LC40® reduces GI infections in C-section infants by up to 73%, research shows

November 23, 2022

Probiotic strain LC40^® can reduce gastrointestinal infections in infants born by Ceserean section by up to 73%, a study has found.

Cesarean section disrupts the natural microbiota colonization process, potentially compromising immune system development. Breastfeeding can reduce this risk, but where it is not possible or sufficient an alternative strategy is to use formula that includes bacteria naturally present in human milk.

LC40 (Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT 5716) is a probiotic strain isolated from human breast milk. It is part of the Hereditum^® range offered by Biosearch Life, a Kerry company.

In three previous randomized clinical trials LC40 was found to be effective for preventing infections when administered as an ingredient in formula. In the new study, researchers in Spain analyzed their results, focusing specifically on the 173 infants born by C-section.

In this subgroup, incidence of gastrointestinal infections was 73% lower among those receiving LC40 than a control formula. This was higher than the reduction among the total sample (46%). Incidence of respiratory infections was also reduced.

Ruth Blanco, Head of Clinical Research at Biosearch Life, a Kerry company, said: “Infectious diseases are the most common type of illness in infants, and there’s evidence that they’re more common following C-section deliveries. Clinical studies have already shown that the inclusion of LC40 in formula can significantly reduce the risk of infection. The reason this new analysis is so exciting is that it indicates that the effect it offers is even greater in infants delivered by C-section – demonstrating huge potential for formulas that help reduce infection in a group that can be at higher risk.”

The study advises further research to clarify the role of probiotics in balancing the effects of C-Section on immune system maturation.

Notes

Blanco-Rojo R, Maldonado J, Schaubeck M, Özen M, López-Huertas E, Olivares M. ‘Beneficial Effects of Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT 5716 Administration to Infants Delivered by Cesarean Section.’ Front Pediatr, 2022, Jul 7

View the full study at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9301023/

Find out more about the Kerry ProActive Health portfolio here.

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Lori Ditty
​Digital Communications, Kerry
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