Last update
5/30/2026
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 6 Researches
7.7
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.5
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: One (1) Packet
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Top Medical Research Studies
9
We evaluated the impact of EpiCor, a yeast-derived postbiotic, on flu and cold symptoms in children aged 4-12. Over the course of 84 days, 256 children either received EpiCor or a placebo during the flu season.
Our findings showed that those taking EpiCor experienced significantly less severity in cold and flu symptoms compared to the placebo group. This included fewer sore throats and muscle aches, along with reduced reliance on cold and flu medications.
Overall, EpiCor appears to be a safe option to help boost immune function in children during cold and flu season.
Our findings showed that those taking EpiCor experienced significantly less severity in cold and flu symptoms compared to the placebo group. This included fewer sore throats and muscle aches, along with reduced reliance on cold and flu medications.
Overall, EpiCor appears to be a safe option to help boost immune function in children during cold and flu season.
Read More
8
Probiotic shows potential, inconclusive for flu
We examined how the probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis Probio-M8 impacts acute respiratory tract infections in young hospitalized children. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study involved 120 children divided into two groups: one receiving probiotics and the other a placebo.
Our findings suggest that the probiotic could help manage respiratory infections safely, potentially reducing antibiotic use and shortening hospital stays. However, the overall effectiveness in preventing flu is still inconclusive, and more research is necessary to solidify these benefits.
Our findings suggest that the probiotic could help manage respiratory infections safely, potentially reducing antibiotic use and shortening hospital stays. However, the overall effectiveness in preventing flu is still inconclusive, and more research is necessary to solidify these benefits.
Read More
7
We explored how probiotics might help protect children from various illnesses, including the flu. Our systematic review analyzed 15 key studies focusing on three probiotic strains (M18, K-12, and 24SMB).
These probiotics showed promise in improving dental health and reducing throat infections. One strain, K-12, appeared to lessen the risk of both flu and other respiratory diseases. Although these findings are encouraging, we should note that not all studies reported the same level of effectiveness.
These probiotics showed promise in improving dental health and reducing throat infections. One strain, K-12, appeared to lessen the risk of both flu and other respiratory diseases. Although these findings are encouraging, we should note that not all studies reported the same level of effectiveness.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Sickness prevention
7 people found this helpful
I was determined to find a good probiotic. After extensive research for my one-year-old daughter, this one met all my criteria. It’s said that 80% of our immunity resides in the gut, so I was pleased with my choice. Since starting this product, my daughter has not been sick at all, despite the influenza circulating in daycare. Last year, we experienced numerous illnesses. So far, this time has been illness-free!
Read More
9
Immunity booster
1 people found this helpful
Best probiotics!!! They work brilliantly for all three of my children. Since we started using them, they haven't had any flu or colds. If they do fall ill, it only lasts 2-3 days before they return to being healthy. They’re also effective for my constipated children. There’s no flavour, which is a big plus. I've ordered many from this provider, and none have been expired. They don’t require refrigeration, though storing them in the fridge is beneficial. I highly recommend these for your children’s gut health.
Read More
7.5
Seasonal allergy relief
2 people found this helpful
Healthier already. My two-year-old can be quite picky, so I was concerned she’d notice if I added this to her milk, but she doesn’t seem to mind at all. Although we don’t use it daily, just every few days, she appears healthier. Her seasonal allergies were previously severe, necessitating constant nose wiping. However, she’s been around sick children and hasn’t shown any sniffles. With this and her vitamin C, I doubt she'll catch anything this flu season.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 6 Researches
7.7
- All Researches
9
We evaluated the impact of EpiCor, a yeast-derived postbiotic, on flu and cold symptoms in children aged 4-12. Over the course of 84 days, 256 children either received EpiCor or a placebo during the flu season.
Our findings showed that those taking EpiCor experienced significantly less severity in cold and flu symptoms compared to the placebo group. This included fewer sore throats and muscle aches, along with reduced reliance on cold and flu medications.
Overall, EpiCor appears to be a safe option to help boost immune function in children during cold and flu season.
Our findings showed that those taking EpiCor experienced significantly less severity in cold and flu symptoms compared to the placebo group. This included fewer sore throats and muscle aches, along with reduced reliance on cold and flu medications.
Overall, EpiCor appears to be a safe option to help boost immune function in children during cold and flu season.
Read More
8
Probiotic shows potential, inconclusive for flu
We examined how the probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis Probio-M8 impacts acute respiratory tract infections in young hospitalized children. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study involved 120 children divided into two groups: one receiving probiotics and the other a placebo.
Our findings suggest that the probiotic could help manage respiratory infections safely, potentially reducing antibiotic use and shortening hospital stays. However, the overall effectiveness in preventing flu is still inconclusive, and more research is necessary to solidify these benefits.
