Probiotics and Childhood Immunity

TL;DR

• A 2009 Pediatrics study found probiotics cut fever in kids by 53% (single strain) and 73% (combination).

• Probiotics reduced coughs, runny noses, missed daycare days, and antibiotic use.

• Later studies confirm benefits but stress strain, dose, and context matter.

• Evidence suggests probiotics can support children’s immune resilience during cold and flu season.

• Not a substitute for medical care — results vary.

• 70% of your immune system is in the gut. Click to learn more.

70% of your immune system is in your gut. Click to learn more.

Back in 2009, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Pediatrics (2009;124(2):e172-9) examined the effect of probiotic supplementation on the immune system of children aged three to five. A total of 110 subjects were randomly given either a placebo, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM (a single probiotic strain), or a combination of probiotics.

Key Findings from the 2009 Study

Children receiving probiotics showed significant benefits compared to placebo:

• Fever incidence dropped by 53% with the single strain and 73% with the combination.

• Respiratory symptoms such as coughing and runny nose were reduced.

• Missed daycare days decreased — 32% fewer in the single-strain group and 28% fewer in the combination group.

• Antibiotic use fell dramatically — by 68% in the single-strain group and 84% in the combination group.

The authors concluded that daily probiotic supplementation for six months during cold and flu season can reduce fever and cold symptoms, lower antibiotic use, and minimize missed school days.

Other Research on Probiotics and Immunity

Since then, other studies have explored probiotics and immune function:

• Nutrients. 2017;9(9):1021 — A broad review summarizing clinical trials in many areas (gastrointestinal disease, allergies, immunomodulation).

• Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr. 2017;20(3):139–146 — Found that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Saccharomyces boulardii have proven benefit in treating acute gastroenteritis and preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. LGG also helped prevent daycare-related diarrhea and respiratory infections. Importantly, strain, dose, and context matter.

• J Pediatr (Rio J). 2015;91(5) — Reviewed 11 randomized clinical trials involving 2,417 children under age 10. Probiotics were associated with fewer new episodes of respiratory disease, though the authors called for more research.

• Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2019;111:537–547 — Acknowledges that results may vary and that probiotics are not universally effective.

• World Gastroenterology Organisation Global Guidelines: Probiotics & Prebiotics (2023) — Current international consensus on the role of probiotics, including which strains have sufficient evidence for clinical use.

Takeaway

Because about 75% of the immune system resides in the gut, supporting gut health with probiotics may help strengthen overall immunity. The research suggests probiotics can reduce respiratory symptoms and antibiotic use in children, though outcomes depend on the specific strain and clinical context.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For personalized guidance, consult doctors trained in natural healthcare.

FAQ

Q1. Do probiotics really help kids avoid colds and flu?
Research suggests probiotics can lower the risk of fever, coughs, and runny noses in children, and reduce antibiotic use. Results vary depending on the probiotic strain and dose.

Q2. Are probiotics safe for children?
Most probiotics are considered safe for healthy children, though outcomes depend on the strain. Parents should seek guidance from doctors trained in natural healthcare.

Q3. Which probiotic strains have been studied in kids?
Strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, and Saccharomyces boulardii have shown benefits for immune health and reducing infections in clinical studies.

Q4. Should kids take probiotics daily?
Studies on children typically used daily probiotic supplementation during cold and flu season. The best approach depends on the child and strain chosen.