Did you know that our guts are like frontline defenders in a battle against harmful pathogens? Over 70% of our immune cells are stationed there, making it a crucial battleground for our well-being.

In the gut, specialized areas called Peyer’s patches act as vigilant guardians, ready to detect and combat potential threats. These patches are home to a variety of immune cells that work together to keep us safe. When dangerous pathogens are identified, the immune cells within the Peyer’s patches rapidly communicate with the rest of the immune system, triggering a coordinated response to protect the body. It's like an action-packed defense system right inside us!

The Tiny Army for Your Gut Health

Lately, there has been a lot of talk about probiotics - those tiny, live microorganisms that help improve our gut bacteria. When our immune system is not at its best, we can support it by nurturing our "garden" of microflora with probiotics. They have become essential for our gut health because changes in modern farming and the use of GMOs in our food can negatively affect our gut microbiome, leading to a stressed and weakened gut barrier.

Good probiotic strains have been shown to improve our digestive health, immune function, protect against infections, promote a healthy gut lining, and reduce inflammation. The most popular probiotics are the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genus. However, not all probiotics within the same genus and species provide the same benefits. It's important to identify probiotics by their specific strain to understand their health benefits. Each strain of probiotics has a different impact on our health, including our immune system.

Developing A Strong Immunity in Children

Children are always at risk of infections. Toddlers crawl on the ground, put things in their mouths, and share toys with other children and pets. When they start to attend nursery and kindergarten, they become more exposed to infections through contact with other children.

Generally, children do not have an immune system as effective as adults. Their immune system is still in the development stage. When they are sick, they take longer to recover from it. Because the immune system is not fully developed until they are about 7 to 8 years old, they are more susceptible to diseases and infections such as whooping cough, ear infections, croup, and food allergies, compared to adults.

Study Findings: Probiotics and Immune System Support in Children

A balanced immune system starts with a good microbiota in the gut. Taking a good strain of probiotics is essential. Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM®, the most well-researched strain of probiotics, is a must-have for anyone who wants to start on a probiotic. Research has shown the great potential of L. acidophilus NCFM® in modulating and having a positive effect on the immune system. It is usually studied alongside Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07®, which is a well-trialed probiotic strain for immunity.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 326 children aged 3 to 5. They were randomly given either a placebo or a probiotic containing L. acidophilus NCFM® or a probiotic containing a combination of L. acidophilus NCFM® and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07® over 6 months.

The results of the study showed that both single and combination probiotics reduce the incidence and duration of respiratory tract infection symptoms in children. Children who took the combination of probiotics showed better outcomes in respiratory symptoms. The incidences of fever were reduced by 72.7%, incidences of coughing by 62.1%, and runny nose incidence declined by 58.8%. The need for antibiotics and absence from school due to illness were also reduced from 6.5 days to 3.5 days. These two strains of probiotics are recommended for children to protect them against respiratory infections.

Supporting the Immune Health of Adults and Seniors

The populations of microbiota and immune systems vary between children, adults, and the elderly. As a person ages, the level of Bifidobacterium gradually decreases. A lower population of good Bifidobacterium in the lower intestinal tract leads to a higher presence of harmful bacteria.

In COVID-19, the virus can infect us through the GI tract. One of the most noticeable symptoms in the first U.S. case of COVID-19 is diarrhea, and the virus has been found in the patient’s stool. Another well-studied strain, in combination with L. acidophilus NCFM® and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07®, is Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04®. The Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04® strain has been extensively researched for its effects on immunity and allergies.

Boosting Immunity with B. lactis BI-04®

A study conducted in Australia involved 465 healthy participants. The study was aimed at determining whether probiotics could support the immune function in healthy individuals. The participants were divided into two groups: one group was given the probiotic strain B. lactis BI-04® alone, while the other group received a placebo. The group that received the probiotic experienced a 27% decrease in the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections and showed a significant delay in the onset of these infections. These findings suggest that B. lactis BI-04® may help active adults stay healthy for a longer period of time.

In a separate study, 115 subjects were involved in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial where they were exposed to rhinovirus, the virus that causes the common cold. The probiotic group received the B. lactis BI-04® strain 28 days before and during the rhinovirus challenge. The results showed reduced incidences of upper respiratory tract infections and reduced spread of the virus in the probiotic group. Furthermore, the use of B. lactis BI-04® supplement demonstrated a decrease in the amount of rhinovirus in nasal washes during cold episodes. This strain of probiotics is considered to be the most effective for respiratory health. 

For Healthy Mommies and Babies

Research has shown that taking probiotics during pregnancy can enhance the baby's immunity and decrease the likelihood of preterm birth. Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001™ is a well-documented probiotic strain that has proven to be effective in boosting immunity.

The combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001™ and L. acidophilus NCFM® aids in the development of the infant's microflora and immune functions, which in turn reduces the risk of allergies and eczema. This combination supports expecting mothers in boosting their babies' immunity as well as their own. Additionally, it helps reduce the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus and prevents post-natal depression and anxiety in mothers.

Benefits of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001™ for Mothers and Infants

Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001™ is the first strain of probiotic proven to be safe and effective in infants and pregnant mothers. Through a comprehensive study involving 316 mothers and their infants, it was found that the prevalence of eczema was significantly lower in the group supplemented with this probiotic. Even at 4 and 6 years of age, the benefits persisted, with reduced risks of rhinitis and red eyes, as well as lower cumulative prevalence of eczema. This strain of probiotic shows prolonged benefits over 11 years, promoting balanced immune health from early infancy.

During pregnancy, the body's utilization of glucose can change, leading to potential complications such as gestational diabetes. By supplementing with Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001™ early on, the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus may be reduced, providing a promising preventive measure.

In conclusion, a well-balanced life starts with a healthy gut. Kordel’s probiotics support immune health at every stage of life, from infancy to old age. Backed by clinical trials and a strong safety profile, Kordel’s offers reliable probiotic solutions.

Here’s a look at their three main probiotic products:

1. Kordel’s Protect Powder:

This formulation features acidophilus NCFM® and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07®, specifically crafted to support immune health in children. It's a powerful combination that helps young immune systems develop resilience and strength.

2. Kordel’s Restore II:

Designed for adults and the elderly, this probiotic blend contains four potent strains in equal amounts: acidophilus NCFM®, L. paracasei Lpc-37, B. lactis Bi-04, and B. lactis Bi-07®. Together, they provide comprehensive immune support, aiding in the maintenance of a balanced and robust immune response through the various stages of adulthood.

3. Kordel’s Protect Early Life:

Tailored for expecting mothers and their infants, this probiotic mix includes acidophilus NCFM® and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001™. This unique combination not only supports the mother's immunity during pregnancy but also lays a strong foundation for the infant's immune system, promoting health from the very beginning of life.

Choose Kordel’s probiotics to nurture your gut health and enhance your overall well-being, no matter your age. With a commitment to quality and efficacy, Kordel’s is your partner in lifelong health.