Results published in the International Journal of General Medicine Therapy suggested that the oral probiotic could minimize the reoccurrence of common childhood ear and throat infections, such as otitis media and tonsillitis, by approximately 40% and 90% respectively.
The second study, published in Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, suggested similar benefits for adults.
Ingredient
The ingredient is a specific strain of Streptococcus salivarius (S. salivarius), which secretes powerful antimicrobial molecules called BLIS: Bacteriocin-Like-Inhibitory Substances.
BLIS K12 is an oral probiotic that is said to support healthy bacteria in the mouth for long-term fresh breath and immune support.
The ingredient was developed by scientists at the University of Otago in New Zealand, and recently added to Stratum Nutrition’s portfolio of specialty bioactive ingredients.
Commenting on the new studies, Barry Richardson, CEO of BLIS Technologies, said: “We have seen that BLIS K12 probiotic, when taken on a daily basis, is very effective at establishing itself inside the mouth and throat.
“This is important because BLIS K12 has evolved a number of defense mechanisms, which protects it from other bacteria, such as those shown to cause tonsillitis etc; by protecting itself from harmful bacteria, BLIS K12 also protects us from harmful bacteria.”
Study details
For the International Journal of General Medicine study, Italian scientists recruited 82 children aged between 4 and 5, including 65 with and 17 without a recurrent ear and throat infection. Of the 65 with the recurrent infections, 45 were given the BLIS K12 supplements while the other 20 were untreated. The 17 infection-free kids were also left untreated.
After 90 days of supplementation, results showed that the BLIS group showed a 40% and 90% reduction in the reoccurrence of common childhood ear and throat infections, such as otitis media and tonsillitis, respectively.
“Prophylactic administration of S. salivarius K12 to children with a history of recurrent oral streptococcal pathology reduced episodes of streptococcal pharyngeal infections and/or tonsillitis as well as episodes of acute otitis media,” concluded the researchers.
Adults, too
In Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, 40 adults with a history of recurrent ear and throat infection and examined the effect of 90 days of supplementation with the BLIS K12 probiotic in adults, compared to non-treated peers.
Results showed that probiotic was associated with an 80% reduction in the recurrence of throat infections, such as streptococcal sore throat and tonsillitis.
“The regular use of BLIS K12 appears to have effected a substantial reduction in the incidence of recurrent oral streptococcal pathology, reducing the requirement for these BLIS K12-treated individuals to be exposed to therapeutic courses of antibiotics,” they concluded.
Dr Richardson added: “We have known from our own work over several years about the effectiveness of the BLIS K12 in defending certain infections of the throat and upper airways but now we have third party corroboration of these findings. ”
Source: International Journal of General Medicine
Volume 5, Pages 991-997. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S38859
“Preliminary paediatric clinical evaluation of the oral probioticStreptococcus salivarius K12 in preventing recurrent pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis caused byStreptococcus pyogenes and recurrent acute otitis media”
Authors: F. Di Pierro, et al.
Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy
Mar 2013, Vol. 13, No. 3, Pages 339-343
“Clinical evaluation of the oral probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 in the prevention of recurrent pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes in adults”
Authors: F. Di Pierro, T. Adami, G. Rapacioli, N. Giardini, C. Streitberger