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Chr. Hansen: probiotics can shorten duration of common cold

With the completion and publication of the world’s largest clinical study on the immune effect of probiotics in adults, Chr. Hansen has obtained results indicating that the probiotic strain named L. CASEI 431 can shorten the duration of common cold and influenza-like illness, lower the use of health care resources and reduce use of antibiotics. […]

With the completion and publication of the world’s largest clinical study on the immune effect of probiotics in adults, Chr. Hansen has obtained results indicating that the probiotic strain named L. CASEI 431 can shorten the duration of common cold and influenza-like illness, lower the use of health care resources and reduce use of antibiotics.

Recently e-published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the study was initiated by Chr. Hansen in 2011 and included more than 1,100 subjects in Denmark and Germany. It investigated the effect of the probiotic strain (L. CASEI 431) on the immune response to an influenza vaccination, and on respiratory symptoms in otherwise healthy adults.

Results from the study indicate that in cases of influenza-like illness, the number of sick days was reduced to five in the group that consumed a daily dairy beverage with 1 billion live bacteria (L. CASEI 431), compared to eight days in the placebo group. Furthermore, the proportion of subjects who required health care system support during the follow-up period was reduced from 28% to 22%.

“Not only is this a clear benefit for individuals,” said Mikkel Jungersen, Scientific Advisor, Human Health & Nutrition, Chr. Hansen. “It also indicates that products with this probiotic strain can have a significant impact on productivity in society.”

The L. CASEI 431 probiotic strain has been used as an ingredient in food since 1995 and earlier human studies have shown that the probiotic strain alone or in combinations may have a beneficial effect within the immune and gastrointestinal function, according to Chr. Hansen, who note that it is gaining popularity as a natural probiotic culture in dairy products across the globe, and in particular in China and South East Asia. It also holds potential within dietary supplements, the company believes, and exists in Chr. Hansen’s product portfolio as an immune product, combined with Vitamin C.

“When it comes to scientific documentation on probiotics, we are committed to delivering the best,” said Jungersen. “Adding these new results to the existing data of the strain (L.CASEI 431), it now stands out as a strong probiotic within immune function”.