Can Probiotics Prevent Colds in Children

It seems that some children catch one cold right after another. Because of their less mature immune systems, they’re more susceptible to whatever virus happens to be floating around the school or day care center; and when children share pencils and toys the risk of getting sick becomes even higher. The good news is there may be a way to prevent some of those annoying colds and sore throats. A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that probiotics could reduce the risk of common colds in children.

A Study

This randomized, double blind study involved 281 children. Half of the children were given lactobacillus GG, a probiotic bacteria, in the form of a fermented milk product, while the other half were given fermented milk without lactobacillus. Both groups received the fermented milk for ninety days while they were monitored closely for signs of colds or upper respiratory infections.

The results? The children who received the fermented milk containing the probiotic supplement not only had fewer common colds and respiratory infections, but their infections didn’t last as long as those who drank the milk without lactobacillus. The benefits of the probiotics for children extended only to upper respiratory infections. Both groups had about the same number of lower respiratory infections and gastrointestinal viruses. Some previous studies in children have shown that probiotics can shorten the course of diarrhea in children who have intestinal viruses, but this study didn’t show that.

Are They Safe?

Fewer common colds in children means less days missed from school which is an advantage for both parent and child; but are probiotics for children really safe? For most children, supplementing with lactobacillus isn’t risky, although very young children, premature infants, and children with immune deficiencies shouldn’t receive them.

Although generally safe, there are so many types and formulations of probiotics for children on the market that it can be difficult to know exactly what you’re getting. Unfortunately, none of these supplements are regulated by the FDA, so you’re dependent upon the integrity of the manufacturer. The most effective probiotics for preventing common infections in children are ones containing lactobacillus GG. It may be best to ask your child’s pediatrician to recommend a reputable brand that contains this probiotic bacteria.

Protect Them Naturally

Another alternative is to give your child yogurt with active probiotic cultures and other natural sources of probiotics such as kefir, tempeh and miso. Of course, you need to do this on a daily basis to get the benefits, but it may be helpful for a child who gets lots of colds in the winter.