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Specific probiotics in reducing the risk of acute infections in infancy--a randomised, double-blind,

Samuli Rautava1, Seppo Salminen, Erika Isolauri

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. samrau@utu.fi

The British Journal of Nutrition
|November 7, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Probiotics, including Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12, significantly reduced infections in infants. Supplemented formula lowered risks of acute otitis media and recurrent respiratory infections, decreasing antibiotic use.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Infant infections pose significant health challenges.
  • Probiotics are increasingly explored for immune support in infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of specific probiotics in reducing infection incidence in formula-fed infants.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
  • Infants received formula with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 or placebo until 12 months.
  • Infection incidence, including acute otitis media and recurrent respiratory infections, was monitored.

Main Results:

  • Probiotic group showed reduced acute otitis media (22% vs 50%) and antibiotic prescriptions (31% vs 60%).
  • Recurrent respiratory infections were lower in the probiotic group (28% vs 55%).
  • Statistically significant risk reductions were observed for these outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Probiotics L. rhamnosus GG and B. lactis Bb-12 appear safe and effective in lowering infection risks in infants.
  • Findings suggest probiotics can decrease acute otitis media, antibiotic use, and recurrent respiratory infections.
  • Further research is recommended to confirm these benefits.

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