Do Probiotics Prevent Autoimmune Disease?

According to new research, certain bacteria such as probiotics may work to prevent autoimmune disease. Are these the probiotics currently available in products such as yogurt or are they different? Why are these bacteria compared to probiotics? Do probiotics prevent autoimmune disease?

In a research study published in Science, it was found that certain bacteria can increase production of disease fighting cells in the body. These disease fighting white blood cells are called regulatory T cells and are important in a healthy immune system.

Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are caused when the body's immune system turns against itself and attacks healthy cells. Other autoimmune diseases include lupus, colitis, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and celiac disease.

A strain of Clostridium was fed to mice in the study to see if the disease fighting regulatory T cells could be increased by oral dosing. One group of mice was given antibiotics to rid the digestive tract of both good and bad bacteria before introducing the bacteria. The second group of normal, healthy mice was also given the bacteria. Both groups saw an increase in regulatory T cells.

Certain strains of Clostridium are harmful and can cause disease on their own. However, the strain used in the study is found naturally in the intestines and is beneficial to a healthy immune system.

After being given the bacteria, the mice showed a boost in their immune systems and were less likely to develop allergies and colitis. As colitis is an autoimmune disease, it is hoped that further research may find introduction of these bacteria to be beneficial in preventing other autoimmune disorders as well.

These bacteria are compared to probiotics currently available as they are living organisms that are helpful to the immune system. Although the bacteria used in the study is not currently available in current probiotics on the market, it is believed that someday they could be added to certain products for oral dosing to possibly prevent autoimmune disease and allergies.

Even though current probiotics on the market have not been proven to prevent autoimmune disease, preventative oral dosing with different bacteria holds some hope. With more research, perhaps one day it can be said that probiotics prevent autoimmune disease.

REFERENCE:

Koji Atarashi, et al.; Induction of Colonic Regulatory T Cells by Indigenous Clostridium Species; Science