GanedenBC30 reduces GI and URTI symptoms in children, study shows

Spore-forming probiotic GanedenBC30 has a beneficial effect on gastrointestinal symptoms (GI) and upper respiratory tract infection symptoms (URTI) in children, according to new research.

The double-blind, placebo-controlled study, which was published in the Food Research International journal, gave eight randomised, healthy school-aged children in Mexico a flavoured water containing either GanedenBC30 (one billion CFU) or a placebo, daily for 12 weeks.

The study found that supplementation with GanedenBC30 significantly reduced the incidence of flatulence and suggested a positive effect on stool consistency. It also found that the probiotic significantly decreased the incidence of URTI symptoms, including nasal congestion, bloody nasal mucus, itchy nose and hoarseness, and the duration of hoarseness, headache, red eyes and fatigue.

“While there is already a large body of evidence for the digestive and immune health benefits of GanedenBC30, this research is particularly exciting because it is the first to focus on children, and shows the enormous potential of GanedenBC30 as a functional ingredient in products for kids,” said Don Cox, R&D Director for Kerry’s ProActive Health Division, the makers of GanedenBC30^.

Previous studies have shown that GanedenBC30 can reduce gastrointestinal symptoms in adults with post-prandial intestinal gas-related symptoms, and improves pain and bloating in IBS sufferers.

“These latest findings support our ongoing efforts to provide an efficacious probiotic ingredient that can withstand harsh manufacturing processes and conditions in the body,” said Cox.