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Probiotic Benefits Overlooked

http://blog.drdavidwilliams.com/blog/dr-david-williams/0/0/probiotic-benefits-overlooked

With all the attention that H1N1 influenza was getting this winter, it’s no surprise that a powerful probiotics study was completely ignored in the mainstream media.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, an international team of researchers evaluated the effects of using a daily probiotic supplement, added to milk, on cold and flu symptoms in 326 children. The children were 3 to 5 years of age and the study lasted 6 months.

One group of children received a placebo. Another group received Lactobacillus acidophilus, and a third group received a combination of L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis.

Relative to the placebo group, the single and combination probiotics reduced fever incidence by 53 and 72.7 percent, coughing by 41.4 and 62.1 percent, and runny nose by 28.2 and 58.8 percent, respectively. Antibiotic use was reduced by 68.4 and 84.2 percent, relative to the placebo. And compared to those getting the placebo, the single and combination probiotics users had reductions in days missed from school by 31.8 and 27.7 percent. (Pediatrics 09;124:e172–e179)

I would love to see a longer term follow-up study with these children to see what effect using the probiotics could have on preventing the development of food allergies—which now affect 4 percent of children 17 years old and younger in this country. The number of children diagnosed with food allergies has increased by 18 percent between 1997 and 2007. The true number is probably higher, since this figure is based only on visits that were actually reported to emergency and outpatient departments and physician offices. (Pediatrics 09;124:1549-1555)

At this rate, we’re looking at a huge problem in the making—or, from the pharmaceutical industry’s point of view, a huge marketing opportunity. Get your kids (and family) reaping probiotics’ benefits now to avoid trouble.

For more information on probiotics benefits, body digestion, or bowel regularity in general, visit Dr. Williams’ Web site. While there, you can also sign up for Dr. Williams’ FREE eLetter or subscribe to his monthly newsletter.