In this study, the purpose was to describe and compare the modulator effects on the immune system of the routine ingestion of fresh vs. pasteurized yoghurt. A unicentral, prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel group nutritional study for 8 weeks was carried out comparing the ingestion of 125 g (three times a day) of the products in healthy adults. A complete battery of in vitro tests on the activity of immune system, processes and phenomena was performed.

Inclusion criteria

• Age between 20 and 70 years, both included.
• Healthy or mildly ill subjects (without any current chronic pharmacotherapy).
• Body mass index between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m2, both included.
• Subjects who usually follow a balanced diet that are not engaged in any therapeutic lifestyle change involving stringent dietary interventions such as weight-reducing diets.
• Written informed consent to participate

Exclusion criteria

• Patients could not meet any the following criteria at the screening visit to be included in the study.
• Subjects with diseases or disorders affecting the function of the immune system, such as auto-immune diseases, allergies, atopic conditions, hypersensitivity to any kind of stimulus, or immunosupression for any reason; even if they are not currently taken any pharmacotherapy.
• Subjects with relevant functional or structural disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract, such as malformations, angiodysplasias, active peptic ulcers or chronic inflammatory disease of the intestine; even if they are not in any specific pharmacotherapy at the time of recruitment; or who have underwent surgical procedures with permanent sequels (for example, gastroenterostomy).
• Subjects with any infectious disease requiring antibiotherapy at the time of recruitment.
• Subjects following any treatment modifying the immune response, such as immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, etc.
• Subjects with celiac disease.
• Subjects with chronic background weakening conditions, such as diabetes or neoplasms.
• Subjects with history of renal lithiasis.
• Subjects with deficient nutritional or hydrational status.
• Subjects with relevant deviations in routine haematology or biochemistry parameters.
• Subjects with current and documented alcohol abuse.
• Subjects in whom the investigator expected insufficient collaboration or difficulties to follow the study procedures.
• Subjects who regularly took any of the forbidden products specified in the appropriate section.