Probiotics And Flu Prevention

[FBN]

"August 12, 2009 — Probiotics may be useful as prophylaxis against cold and influenza-like symptoms in children, according to the results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled study reported in the August issue of Pediatrics.

"Selected strains of probiotics have been tested for human health benefits in a variety of disease conditions, but much less is known regarding prophylactic benefits in healthy populations," write Gregory J. Leyer, PhD, from Danisco in Madison, Wisconsin, and colleagues. "This study adds information supporting the use of the probiotics tested for prophylaxis against cold and influenza-like symptoms and compares the efficacy of 1-strain and 2-strain preparations."

The effects of probiotic intake on incidence and duration of cold and influenza-like symptoms during the winter season were evaluated in healthy children aged 3 to 5 years. Of 326 eligible children, 104 were randomly assigned to receive placebo, 110 to Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, and 112 to L acidophilus NCFM in combination with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis Bi-07. Children were treated twice daily for 6 months."

Reported in the "MedScape CME" newsletter.

Perhaps this is relevant also now with the current Pandemic. This was not addressed or advised in the current article but would make sense.

At best, this may prevent or alleviate some side effects and at worst, there are no real downsides to this.

[lopburi3]

may be useful

That someone interprets information one way sure does not impress me much - especially without any of the information being provided. When I was a child that daily vitamin pill was going to be useful - and it probably was to a few - but expect more useful to the makers than anyone else. This seems to be a commercial company making the claim!

Across a spectrum of industries, Danisco develops, produces and markets bio-based ingredient solutions that meet market demand for healthier and more sustainable products.

[FBN]

This is a scientific article with proper peer review and analysis. I did not post the whole article but can provide a link. This (MedScape) is a CME (continuing medical education) publication and will require registration and log in.

None of the researchers have links to any producers of the products and the product manufacturers are never mentioned.

Parallel review studies were performed if different countries with more or less similar results.

These findings are by no means contradicting current knowledge but probiotic use has usually been associated with benefits after antibiotic use etc., not prophylactically.

[lopburi3]

Danisco is an international commercial company and is the only source you provided. They are indeed into culture production and below is directly from there web site.

About Cultures

Cultures Division produces, develops and markets starter cultures, media, coagulants and enzymes for cheese, fresh dairy and other food products. Responding to the current market trends for health & nutrition and food protection, the division is also a leading supplier of probiotic cultures widely used in the food, nutritional and dietary supplements markets as well as natural food protective solutions.

Products

Meeting almost every need for fermented applications around the world, our product portfolio with far-reaching functionalities comprises:

* Lactic cultures for fresh fermented milk products and cheeses

* Probiotic cultures

* Surface-ripening and flavouring cheese cultures and enzymes

* Meat ripening cultures

* Protective cultures and fermentates

* Antimicrobials

* Antioxidants

[Tolley]

It would make sense that probiotics are useful in preventing flus .....they keep the colon clean and healthy which if you believe most alternative medical practioners is vital to overall good health.

[adamx]

The 'right' probiotic can have an extremely possitive effect on the immune system thus decreasing unnecessary inflammation...etc. This can help many secondary consequences resulting from pathological illnesses.