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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

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.

Last updated: Aug 5, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score34/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Effects of Probiotics on Respiratory Tract Infections and Quality of Life in Children: A Large, Prospective, Community-Based Study.

observational

Zhang Y, Li X, Yuan J, Liong MT, Chen D, Cai M · Patient preference and adherence (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 4 weeks
Intervention: Combined Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 and Bifidobacterium breve M-16V supplementation for 4 weeks
Outcome: Respiratory tract infection frequency, medical visits, symptom resolution, quality of life (appetite, energy, sleep), gastrointestinal comfort, palatability, willingness to recommend
Effect Size: N/A (percentages reported: 95.34% reduced cold frequency, 94.49% fewer medical visits, 97.88% improved QoL)
Population: Children aged 0-14 years with a recent history of respiratory tract infections

Result:

PubMed: 42544179DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S598488

Mechanism Graph

Probiotics modulate gut microbiota and immune response
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Enhanced mucosal immunity may reduce pathogen adhesion and replication
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Reduced inflammation and improved immune regulation
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Result: Lower RTI frequency and improved overall well-being

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.