BLIS K12 Probiotic Helps Fight Tonsillitis in Children, Study Suggests

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A new study published in Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management suggests BLIS K12, a patented strain of Streptococcus salivarius, may prevent recurrent tonsillitis in young children.

The retrospective observational study included 130 children aged 3–7 with a history of group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) infections, which can cause recurrent pharyngo-tonsillar infections. Participants consumed a BLIS K12 lozenge daily for 90 days and were monitored for occurrence of GABHS infections compared to a control group.

Researchers found that 88% of the BLIS K12 group experienced no GABHS infections, while only 22% of the control group experienced no GABHS infections. What’s more, the trend continued well after the treatment period ended, as researchers monitored the children for at least 12 months following their entry into the study.

“Even nine months after the use of SsK12 [BLIS K12] had been stopped, the probability of new GABHS infections was significantly lower (P>0.001) when compared to the period before dosing commenced,” wrote the researchers. “When compared to the untreated children, those taking SsK12 appear to have had significantly fewer GABHS infections both during the 90-day period of prophylaxis and during the following nine months (P<0.001).”

Researchers concluded that, based on these study findings, BLIS K12 may be considered for supporting control of recurrent GABHS pharyngo-tonsillar infections in children.

BLIS K12 developer Blis Technologies (Dunedin, New Zealand) and North America distributor Stratum Nutrition (Saint Charles, MO) celebrated the study findings, which build on previous research suggesting the probiotic strain’s potential benefits for ear and throat health.

“Streptococcus salivarius BLIS K12 has once again demonstrated its clinically meaningful efficacy and unchallenged safety profile in a population whose only other current option for supporting their throat health is an antibiotic,” said Joseph Evans, PhD, executive manager of research & development, Stratum Nutrition. “As we enter the era of personalized nutrition, the stage is set for Streptococcus salivarius BLIS K12 to benefit those children and adults who desire a natural approach to optimize their oral and throat health.”

Read more:

BLIS K12 Receives “No Objection” GRAS Letter from FDA

Probiotic BLIS K12 Offers Children Relief from Ear Infections?

Are Probiotics Moving Beyond Gut Health?

Michael Crane
Associate Editor
Nutritional Outlook Magzine
michael.crane@ubm.com

References:

Gregori G et al., “Reduction of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus pharyngotonsillar infections associated with use of the oral probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12: a retrospective observational study,” Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, vol. 12 (January 2016): 87–92