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Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of synbiotic yogurt effect on the health of children

Tamar Ringel-Kulka1, Jonathan B Kotch1, Elizabeth T Jensen2

  • 1Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|April 6, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Daily synbiotic yogurt consumption in children reduced fever days and improved social and school functioning. This probiotic drink containing Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis (BB-12) and inulin showed benefits for young children in childcare settings.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Microbiome Research
  • Child Health & Development

Background:

  • Childhood illnesses and their impact on development are significant concerns.
  • Synbiotics, combining probiotics and prebiotics, show potential for modulating gut health and immunity.
  • Understanding the effects of synbiotics in young children, particularly in group care settings, is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of a daily synbiotic yogurt drink on the health and quality of life of children aged 12-48 months.
  • To assess specific health outcomes including fever, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • To determine effects on social and school functioning and overall quality of life.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted.
  • Participants received either a synbiotic yogurt drink (Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis BB-12 and inulin) or a placebo daily for 16 weeks.
  • Health outcomes, including illness days, antibiotic use, physician visits, and quality of life (PedsQL 4.0), were monitored.

Main Results:

  • Children consuming the synbiotic drink experienced significantly fewer days of fever compared to the placebo group.
  • Significant improvements were observed in social functioning and school functioning in the synbiotic group.
  • An increased frequency of loose stools was noted in the synbiotic group, potentially indicating accelerated intestinal transit.

Conclusions:

  • Daily synbiotic yogurt supplementation, featuring BB-12 and inulin, effectively reduced fever duration in children.
  • The synbiotic intervention positively influenced social and school functioning, suggesting broader developmental benefits.
  • Further investigation into the benefits of synbiotics for children's health is recommended, considering the observed effects on intestinal transit.
Abstract

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