Probiotic study to take place on Leeside

A research study is to take place on Leeside to determine the positive effects, if any, of a probiotic on inflammation.

Atlantia Clinical Trials is looking for 60 participants who are of good general health between 65-85 years old to take part in it.

Atlantia Clinical Trials said low-level inflammation has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer.

A spokesperson for Atlantia Clinical Trials explained: “Low-level inflammation is defined as a slight increase of C-reactive proteins above a certain level. C-reactive proteins are substances produced by the liver in response to inflammation and their presence in the blood could be due to a sign of infection, cancer, tissue damage and chronic inflammatory diseases.

“In healthy adults, a beneficial bacterium named B. adolescentis has a dominant presence in the gut. However, a decrease in the quantity of this bacteria can be seen following an increase of age. In fact, studies have shown links between ageing and increases in C-reactive proteins and other inflammation causing proteins. Although, data from animal and human studies has shown that the maintenance of high levels of B. adolescentis can help lower the risk of acquiring these age-related diseases.”

The aim of this study is to examine if altering the participants’ diet will help preserve the beneficial bacterium in the gut. In this case the ingestion of a probiotic daily will be used in a hope to yield a positive result on the beneficial bacterium in the gut and subsequently the bacteria’s effect on the inflammatory response in an elderly population.

Successful applicants for this study will take part over a 3 month period, taking the probiotic supplement daily, completing a few health questionnaires and attending 5 visits to Atlantia’s clinic in Blackpool.

Each participant will receive €450 upon completion of the study in return for their time.

If you would like to learn more or participate in the study, you can call Atlantia’s Team directly on 021-430 7442 or visit their website atlantiaclinicaltrials.com.

Probiotic study to take place on Leeside