Written by: Roger Rose, RPh, Director of Pharmacy Services
Clinical trials indicate that supplementation with probiotics and vitamin C may reduce upper respiratory infections in children. A new study included 57 children three to six years of age attending a preschool facility. Researchers found that children who received daily supplementation of 50 mg vitamin C plus probiotics containing 12 million colony-forming units of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bifidobacterium animalis for six months had a 33% decrease in the rate of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), spent an average of 21 fewer days with URTI symptoms and had 30% less absence from preschool compared to the placebo group. In addition, the number of days of use of antibiotics, painkillers, cough medicine, and nasal sprays was lower in the probiotic plus vitamin C group.
Our pharmacist, at the Wickenburg Community Hospital Pharmacy, can recommend professional-quality supplements for you and your family.