The Effect of Oral Probiotics (Streptococcus Salivarius k12) on the Salivary Level of Secretory Immunoglobulin A, Salivation Rate, and Oral Biofilm: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial

Nutrients. 2022 Mar 7;14(5):1124. doi: 10.3390/nu14051124.

Abstract

We aimed to assess the effect of oral probiotics containing the Streptococcus salivarius K12 strain on the salivary level of secretory immunoglobulin A, salivation rate, and oral biofilm. Thirty-one consenting patients meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-arm, parallel-group study and randomly divided into probiotic (n = 15) and placebo (n = 16) groups. Unstimulated salivation rate, concentration of salivary secretory immunoglobulin A, Turesky index, and Papillary-Marginal-Attached index were assessed after 4 weeks of intervention and 2 weeks of washout. Thirty patients completed the entire study protocol. We found no increase in salivary secretory immunoglobulin A levels and salivary flow rates in the probiotic group compared with placebo. Baseline and outcome salivary secretory immunoglobulin A concentrations (mg/L) were 226 ± 130 and 200 ± 113 for the probiotic group and 205 ± 92 and 191 ± 97 for the placebo group, respectively. A significant decrease in plaque accumulation was observed in the probiotic group at 4 and 6 weeks. Within the limitations of the present study, it may be concluded that probiotic intake (Streptococcus salivarius K12) does not affect salivation rates and secretory immunoglobulin A salivary levels but exhibits a positive effect on plaque accumulation. Trial registration NCT05039320. Funding: none.

Keywords: Streptococcus salivarius K12; dental biofilm; probiotics; salivary secretory immunoglobulins A; unstimulated salivary flow rate.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Biofilms
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin A, Secretory
  • Pilot Projects
  • Probiotics*
  • Saliva
  • Salivation
  • Streptococcus salivarius*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin A, Secretory

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT05039320