Bifidobacterium longum subsp. Infantis YLGB-1496 for the Prevention of Respiratory, Gastrointestinal and Allergic Diseases in Children: a Randomized, Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Respiratory, gastrointestinal and allergic diseases can seriously affect the physical and mental health and life quality of children. The goal of this study is to assess the prevention and safety of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis YLGB-1496 on respiratory, gastrointestinal and allergic diseases in children.Ineligibly healthy children were randomized into intervention group and given probiotics or placebo for 3 months, respectively. The primary outcome measure was the morbidity of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Fecal gut microbiota analysis were used to assess the changes in gut microbiota profiles based on 16S information. Fecal levels of immunity biomarkers such as cytokines and immunoglobulins and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were determined. Administering YLGB-1496 per day to healthy children over three months significantly reduced the episodes of cough, fever, dry stool and eczema-like skin changes and decreased the morbidity of URTIs, bronchopneumonia and eczema in children for 6-month observation, as well as beneficially altered gut microbiome composition and immune function without any adverse effects.