Probiotics for Cold, Flu Relief

A recent study, “Probiotic Effects on Cold and Influenza-Like Symptom Incidence and Duration in Children,” sponsored by Danisco and published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, demonstrates the benefits of the HOWARU® Protect probiotic combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 in maintaining immune health in children.

For six months, 326 children, ages 3 to 5, were given supplements twice a day. One group received a single strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM®. One group received a combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07. The third group received a placebo.

When compared to the placebo group, the groups that received the single and combination probiotic supplements reduced their fever incidence by 53 percent and 72.7 percent, respectively. Their coughing was reduced by 41.4 percent, and 62.1 percent of runny noses were lessened by 28.2 percent and 58.5percent. The duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms were also significantly reduced in the children receiving the probiotics.