Irish researchers asked whether B infantis 35624 might be able to reduce the blood level of inflammatory mediators among persons whose illness
likely has an inflammatory component.
Here’s my take on what we have tentatively learned:
Bifidobacteria infantis 35624 at 10 billion cfu per day taken for 8 weeks tends to reduces three markers of systemic inflammation, CRP, TNF alpha, and IL6. Please note: this conclusion has two parts. One: B. infantis 35624 has anti-inflammatory actions. Two:
these anti-inflammatory effects are not limited to the gut—where probiotics live. Rather they affect the body systemically.
Did the patients who were took B infantis 35624 tend to feel better than those on placebo? I emailed the lead author, Dr. Quigley, about this. He confirmed that his group did not collect any data on clinical outcomes. He explained that to do so would have required a considerably more expensive study.
Critical Question Addressed to All Readers: Does anyone know a high executive at Proctor and Gamble—the producer of the Align brand of B infantis 35624? Align has supported several clinical studies. If their product truly helps CFS, psoriasis and or ulcerative colitis that could certainly expand their potential market.
Is anyone likely to fund a repeat of the Irish study to confirm its biochemical results?
More important to us—Will anyone fund an extension of this study to include clinical end points? We should be grateful to Dr. Quigley and his team from University College, Cork, Ireland. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could help raise funds to enable Dr. Quigley’s team to do a follow up study?
Open Question: Should clinicians who treat ME/CFS offer patients the option of taking Align or, if available, another brand of B. infantis 35624?
Pro: As interventions go, adding a probiotic is relatively safe. Taking B. infantis 35624 might or might not help; but it’s not likely to cause major harm. If a significant number of people with ME/CFS report that they improve that could create support for a double blind study. For example, if people were to post their experience on ME/CFS chat rooms such as
ProHealth.com,
Phoenix Rising, or the ME-Global Chronicles e-mail newsletter. (To join contact:
karenrssb1@hotmail.com)
Cons: One small double blind study without clinical end points isn’t much to go on. Also, please note that the dose used in this study (10 billion cfu) was ten times higher than the dose in one capsule of Align (one billion CFU). Ten billion cfu is fairly expensive. Currently Target sells forty two one billion cfu capsules of Align for about $37. So a 6 week trial of 10 billion cfu would cost about $370 or about $250 per month. Pricey, but perhaps worth it, if it makes a difference.
If one were to work up to the high dose of 10 billion cfu daily, it should be done in steps to minimize GI side effects. I strongly recommend collaboration with a qualified clinician.
Richard Podell, M.D., MPH
Clinical Professor Dept of Family Medicine
Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
www.Drpodell.org
