The DR7 strain was isolated originally from fresh bovine milk, and its potential benefits respiratory health were reported in a randomized-controlled clinical trial published in the Journal of Dairy Science*.
The study included 109 adults randomly assigned to receive either one billion CFUs of DR7 per day or placebo for 12 weeks. The data indicated that the probiotic was associated with decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma in the subjects, as well as reduced the duration of nasal symptoms.
Another paper in the journal Beneficial Microbes** reported that the same dose of DR7 was associated with improved cognitive and memory functions in normal adults compared to placebo, and these improvements were noted for basic attention, emotional cognition, and associate learning.
The strain also enhanced the serotonin pathway. By upregulating the tryptophan-serotonin pathway, there is a de-emphasis of the tryptophan-kyneurine pathway, which is associated with a weaker immunity, explained the company in a press release.
“A particularly unique aspect of this strain is its ability to enhance immune function in normal ranges, promote the protection of the Upper Respiratory Tract, and help the body modulate of the Gut Brain Axis,” said Mike Kolifrath, Vice President of the Kaneka Probiotics Division.
“Our DR7 is a Kaneka Probiotics exclusive and presents a new option for product developers in creating specialized products in the Immune, Brain and Gut-Brain Axis categories.”
* Journal of Dairy Science
2019, Volume 102, Issue 6, Pages 4783-4797, doi: 10.3168/jds.2018-16103
Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 improved upper respiratory tract infections via enhancing immune and inflammatory parameters: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: H-X Chong, et al.
** Beneficial Microbes
2019, Volume 10, Issue 4, Pages 355-373, doi: 10.3920/BM2018.0135
“Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 alleviates stress and anxiety in adults: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study”
Authors: H-X Chong, et al.
