Probiotics are a 16 billion dollar global industry, according to ABC Television, with probiotic yogurt, cereals, and other supplements a popular choice for people interested in supporting their kids' and their own health. Although Acidophilus and other probiotics are widely praised for digestive health and immunity, many of their benefits are still contested by the medical community. Now a new study reports that children taking probiotics have fewer flu symptoms and fight off colds more quickly.
New Study Shows Probiotics Reduce Fevers
The study, conducted in China and funded by Danish probiotic company Danisco, examined the effect of probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis on children aged 3 to 5 years. The 326 children who participated in the study were divided into three test groups: one given milk with Lactobacillus acidophilus, one group given milk with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis, and a third group who received only milk as a placebo.
After an 18 month study, the results showed that:
- the Lactobacillus acidophilus group had 53% fewer fevers, 41% fewer coughs, and 28% fewer runny noses than the placebo group
- the group given both bacteria strains had 72% fewer fevers, 62% fewer coughs, and 59% fewer runny noses than the placebo group
- the Lactobacillus acidophilus group recovered from cold symptoms 32% faster and the two-bacteria group recovered 48% faster than the placebo group, when they did get sick, with less antibiotic use (68% and 84% less, respectively)
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are often called "friendly" bacteria because they play a symbiotic role in the human digestive tract. Without these bacteria, like Acidophilus, Bifidus, and other lactic acid bacteria, the human body would not be able to use much of the nutrition from food.
Lactic acid bacteria live in the colon and feed on many of the food components, like cellulose, that the human digestive tract can't break down. They play a role in enabling digestion as well as supporting the immune system – doctors say that much of the body's immunity comes from the stomach and digestive tract. Earlier studies have provided evidence that probiotic bacteria may lower cholesterol and blood pressure and prevent colon cancer.
Probiotics Help Kids Fight Off Cold and Flu
The Danisco study found that children who drank probiotic supplemented milk had fewer cold and flu symptoms, recovered faster when they were sick, and were given fewer antibiotics to treat cold and flu. The children also missed roughly 30% fewer days of school or daycare than those in the placebo group, who weren't given probiotics.
Although probiotics have been recommended by alternative health experts for many years, this study is one of the first to show a significant improvement in immunity with probiotic use. The results don't necessarily mean that the same impact would be seen in adults, but it's safe to say that probiotics have an immune boosting effect that will help adults as well as kids to prevent colds and flu.
Sources
- Lapid, Nancy, "Probiotics may prevent colds in children," Reuters.com, 27 July 2009.
- KGO-TV/DT, "New study shows probiotics fight virii," ABCLocal.go.com, 27 July 2009.
- TurnTo23.com, "Probiotics May Boost Child Health," TurnTo23.com, 27 July 2009.
Victoria Anisman-Reiner - Victoria Anisman-Reiner is a freelance writer with extensive experience in holistic health care and animal training.
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