New probiotic supplement supports children’s respiratory health, including during colds and sore throat

Article

The recently launched supplement from BioGaia is sold in the U.S. under the name BioGaia Pharentis KIDS.

Photo © AdobeStock.com/ Pixel-Shot

Photo © AdobeStock.com/ Pixel-Shot

Swedish probiotic supplement company BioGaia is now offering its latest product, this time for children’s respiratory health. In the U.S., the supplement is sold under the name BioGaia Pharentis KIDS. It contains probiotic strains L. reuteri DSM 17938 and ATCC PTA 5289, which were shown in a 2021 human clinical trial1 to reduce symptoms of pharyngitis or tonsilitis in children under the age of five.

Pharyngitis and tonsilitis are two of the most common acute respiratory infections (ARIs) diagnosed in children ages 5 and under. Probiotics can help decrease the number of days children experience ARIs. In the randomized, placebo-controlled study on BioGaia’s product, published in 2021 in Beneficial Microbes1 on 70 children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, the authors concluded that "L. reuteri ATCC PTA 5289 combined with L. reuteri DSM 17938 is a safe and effective adjunct to reduce the symptoms of pharyngitis or tonsilitis in children.”

Specifically, the company is recommending the supplement—delivered in the form of probiotic drops—be taken “as a probiotic complement to normal analgesics,” especially in cases of viral (as opposed to bacterial) infection.

In a press release, Joakim Annwall, regional director, USA and Canada, BioGaia, stated, “Antibiotics are only effective against infections caused by bacteria, and most common colds are due to viruses. This means that parents are left with few alternatives other than painkillers to give their children relief.”

“We see great potential for BioGaia Pharentis in the United States, which is an important market. Contributing to reducing the over-prescribing of antibiotics is also a focus area for BioGaia. Step by step, we will launch the product in our other markets," added Isabelle Ducellier, CEO of BioGaia.

Reference

  1. Maya-Barrios A et al. “Limosilactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 5289 and DSM 17938 as adjuvants to improve evolution of pharyngitis/tonsilitis in children: Randomized controlled trial.” Beneficial Microbes, vol. 12, no. 2 (April 12, 2021): 137-145
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