Probiotic Yogurt Boosts Immunity in HIV Subjects

LONDON, OntarioProbiotic yogurt that was made locally in Tanzania in a low-income community was significantly associated with an increase in immune function (CD4) count among consumers living with HIV (J Clin Gastroenterol. (May 11, 2010)).Gastrointestinal infections and the leakage of microbial products from the gut have a profound impact on the deterioration of the immune system among people living with HIV/AIDS and probiotics may aid this deterioration by preventing gastrointestinal infections and restoring damage to the gut. Researchers conducted an three-year observational retrospective study with longitudinal comparison of the CD4 count within 68 participants before and during probiotic yogurt consumption supplemented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus Fiti, compared to 82 control subjects.

Prior to yogurt consumption in both the control and treatment groups, an average increase in CD4 count was seen of 0.13 cells/muL/d. After consuming the probiotic yogurt, participants experienced an additional increase of 0.28 cells/muL/d. When adjusting for length of time using antiretroviral medication, the additional increase explained by yogurt consumption remained 0.17 cells/muL/d. Treatment with antiretroviral medication was associated with an increase of 0.27 cells/muL/d.