The microbiota is very important for the development of the immune system in children. Lactic acid bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, are usually administered as probiotics (defined as live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host). Some probiotics were shown to sustain the development of immune competency in newborns, as well as to modulate the adaptive immune response and response to infections. For example, previous research suggests that probiotics decrease the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Probiokid® is a commercially-available formulation that consist of probiotics (Lactobacillus helveticus, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium bifidum) and fructooligosaccharides. This formulation has been shown to decrease the rate of respiratory infection in children supplemented for 3 to 9 months. Therefore the aim of this clinical trial is to assess the efficacy of Probiokid® supplemented for 6 weeks on the prevention of URTI and related complications among children (aged 3 to 10 years-old) that frequently suffer of acute respiratory infections. In addition, the impact of a prophylactic intervention with Probiokid® on the number of physician visits and antibiotic courses prescribed is assessed.
This study was designed to evaluate the preventive efficacy of a 6-week prophylactic administration of Probiokid® on the incidence of respiratory infections and related complications in frequently sick children.