Kids’ Health Update:
Daily Probiotics May Reduce Sick Days during the School Year

Making sure kids get a daily dose of probiotics may help prevent the onset of cold and flu symptoms throughout the year say researchers in Denmark. Results from a recent independent study conducted by a Danish nutritional supplement company indicate that a probiotic supplement taken twice a day can help to safely and effectively protect against colds and flu in younger children, as well as help reduce the duration and severity of symptoms once they occur. That means fewer sick days during the year—welcome news for working parents who are often left scrambling when their little ones are too ill to attend school or daycare. 

Results of the study, entitled ““Probiotic Effects on Cold and Influenza-Like Symptom Incidence and Duration in Children,” appeared in the journal Pediatrics, published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Conducted over a period of six months, it involved more than 200 hundred children between the ages of 3 and 5 who were administered either a single strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus (Lactobacilli are the most prevalent beneficial bacteria present in the small intestine), a combination of L. acidophilus and Bifidobacteria (the most prevalent beneficial bacteria present in the large intestine, or colon), or a placebo.

According to the study results, “When compared to the placebo group, the groups that received the single and combination probiotic supplements reduced their fever incidence by 53% and 72.7% respectively. Their coughing was reduced by 41.4% and 62.1% and their runny noses were lessened by 28.2% and 58.5%. The duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms were also significantly reduced in the children receiving the probiotics. Because of their enhanced natural defenses, these children had less need for prescription antibiotics and missed fewer days of childcare.” See reference here...

More than 70 percent of our immune defenses are located in the small and large intestines, where beneficial bacteria called probiotics work to crowd out harmful pathogens and prevent illness and disease. For this reason, maintaining optimum digestive health is essential for overall well being. However, because several diet and lifestyle factors can lead to a decline in beneficial gut bacteria, natural health practitioners recommend taking a daily probiotic supplement to enhance digestion and promote healthy immune function.

For infants and toddlers, a powdered probiotic supplement that can be mixed with milk, juice or infant formula is the best choice. Look for a product with at least 4 billion active cultures per serving to promote and maintain a balanced intestinal environment. It should contain multiple strains of beneficial bacteria, including the important strain B. infantis. For children over two, chewable tablets are often the most convenient choice. At least 1 billion active cultures per serving are recommended, and some formulas will include health-promoting amino acids such as L-glutamine and N-acetyl D-glucosamine for additional intestinal lining support.

Older children who are capable of swallowing may benefit from a youth-specific probiotic in enteric-coated capsules to ensure targeted delivery. Look for a multi-strain formula (at least 10 different probiotic strains) with at least 8 billion active cultures to enhance digestive and immune health. It may also include the beneficial strain Streptococcus thermophilus, which has been shown to help reduce symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.

As a culture, Americans have become heavily reliant upon the use of antibiotics for even the slightest cough or sniffle, but some experts warn that this may lead to a state of antibiotic resistance. Taking a daily probiotic supplement is a safe, natural way for parents to support their children’s immune health and possibly prevent colds and flu before they start.

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