Probiotic Supplementation in Elderly Hospitalized Patients (2008)

Undergraduate: Deirdre Shaver

Faculty Advisor: Anna Beeber
Department: Nursing

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Probiotics are defined as preparations of live microbial species which when administered in sufficient quantities confer a health benefit on the host. The non-pathogenic microbial strains used in probiotics work three ways: by overgrowing and crowding out pathogens, by stimulating host immune responses, and by producing antimicrobial substances that are active against pathogenic strains. Probiotics have a long history of medical use in Japan and Europe, and are generally accepted as safe. Mounting evidence shows that probiotics can be a safe adjunct to traditional therapies in elderly hospitalized patients. Despite this evidence, clinical use of probiotics in the U.S. is just beginning to be explored. A literature review revealed that probiotic preparations have been shown to improve intestinal bacterial diversity, improve nutritional status, decrease incidence and length of infections, decrease inflammation, and stimulate immune function in elderly patients. Studies of probiotics in elderly patients have shown no adverse effects. Probiotics when used clinically have the potential to improve elderly patients’ quality of life through improved immune function, improved nutritional status, and reduced incidence of infection. Cost-benefit analysis of administration of probiotic preparations in elderly hospitalized patients needs further study.