veNTIlATIoN - Green Cross Publishing

probiotics
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‘In addition, studies have
shown that probiotics
have the potential to
enhance the strength of
vaccination, with data
showing that people
taking probiotics having
a reduced incidence
of influenza after
vaccination compared to
those on a placebo.’
in a factory examined whether the probiotic L. reuteri Protectis
could improve health in the workplace by reducing short term
sick leave caused by respiratory or gastrointestinal infections.
In this double-blind placebo-controlled trial, workers were
randomised to receive a daily intervention of 10 8 live cells of
L. reuteri or a placebo for 80 days. During this time, a record
was kept of any symptoms of respiratory tract and/or the
gastrointestinal tract infections resulting in sick-leave, and
the duration of this. Data from a cohort of shift workers were
extrapolated from the results of all subjects, as shift workers
are known to be at significantly higher risk to contract shortterm
illnesses such as colds and gastroenteritis. 27 The results
showed that 26.4% of those in the placebo group reported sick
for work compared with 10.6% in the probiotic group (p