Can probiotics reduce colds and help prevent illness?

Can Probiotics Help My Child Get Sick Less?

Most parents are eager for ways to boost their children’s immunity and reduce the frequency of illnesses, especially during cold and flu season. On average, children experience 7-10 coughs and colds a year, most occurring during the winter months. That’s rough. It’s no wonder parents feel like their kids are always sick—because they often are! As pediatricians, we frequently hear parents express concern about whether something is wrong with their child’s immune system. While catching 7-10 colds a year is “typical” for children, it can pose real challenges for both kids and their parents. As working moms of young kids, we get it! Frequent illnesses can lead to missed school days, poor sleep, disrupted family routines, and increased stress. Most parents would jump at the opportunity to do something to help decrease the burden of viral illnesses. Probiotics have gained popularity as we learn more about their potential health benefits, but many parents aren’t aware they can do more than help ease tummy troubles.

 Probiotics—often called “good” bacteria—are gaining increased attention for potential immune health benefits. Let’s dive into some of the research! Several studies have explored the effectiveness of probiotics in preventing colds and coughs in children. For instance, a randomized controlled trial by Garaiová et al. in 2021 revealed that children ages 3-10 taking a daily probiotic supplement for six months containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, and vitamin C experienced fewer coughs and sore throats, shorter illnesses, fewer missed school days, reduced reliance on antibiotics, and significantly fewer visits to the pediatrician. A systematic review conducted by Gutiérrez-Castrellón et al. in 2018 examined 31 randomized-controlled trials and found that Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus acidophilus significantly reduced the occurrence and duration of colds compared to placebo.

Similarly, the research by Ouwehand et al. in 2008 indicated that children aged 3-5 who received either Lactobacillus acidophilus alone or in combination with Bifidobacterium lactis for six months showed a 63% reduction in fevers, a 44% reduction in runny nose and an 80% decrease in antibiotic usage. Children in the placebo group had an average of 6.5 days of symptoms, whereas children in the combined probiotic group had 3.4 days with symptoms. Finally, the 2022 Cochrane Review, which analyzed 23 randomized controlled trials on probiotics for the prevention of colds across all age groups, found that probiotics could decrease the likelihood of experiencing at least one cold by about 24% and potentially reduce the duration of illness by approximately 1.22 days. The review also suggested that probiotics could lead to a 42% reduction in antibiotic use for secondary infections due to colds. 

Although research is still being done to investigate optimal strains and doses of probiotics for various indications, the evidence is pretty convincing that probiotics may be beneficial for preventing colds in children.  That’s great news! Unfortunately, probiotics aren’t likely to eliminate all colds. Still, the potential to decrease the number of infections, shorten their duration and severity, reduce antibiotic use, and miss fewer school days is undoubtedly a win for parents and children alike. Incorporating probiotics into your child’s daily routine may help them stay healthier and enjoy fewer sick days.

At MamaDoc Rx, we developed a comprehensive, USDA-certified organic, sugar-free chewable with 14 essential probiotic strains, prebiotics, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D to boost immunity. We hand-picked specific strains beneficial for immune, respiratory, and gut health, maximizing the diverse advantages of probiotics to support various aspects of pediatric health—all in a convenient one-a-day formulation. For a healthier season, try MamaDoc Rx Probiotic Immune Defense!

If you would like to learn more about the research behind probiotics, please see our blog post for Medical Professionals and Curious Consumers- The Power of Probiotics: A Review of the Evidence.

**It’s always a good idea to consult your child’s pediatrician before starting any new supplement, especially if they are immunocompromised or have chronic health conditions.