B. coagulans boosts TNF response to flu virus

A new study published in the May issue of Postgraduate Medicine suggests that a specific strain of probiotics, Bacillus coagulans GBI-30,  increases the body's immune response to the influenza virus.

Study data showed significant increases in T-cell production of tumor  necrosis factor-alpha, a key immune marker, versus control upon exposure  to influenza A in healthy adults who consumed a daily capsule of the  probiotic, which is made by privately-held US firm Ganeden Biotech.

A team of US researchers measured the changes in blood TNF-alpha levels  upon exposure to influenza A in 10 healthy adults prior to and following  a 30-day regimen of Ganeden's Sustenex, a dietary supplement containing  the specific Bacillus coagulans probiotic strain. Results showed a  1,709% increase in TNF-alpha levels upon viral challenge after subjects  took Sustenex for a period of 30 days. Increased production indicates a  heightened immunological effect to protect against infection.