people. We can also say that high-quality probiotic supplements support the body of older adult in their overall health development.


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