Probiotic Bacteria May Reduce Illness in Kids

Certain bacteria added to milk may reduce fevers and colds in children, a study found. The study included 326 children, ages 3 to 5. They were randomly divided into three groups. One received milk plus a placebo (sugar) twice a day. Another group got milk with Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria added. The third group drank milk with these bacteria plus another type, Bifidobacterium animalis. These bacteria are also found naturally in the body. They are called probiotics. The study lasted from November to May. In that time, the group that got the placebo had 66 fevers. There were only 31 in the Lactobacillus group, and 18 in the group that got two probiotics. The probiotic groups also had fewer coughs and runny noses. The study appeared in the journal Pediatrics. Reuters Health news service wrote about it July 27.