Acute Immune Modulation by Probiotic Strain

Clinical proof-of-concept study comparing the acute immune effects of 3 doses of a probiotic compared to a placebo. The probiotic strain is characterized as Bacillus coagulans JBI-YZ6.3 (BC4U).

24 subjects will participate in a placebo-controlled, escalating dose, cross-over study design, wherein they will be taking placebo, dose 1, dose 2, and dose 3, each separated by a 1-week washout period.

Blood samples are taken 1 hour after participants arrive; the dose is then administered. Samples are taken 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours following administration.

A series of immune panels will be used to determine the acute impacts on immune surveillance, immune cell activation status, immune cell priming, and cytokine profiles.

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy adults;
• Age 18-75 years (inclusive);
• Veins easy to see in one or both arms (to allow for the multiple blood draws);
• Willing to comply with study procedures, including:

• Maintaining a consistent diet and lifestyle routine throughout the study,
• Consistent habit of bland breakfasts on days of clinic visits,
• Abstaining from exercising and nutritional supplements on the morning of a study visit,
• Abstaining from use of coffee, tea, and soft drinks for at least one hour prior to a clinic visit;
• Abstaining from music, candy, gum, computer/cell phone use, during clinic visits.

Exclusion criteria

• Previous major gastrointestinal surgery (absorption of test product may be altered) (minor surgery not a problem, including previous removal of appendix and gall bladder);
• Taking anti-inflammatory medications on a daily basis;
• Currently experiencing intense stressful events/ life changes;
• Currently in intensive athletic training (such as marathon runners);
• Currently taking antipsychotic medications such as clozapine, Risperdal, Abilify, Zyprexa or Seroquel;
• An unusual sleep routine (examples: working graveyard shift, irregular routine with frequent late nights, studying, partying);
• Unwilling to maintain a constant intake of supplements over the duration of the study;
• Anxiety about having blood drawn;
• Pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant;
• Known food allergies related to ingredients in active test product or placebo.