Probiotics have gained popularity in recent years for their potential health benefits, including their role in supporting the immune system. However, the effectiveness of Probiotics in preventing or helping with colds remains a subject of ongoing research and debate. Some studies suggest that certain strains of Probiotics can help reduce the severity and duration of Cold symptoms, while others indicate no significant impact.
A 2015 review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews analyzed 13 randomized controlled trials on the use of Probiotics for preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections, including colds. The researchers concluded that Probiotics seemed to modestly reduce the number of participants experiencing upper respiratory infections. However, the overall quality of evidence was low, and the specific strains, dosages, and formulations used in different studies varied considerably.
Another study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2016 assessed whether Probiotics could prevent the common Cold or reduce its severity. The researchers found some evidence suggesting that Probiotics with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains might have a protective effect against respiratory tract infections. However, they noted that more high-quality research is necessary to establish a clear link between probiotic supplementation and Cold prevention.
