Impact of a probiotic diet on well‐being of healthy senior: THE PROBIOSENIOR PROJECT

Aims The aim of this work was to assess the effects of a probiotic diet on well‐being of healthy seniors living in boarding and private homes in Marche Region, Italy. In particular, we focused on the modulation of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (HsCRP), intestinal microbiota and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Methods and Results Ninety‐seven healthy seniors took part in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled feeding study (59 fed probiotics, 38 fed placebo) for 6 months. Each volunteer ingested daily one food product or a dietary supplement enriched with Synbio® blend (Synbiotec Srl, Camerino, Italy) or the placebo (control group). Blood and faecal samples were collected before and at the end of the intervention period to perform biochemical and microbiological analyses. The serum HsCRP difference value after 6 months of treatment was significantly higher in the probiotic group than placebo (p