Probiotics Plus Vitamin C Decrease Upper Respiratory Infections
A recently epublished clinical trial indicates that supplementation with probiotics plus vitamin C reduce upper respiratory infections in children. Children have approximately three to eight viral respiratory infections per year and adults have an estimated two to four colds per year.
The subjects in this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial included 57 children three to six years of age attending a preschool facility. The subjects received daily supplementation with a placebo or 50 mg vitamin C plus 1.25 × 1010 colony-forming units of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis for six months. The investigators assessed the rate of respiratory tract infections, duration of respiratory tract infections, absence from preschool, use of medications, and levels of plasma cytokines, salivary immunoglobulin A, and urinary metabolites.
The probiotic plus vitamin C group had a 33% decrease in the rate of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). The probiotic plus vitamin C group also spent an average of 21 fewer days with URTI symptoms and had 30% less absence from preschool compared to the placebo group. In addition, the number of days of use of antibiotics, painkillers, cough medicine, or nasal sprays was lower in the probiotic plus vitamin C group compared to the placebo group, although this difference only was significant for cough medicine. The researchers did not find a significant difference between the groups for the rate or duration of lower respiratory tract infections or levels of plasma cytokines, salivary immunoglobulin A, or urinary metabolites.
The investigators concluded, “Supplementation with a probiotic/vitamin C combination may be beneficial in the prevention and management of URTIs.”
Reference:
Garaiova I, et al. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014 Sep 10.
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