Effect of Probiotics Added Goat and Cow Milk Yogurt Consumption on Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Induction in Healthy Adolescents

Abstract

This study investigated whether daily ingestion of probiotics (Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus) added mixture goat and cow milk yogurt over 8 weeks would enhance innate immune function in healthy adolescents. The parameter of the innate immunity assessed was immunoglobulin A (IgA). The trial was performed in 20 healthy adolescents (10 males and 10 females) with 20 controls. IgA was measured at baseline, during and after treatment at -1, 0, 3, 5, 8, +1 and +2 weeks. A statistically significant increase in the IgA level (p<0.05) occurred over 8 week treatment. Since the final stage (2 weeks after stop supplement) the subjects’ immune responses (IgA levels) returned to baseline levels that were not significantly different to the pre-trial values. In conclusion, the supplementation with probiotics formula has the potential to improve innate immune function in healthy adolescents.