Guided by a vision of a sustainable future for all humankind, SynBalance mission is to deliver science-based probiotic solutions that support health through microbiota modulation.

One example of its commitment to well-being is with the ingredient SynbÆctive® DefensePlus, the probiotic complex composed by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PBS067, Lactobacillus acidophilus PBS066, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL050, a specific combination of proprietary strains screened and selected for the management of cold symptoms.

Common colds are infections of the upper respiratory tract mainly caused by viruses, and primarily affecting nose and throat. They are particularly frequent during colder seasons and, while typically mild in adults, they can result in severe complications in children and immunocompromised individuals.

In this regard, the gut plays a crucial role in immune function, hosting over 70% of immune cells. Its microbiota contributes to immunity, metabolic processes, and inflammation control by producing bioactive compounds such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, can compromise gut integrity and promote inflammation. Probiotics may help alleviate cold symptoms by restoring the microbiota, enhancing immune functions, producing protective bacteriocins, and strengthening the gut barrier, thus reducing the incidence and severity of respiratory infections.

SynbÆctive® DefensePlus strains have been selected following an in-vitro screening on their ability to modulate inflammation and exert antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, as well as their potential to synthesize B-group vitamins. Moreover, its efficacy has been tested in two randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials, demonstrating its ability to enhance immunity during seasonal changes and fight common colds.

Firstly, a RDBPC trial was conducted over 28 days, followed by a one-month follow-up, involving 50 healthy elderly individuals during seasonal changes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of DefensePlus on gut microbiota composition and immune system biomarkers. Results demonstrated that DefensePlus effectively enhances inflammatory and immune-related markers, such as faecal calprotectin, defensin, salivary IgA, and salivary Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), confirming its role in strengthening immune functions (1).

In the next stage, a RDBPC trial was carried out to evaluate its clinical effectiveness in relieving cold symptoms in healthy individuals and to assess its impact on immune response enhancement. 65 participants were randomly assigned to receive either a food supplement containing DefensePlus strains (3B CFU/day) or placebo for 12 weeks, followed by a 6-weeks follow-up period. The efficacy in managing common cold symptoms, improving quality of life, and modulating inflammatory responses was assessed using the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS-21) and ELISA kits.

Through the analysis of WURSS-21, results showed a significant reduction in the severity of cold symptoms in the probiotic-treated group at the end of the treatment and after follow-up, compared to both baseline and the placebo group. In addition, the active group experienced a shorter duration of cold symptoms compared to placebo, as well as a lower percentage of individuals reporting fever and muscle pain and a lower percentage of subjects who needed specific pharmacological cold treatment, as assessed during clinical evaluations through specific questionnaires. Regarding inflammatory cytokines, DefensePlus group reported a significant decrease in the levels of pro-inflammatory interferon-γ, while showing higher levels of anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 compared to placebo, suggesting a possible anti-inflammatory effect (2).

DefensePlus is an easy to formulate probiotic complex, thanks to its lower dosage of 3B/day (1B/strain), it can be declined in several galenic form according to the target population is intended to address the finish product. Capsules, tablets, sticks, and vials for people suffering from seasonal colds and even for older adults with easy-to-swallow solution to boost their immune system.

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References

  1. De Giani, A., Sandionigi, A., Zampolli, J., Michelotti, A., Tursi, F., Labra, M., & Di Gennaro, P. (2022). Effects of Inulin-Based Prebiotics Alone or in Combination with Probiotics on Human Gut Microbiota and Markers of Immune System: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study in Healthy Subjects. Microorganisms, 10(6), 1256. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10061256
  2. Lungaro, L., Malfa, P., Manza, F., Negrelli, M., Costanzini, A., Squarzanti, D. F., Lo Re, M., Cariani, A., Ghisellini, S., Caputo, F., De Giorgi, A., Mansueto, P., Carroccio, A., De Giorgio, R., & Caio, G. (2025b). Clinical efficacy of probiotics for relieving cold symptoms in healthy individuals: A randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled clinical trial. Nutrients, 17(9), 1490. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17091490

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