Probiotics Found to Shorten Duration of Colds

A recent study “ Probiotic Effects on Cold and Influenza-like Symptom Incidence and Duration in Children ” published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that probiotics reduce symptoms and duration of colds and flu.  The study involved 326 children ages 3-5 treated with either a placebo, a single probiotic or a combination of probiotics twice daily for 6 months.   The probiotics used were  Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, or  L acidophilus NCFM in combination with  Bifidobacteriumanimalis subsp  lactis.  Results indicated that the probiotics reduced the duration and incidence of fever, coughing, runny nose.   The study concluded:

“ Daily dietary probiotic supplementation for 6 months was a safe effective way to reduce fever, rhinorrhea, and cough incidence and duration and antibiotic prescription incidence, as well as the number of missed school days attributable to illness, for children 3 to 5 years of age.”

Probiotics can be found in most yogurts, however you can also purchase a  supplementation in powder form perfect for adding to your child’s juice or cereal.

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