Our findings suggest that the probiotic could help manage respiratory infections safely, potentially reducing antibiotic use and shortening hospital stays. However, the overall effectiveness in preventing flu is still inconclusive, and more research is necessary to solidify these benefits.
Read More
8
We explored how the probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei can enhance the immune response to influenza in a mouse model. The study showed that feeding mice this probiotic led to a stronger defense against the flu, with quicker viral clearance and fewer inflammatory cells in the lungs.
While this research highlights promising benefits of probiotics like L. paracasei, it was done in mice, meaning we need more studies to understand their effects in children. Overall, these findings suggest that certain probiotics may help improve immune control of respiratory infections.
While this research highlights promising benefits of probiotics like L. paracasei, it was done in mice, meaning we need more studies to understand their effects in children. Overall, these findings suggest that certain probiotics may help improve immune control of respiratory infections.
Read More
7
We explored how probiotics might help protect children from various illnesses, including the flu. Our systematic review analyzed 15 key studies focusing on three probiotic strains (M18, K-12, and 24SMB).
These probiotics showed promise in improving dental health and reducing throat infections. One strain, K-12, appeared to lessen the risk of both flu and other respiratory diseases. Although these findings are encouraging, we should note that not all studies reported the same level of effectiveness.
These probiotics showed promise in improving dental health and reducing throat infections. One strain, K-12, appeared to lessen the risk of both flu and other respiratory diseases. Although these findings are encouraging, we should note that not all studies reported the same level of effectiveness.
Read More
7
We assessed the effectiveness of probiotics in preventing acute respiratory infections, like the flu, using data from 24 randomized controlled trials with nearly 7,000 participants across all ages. Our findings suggest probiotics can reduce the number of individuals diagnosed with these infections and may decrease the duration of symptoms.
We noted that probiotics might also lower antibiotic use for these conditions without significantly increasing adverse events. While probiotics showed some benefits, the overall certainty of the evidence varies, particularly concerning school or work absenteeism.
We noted that probiotics might also lower antibiotic use for these conditions without significantly increasing adverse events. While probiotics showed some benefits, the overall certainty of the evidence varies, particularly concerning school or work absenteeism.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.5
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Sickness prevention
7 people found this helpful
I was determined to find a good probiotic. After extensive research for my one-year-old daughter, this one met all my criteria. It’s said that 80% of our immunity resides in the gut, so I was pleased with my choice. Since starting this product, my daughter has not been sick at all, despite the influenza circulating in daycare. Last year, we experienced numerous illnesses. So far, this time has been illness-free!
Read More
9
Immunity booster
1 people found this helpful
Best probiotics!!! They work brilliantly for all three of my children. Since we started using them, they haven't had any flu or colds. If they do fall ill, it only lasts 2-3 days before they return to being healthy. They’re also effective for my constipated children. There’s no flavour, which is a big plus. I've ordered many from this provider, and none have been expired. They don’t require refrigeration, though storing them in the fridge is beneficial. I highly recommend these for your children’s gut health.
Read More
7.5
Seasonal allergy relief
2 people found this helpful
Healthier already. My two-year-old can be quite picky, so I was concerned she’d notice if I added this to her milk, but she doesn’t seem to mind at all. Although we don’t use it daily, just every few days, she appears healthier. Her seasonal allergies were previously severe, necessitating constant nose wiping. However, she’s been around sick children and hasn’t shown any sniffles. With this and her vitamin C, I doubt she'll catch anything this flu season.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- Al-Akel FC, Chiperi LE, Eszter VK, Bacârea A. Role as a Probiotic in Children's Health and Disease Prophylaxis-A Systematic Review. Life (Basel). 2024;14. 10.3390/life14121613
- Singh RG, Garcia-Campayo V, Green JB, Paton N, Saunders JD, et al. Efficacy of a yeast postbiotic on cold/flu symptoms in healthy children: A randomized-controlled trial. Pediatr Res. 2024;96:1739. 10.1038/s41390-024-03331-z
- Zhao Y, Dong BR, Hao Q. Probiotics for preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022;8:CD006895. 10.1002/14651858.CD006895.pub4
- Mageswary MU, Ang XY, Lee BK, Chung YF, Azhar SNA, et al. Probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis Probio-M8 treated and prevented acute RTI, reduced antibiotic use and hospital stay in hospitalized young children: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Eur J Nutr. 2022;61:1679. 10.1007/s00394-021-02689-8
- Belkacem N, Serafini N, Wheeler R, Derrien M, Boucinha L, et al. Lactobacillus paracasei feeding improves immune control of influenza infection in mice. PLoS One. 2017;12:e0184976. 10.1371/journal.pone.0184976
- Di Pierro F, Colombo M, Zanvit A, Rottoli AS. Positive clinical outcomes derived from using K12 to prevent streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis in children: a pilot investigation. Drug Healthc Patient Saf. 2016;8:77. PubMed
