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Probiotic effects on cold and influenza-like symptom incidence and duration in children

Gregory J Leyer1, Shuguang Li, Mohamed E Mubasher

  • 1Department of Research and Development, Danisco, Madison, Wisconsin, USA. greg.leyer@danisco.com

Pediatrics
|August 5, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Daily probiotic supplements significantly reduced cold and flu symptoms in young children. This included fewer instances and shorter durations of fever, cough, and runny nose, leading to fewer missed school days.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Common respiratory infections significantly impact young children's health and school attendance.
  • Probiotics, live microorganisms conferring a health benefit, are explored for their potential to modulate the immune system and reduce infection risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of specific probiotic strains, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis Bi-07, in reducing the incidence and duration of cold and influenza-like symptoms in healthy children aged 3-5 years.
  • To assess the impact of probiotic supplementation on antibiotic use and school absenteeism.

Main Methods:

  • A 6-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 326 children aged 3-5 years.
  • Participants were randomized to receive a placebo, single-strain probiotic (L. acidophilus NCFM), or a combination probiotic (L. acidophilus NCFM + B. animalis subsp lactis Bi-07) twice daily.

Main Results:

  • Probiotic groups showed significant reductions in fever incidence (53.0%-72.7%) and duration (32%-48%) compared to placebo.
  • Significant decreases in cough incidence (41.4%-62.1%) and duration were observed. Rhinorrhea incidence was reduced, particularly in the combination group (58.8%).
  • Antibiotic use decreased by 68.4%-84.2%, and missed group child care days were reduced by 27.7%-31.8% in probiotic groups.

Conclusions:

  • Daily probiotic supplementation with L. acidophilus NCFM and/or B. animalis subsp lactis Bi-07 is safe and effective for reducing respiratory illness symptoms in young children.
  • Probiotic use led to decreased antibiotic prescriptions and fewer school absences, highlighting their potential role in pediatric preventive health.
Abstract

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