Effect of Probiotics on Common Cold, Influenza, and Influenza-Like Illness

The possible effect of probiotics consumption on the symptoms and courses of the common cold, influenza, and influenza-like illness was evaluated via a meta-analysis. Probiotic consumption reduced the incidence of the common cold (odds ratio [OR] = 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38-0.64, P < .001) and influenza-like illness episodes (OR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.14-0.40, P < .001) but had no significant effect on decreasing the influenza episodes (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.62-1.35, P = .831). Probiotic supplementation showed a promising beneficial role in the reduction of the episodes and symptoms of the common cold and influenza-like illness.