Probiotics and the Common Cold

Research appearing in the journal, Vaccine (Volume 24, 2006) looked at probiotic supplementation and its effect on upper respiratory tract infections (colds and the flu).  The double blind, placebo controlled study took place during two winter/spring periods.  

The subjects were 479 healthy adults who were supplemented with a vitamin/mineral supplement containing probiotics (Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria) or a placebo that contained only the vitamin/mineral supplement.  Taking the probiotic did not reduce the number of upper respiratory infections, but it did significantly shorten the duration of the illness by nearly two days, compared tot he placebo group.  Also, the symptoms were less severe in the probiotic group.  Taking the probiotics also increased the number of immune cells (cytotoxic T plus T-suppressor cell count and T-helper cell counts).