Stellan Hakansson (Sweden)
Umea University PaediatricsAuthor Of 1 Presentation
PROBIOTICS CAN REDUCE FEVER EPISODES, RUNNY NOSE AND IMPROVE ATTENDANCE TO DAY CARE IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN
Abstract
Backgrounds:
Respiratory infections (RI) are characterized by significant morbidity and represent a very common health problem in the first years of life, requiring multiple physician visits and often hospitalization, with significant implications for the patient’s family. The risk of RI and gastrointestinal infections is 2 to 3 times higher in children attending childcare (preschool) compared to children cared for at home. Probiotics have demonstrated in various studies efficacy in reducing RI symptoms.
Methods
In this double blind, placebo-controlled study, healthy preschool children aged 1 to 5 years received a probiotic supplement daily for 6 months to assess the effect on presence or absence at school and on the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms. The intervention comprised of Streptococcus oralis 89a, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LB21, Lactococcus lactis W19, Lactococcus lactis L1A and Bifidobacterium lactis W51 at 2x109 CFUs daily or placebo.
Results:
In total 61 children finished the study and were included in the analysis. The total number of healthy days at preschool child care in the probiotic group was significantly higher than that in the placebo group. Incidence of fever and runny nose were significantly lower in the probiotic group compared to placebo. No statistical difference was found between the groups when acute otitis media and upper respiratory infection were studied.
Conclusions/Learning Points:
Our findings indicate that 6 months daily supplementation with probiotics reduces the incidence of fever, runny nose, and absence at preschool in children of age 1 to 5 years.