On May 12, 2020, IPA will host a free webinar titled: Probiotics: Can They Play a Role in Immune Support? Our immune system is the body’s defense mechanism and is a big concern presently given its huge importance to human health. Science continues to show that perturbations of the microbiome, whether it be gut, lung […]
Microbiome Environment
Kimchi: Can it fire up immunity?
South Korea has been praised for its swift testing and rapid response in handling the coronavirus pandemic. Another thought for a few in the probiotic community is that South Koreans may have another tool in their arsenal: healthful kimchi. Koreans love kimchi. This spicy fermented vegetable dish is consumed most days in most homes. Lactic […]
Taxonomy, Updated
by Bruno Pot, Food microbiologist, Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Brussels, Belgium Does the name Lactobacillus ring a bell? Did you think you knew what lactobacilli were? Yes? Sorry, as of today you might need to study again! No?, then please read this message too. What happened today/recently may have a future impact on what you can […]
Immune Impacts of Probiotics, Prebiotics and Synbiotics
by Sandra Saville RD, IPA Education and Communications Committee, reviewed by Artur Ouwehand PhD and IPA Scientific Committee With health presently top of mind, many questions surround what we can do to keep healthy and support the immune system. Maintaining a healthy immune system allows the body’s defense system to fight pathogens such as viruses. […]
Respiratory Microbes and Lung Inflammation
As hallmarks of the coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2, respiratory infections can lead to inflammation, pneumonia and even death. Lung epithelial cells act as the first line of defense against pathogens. In addition, these cells can trigger microbial defense, enhancing innate and adaptive immune function in the lower respiratory tract. Microbes in the respiratory tract Once […]
COVID-19: A Role for Probiotics in Immunity?
As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses exponentially, the world is struggling to contain it through social distancing, lockdowns and quarantines. Unlike the influenza virus, which can also be deadly, there are no medications to temper this virus nor vaccines to prevent it. Backstory on COVID-19 Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that usually cause mild […]