Probiotics have shown promise in supporting young immune systems to reduce incidence of common illnesses. In a Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety study, Streptococcus salivarius probiotic (as BLIS K12™ from Stratum Nutrition) helped prevent both streptococcal and viral pharyngotonsillitis. Kids supplementing with the probiotic lozenges experienced a 96-percent decrease in sore throats and an 80-percent reduction in viral infection episodes.
Additionally, the study suggests that a probiotics regimen in an infant’s first three months may decrease GI disorders such as infant colic, acid reflux and constipation. Research from Aldo Moro University of Bari, Italy, found babies consuming probiotics (as Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 from BioGaia AB) had fewer regurgitations compared to the control group (2.9 versus 4.6) and less crying time (38 minutes versus 71 minutes). “Driving a change of colonization during the first weeks of life through giving lactobacilli may promote an improvement in intestinal permeability, visceral sensitivity and mast cell density, and probiotic administration may represent a new strategy for preventing these conditions, at least in predisposed children,” the authors wrote.
