Probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 and Bifidobacterium breve M-16V reduces respiratory tract infection burden and improves quality of life in children
In a prospective, multicenter, community-based study without a placebo control, 236 children aged 0-14 years with a recent history of RTIs received a 4-week probiotic course. Caregiver-reported outcomes showed that 95.34% reported reduced cold frequency, 94.49% observed fewer medical visits, and 97.88% reported improved quality of life. The study suggests that probiotics may be beneficial in real-world community settings, complementing prior RCTs.
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Probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 and Bifidobacterium breve M-16V reduces respiratory tract infection burden and improves quality of life in children The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 and Bifidobacterium breve M-16V reduces respiratory tract infection burden and improves quality of life in children
This conclusion is most relevant to: Children aged 0-14 years with a recent history of respiratory tract infections.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Effects of Probiotics on Respiratory Tract Infections and Quality of Life in Children: A Large, Prospective, Community-Based Study. (Patient preference and adherence, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Probiotics modulate gut microbiota and immune response
- ▸Enhanced mucosal immunity may reduce pathogen adhesion and replication
- ▸Reduced inflammation and improved immune regulation
- ▸Result: Lower RTI frequency and improved overall well-being
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Children aged 0-14 years with a recent history of respiratory tract infections
Recommended Dose
Not specified (probiotic course for 4 weeks)
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸No placebo control group, limiting causal inference
- ▸Caregiver-reported outcomes are subjective and prone to bias
- ▸Single-arm design without blinding
- ▸Per-protocol analysis may overestimate benefits due to exclusion of non-completers
Frequently Asked Questions
What probiotics were used in this study?▼
The study used a combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 and Bifidobacterium breve M-16V.
How long did the probiotic supplementation last?▼
The probiotic course was given for 4 weeks.
What were the main outcomes reported by caregivers?▼
Caregivers reported reduced cold frequency (95.34%), fewer medical visits (94.49%), and improved quality of life (97.88%), including better appetite, energy, and sleep.
Is this study a randomized controlled trial?▼
No, it is a prospective, multicenter, community-based study without a placebo control group, so it is observational in nature.
References
- 1.Zhang Y, Li X, Yuan J, Liong MT, Chen D, Cai M. “Effects of Probiotics on Respiratory Tract Infections and Quality of Life in Children: A Large, Prospective, Community-Based Study..” Patient preference and adherence, 2026. PMID: 42544179 DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S598488