Effectiveness of the probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 for the treatment and/or prevention of sore throat: a systematic review
Wilcox CR, Stuart B, Leaver H, Lown M, Willcox M
Published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection
Methodology
Systematic review of four randomized controlled trials of Streptococcus salivarius K12 for prevention or treatment of pharyngotonsillitis
Key Findings
Results conflicted: one trial reported far lower streptococcal pharyngitis incidence with K12, while a larger placebo-controlled school trial found no significant difference; all trials were judged poor quality
Conclusions
Evidence for S. salivarius K12 in sore throat is inconsistent and of low quality
Limitations
Only four trials, all at high risk of bias, heterogeneous populations and endpoints
Supplements Studied
All were deemed to be of poor quality using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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