Review suggests utilization of kefir as an inhibitor of expression of proinflammatory cytokines in COVID-19 could be viable policy
MORTON GROVE, Ill., Nov. 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY) (“Lifeway” or “the Company”), the leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products to support the microbiome commends the recent review published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy where it posits the probiotics in kefir have immune supporting properties that may be of benefit against infections, including COVID-19.
With the world awaiting a vaccine to combat the novel coronavirus, consumer demand for products and methods to boost the immune system and suppress viral infections is on the rise. The review discusses the following about kefir, the fermented milk made from kefir grains:
- Kefir and kefir derivatives can suppress viral activity by modulating immune-system responses and/or causing disruption of viral adhesion [26,27].
- The antiviral mechanisms of kefir involve enhancement of macrophage production and boosting the activity of proinflammatory cytokines [27].
- Kefir dietaries have anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the activity of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6, meaning the nutrients and various biomolecules produced [27].
“At Lifeway Foods, we are on a mission to keep our communities healthy, and a big part of that mission is educating consumers that good health and immunity starts within the gut,” states Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods, Inc. “With viral infections like COVID-19 at the forefront of our minds, it’s important that studies like this continue to educate and demonstrate to people everywhere how probiotic products such as kefir may help mitigate the viral risks we all face. This review builds upon the foundation of Nobel Prize winner Élie Metchnikoff’s research on immunology. Metchnikoff is revered for first discovering the connection between immunity and probiotic fermented milk products, such as kefir, over 100 years ago. Today, we honor his legacy by celebrating the ongoing research and spreading the word about the benefits of probiotics and kefir.”
As the leading U.S. supplier of kefir, Lifeway Kefir is made with 12 active cultures and packed with protein, calcium and vitamin D. Each product is loaded with probiotics, which research suggests may help to support the microbiome and protect against infections. Additionally, probiotic products such as Lifeway Kefir may help support the body’s response to decrease inflammation.
To learn more about Lifeway and its products, visit lifewayfoods.com. To view the full review published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy Volume 133, visit Sciencedirect.com.
About
Lifeway Foods
Lifeway Foods, Inc., which has been recognized as one of Forbes’ Best Small Companies, is America’s leading supplier of the probiotic, fermented beverage known as kefir. In addition to its line of drinkable kefir, the company also produces cupped kefir and cheese, frozen kefir, specialty cheeses, probiotic supplements and a ProBugs line for kids. Lifeway’s tart and tangy fermented dairy and non-dairy products are now sold across the United States, Mexico, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Learn how Lifeway is good for more than just you at www.lifewaykefir.com
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References:
[26] G. Vinderola, G. Perdigon, J. Duarte, D. Thangavel, E. Farnworth, C. Matar, Effects of kefir fractions on innate immunity, Immunobiology. 211 (3) (2006) 149–156.
[27] H.-L. Chen, K.-F. Hung, C.-C. Yen, C.-H. Laio, J.-L. Wang, Y.-W. Lan, et al., Kefir peptides alleviate particulate matter< 4 μm (PM 4.0)-induced pulmonary inflammation by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway using luciferase transgenic mice, Sci. Rep. 9 (1) (2019) 1–13.
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