Probiotics for preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections
Hao Q, Dong BR, Wu T
Published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Methodology
Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials comparing probiotics with placebo for preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections
Key Findings
Probiotics reduced the number of participants experiencing at least one acute URTI episode (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.37-0.76), shortened episode duration and reduced antibiotic prescriptions; certainty was rated low.
Conclusions
Probiotics were better than placebo at preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections, but the evidence is of low quality.
Limitations
Low-quality evidence, small trials, high heterogeneity, most trials industry funded.
Supplements Studied
Probiotics were better than placebo in reducing the number of participants experiencing episodes of acute upper respiratory tract infection.
Outcomes Measured
Probiotics were better than placebo in reducing the number of participants experiencing episodes of acute upper respiratory tract infection.
Probiotics reduced the number of participants experiencing acute upper respiratory infections and shortened illness duration
Probiotics reduced the number of participants experiencing acute upper respiratory infections and shortened illness duration
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Cochrane / academic
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