There’s more data available on the benefits of probiotics for allergic rhinitis and the common cold – specifically Lacticaseibacillus paracasei. Here’s the latest from our recent update.
New clinical research shows that taking heat-killed L. paracasei daily for 12 weeks somewhat improves self-reported allergy symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, and head dullness in adults with chronic allergies. This aligns with previous findings showing that taking heat-killed L. paracasei daily improves quality of life in children with allergies to dust mites.
As for the common cold, taking an acidified milk drink containing L. paracasei for 21 days before and after receiving a flu shot doesn’t affect the number, duration, or severity of cold or flu-like symptoms when compared with placebo. But it does somewhat reduce the duration of cold or flu symptoms that occur 4-6 weeks after receiving the flu shot. The strongest evidence in this area is for the combination of L. paracasei and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum – taking these two species together seems to help reduce the incidence or severity of a cold.
Check out our recently updated L. paracasei monograph to learn more. Also note that we’re in the process of reviewing and updating all of our probiotic topics. Some probiotics previously considered to be strains of Lacticaseibacillus casei have been reclassified to L. paracasei – we’re addressing this appropriately and you’ll start to see these changes reflected in our monographs.
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