Nonspecific immune function in elderly after 6 weeks intake of the Pentagon module.

1. Elderly subject (male/female) = or > 65 years of age;

2. 19.0 kg/m2 < BMI < 32.0 kg/m2;

3. Subject is willing and able to comply with the protocol, including:

A. Refrain 3 weeks prior to start study (Visit 1) and for the duration of the study from:

a. The use of probiotic supplements and food containing probiotics;

b. The use of prebiotic or fibre containing supplements;

c. The use of the n-3 fatty acids EPA and/or DHA containing supplements (e.g. fish oil);

d. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

B. Maintaining dietary habits for the duration of the study;

C. Filling in a tolerance questionnaire (Day
-4-14, Day 38 - 41).

4. Non-smoking since 6 months prior to start study (Visit 1);

5. Regular bowel movement (at least 1 bowel movement in 3 days);

6. Subject has given written informed consent.

1. Any (history of) gastrointestinal disease or surgery that interferes with current gastrointestinal function (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, gastroparesis, gastrectomy);

2. Known allergy to milk, milk products;

3. Diabetes mellitus;

4. Any form of cancer in the last 5 years prior to Visit 1, except basal cell
carcinomas;

5. Lactose intolerance (that cannot be
managed with lactase tablets /capsules /drops);

6. Strong dislike of the flavour orange;

7. Any altered immune function, such as:

A. Any allergy (e.g. hay fever, dust mite allergy);

B. Any auto-immune disease (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis);

C. Psoriasis.

8. In the last 7 days prior to Visit 1:

A. Fever;

B. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

C. Respiratory symptoms such as cough, runny or congested nose, sore throat;

9. Medication within 3 weeks prior to start study (Visit 1) or planned during
study period:

A. That interferes with current gastrointestinal function (e.g. opiates.
laxatives, H2 receptor antagonists, proton pump-inhibitors);

B. Anti-asthma medication;

C. Anti-allergy medication;

D. Antibiotics;

E. (Any kind of) immunosuppressive drugs including corticosteroids (oral, inhaled or topical);

F. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including low dose aspirin.

10. Planned hospitalization during the study period;

11. Recent (unintended) weight loss of more than 5% in the 4 weeks prior to
start of study (Visit 1);

12. Requirement for any nutritional support;

13. Requirement for a fibre-free diet;

14. On a weight loss or vegetarian diet;

15. Current alcohol use of more than 21 glasses per week for males or 14
glasses per week for females or drug abuse;

16. Investigator's uncertainty about the willingness or ability of the subject to
comply with the protocol requirements;

17. Participation in any other intervention study concomitantly or within 12 weeks of study entry (Visit 1).