Probiotics and Vitamin C for the Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections in Children Attending Preschool: A Randomised Controlled Pilot Study
(Garaiova at al. 2014)
The probiotic formula used in HMF Fit for School, in combination with vitamin C, was found to significantly reduce incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) in preschool children. The number of days with URTI symptoms, school absenteeism, and usage of cough medication were also significantly reduced. In a 6 month long, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 57 preschool children aged 3-6 were randomized to either the placebo tablet group or the probiotic and vitamin C tablet group (12.5 billion CFU of Lactobacillus acidophilus CUL60 and CUL 21, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CUL34, and Bifidobacterium bifidum CUL20). The URTI symptoms evaluated included sneezing, sore throat, cough, runny and blocked nose. Compared with the placebo group, the children in the probiotic group had 33% less incidence of URTI, a significant decrease in the number of days with URTI symptoms, a 30% decrease in school absenteeism incidence rate, and a significant reduction in cough medication usage.
- 33% less incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI)
- Significantly fewer days with URTI symptoms
- 30% less school absenteeism
- Significant reduction in cough medication usage
