05.01.12
Nutraceuticals: Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum
Indication: Common cold
Source: Pediatr Int., Apr 16, 2012 [Epub ahead of print]
Research: The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of a two-strain combination probiotic for the prevention of common cold symptoms in healthy schoolchildren. A double-blind randomized controlled trial was performed during the winter in a public school in Thailand. Children, aged 8-13 years, were randomized to receive either a two-strain combination probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum) or placebo given twice daily for 3 months. The primary outcome was any symptom of a cold during the 3-month study period, while vomiting, diarrhea, use of antibiotics, school absence due to any cause, school absence due to cold and duration of all symptoms were secondary outcomes.
Results: Of the 40 children in each group, 31 (77%) in the probiotic group vs. 38 (95%) in placebo group developed at least one cold symptom. Children in the probiotics group also had significantly lower risk of fever, cough rhinorrhea, school absence and school absence related to common cold compared to children in the placebo group. There was no impact on diarrhea and vomiting. Given these results, researchers believe this two-strain probiotic combination given twice a day for 3 months could reduce the symptoms of the common cold along with absenteeism in schoolchildren.
Indication: Common cold
Source: Pediatr Int., Apr 16, 2012 [Epub ahead of print]
Research: The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of a two-strain combination probiotic for the prevention of common cold symptoms in healthy schoolchildren. A double-blind randomized controlled trial was performed during the winter in a public school in Thailand. Children, aged 8-13 years, were randomized to receive either a two-strain combination probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum) or placebo given twice daily for 3 months. The primary outcome was any symptom of a cold during the 3-month study period, while vomiting, diarrhea, use of antibiotics, school absence due to any cause, school absence due to cold and duration of all symptoms were secondary outcomes.
Results: Of the 40 children in each group, 31 (77%) in the probiotic group vs. 38 (95%) in placebo group developed at least one cold symptom. Children in the probiotics group also had significantly lower risk of fever, cough rhinorrhea, school absence and school absence related to common cold compared to children in the placebo group. There was no impact on diarrhea and vomiting. Given these results, researchers believe this two-strain probiotic combination given twice a day for 3 months could reduce the symptoms of the common cold along with absenteeism in schoolchildren.