The ProChild-2 Study: Antibiotic prescriptions
Probiotics with low dose vitamin C reduce antibiotic prescriptions in children: A secondary analysis of a multicentre randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial
SUMMARY
- In our second long-term double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we examined the effects of the Lab4 probiotics with vitamin C combination on antibiotic prescribing in children.
- The incidence of oral antibiotic prescriptions was significantly reduced by 48%.
- Children taking the Lab4 probiotic/vitamin C combination had a 40% lower risk of being prescribed oral antibiotics.
Aim
During the randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in children aged 3 to 10 years, we investigated the effects of the Lab4 probiotic with low dose of vitamin C combination on symptoms related to upper respiratory tract infections. As part of this study, we also examined the incidence of antibiotic prescriptions among the participants.
Method
Results
Oral antibiotic prescription
- 48% significant reduction in the incidence of oral antibiotic prescriptions in Group 2 compared to Group 1 (*P=0.0079).
- 25.6% children in Group 2 were prescribed oral antibiotics compared to 42.3% children in Group 1 (40% significant reduction, *P=0.0239).
Paediatric physician’s visits
- The number of unscheduled visits to the GP was reduced by 18% with the use of Lab4 probiotic and vitamin C (Group 2) compared to Group 1 (#P=0.0587).
Conclusion
The combination of Lab4 probiotics and vitamin C presents a promising and cost-effective approach to reducing the need for antibiotic prescriptions.
Study links
2021
The ProChild-2 Study
Probiotics with vitamin C for the prevention of upper respiratory tract symptoms in children aged 3-10 years: a randomised controlled trial
