Can taking probiotics reduce upper respiratory tract infections in healthcare workers
Background and study aims Probiotics are 'friendly bacteria' that can have beneficial effects by, amongst other ways, interacting with the bacteria that already live in the gut to promote a healthy gut microbiota that supports the well-being of the host. The aim of this study is to see if the daily consumption of a probiotic supplement will modulate the functioning of the gut microbiota resulting in the reduced incidence and/or duration of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI, also known as the common cold), and improve quality of life and wellbeing in healthcare workers (who are prone to infections from exposure to "unwell individuals").  Who can participate? Adults aged between 18 to 70 years working in a healthcare setting i.e. nurse, doctor, pharmacist, health-care porter.  What does the study involve? Participants will be asked to take one capsule containing either the active product (probiotic) or an identical inactive product (placebo) every day for 4 months (112 days). There is an equal chance that the participant will be assigned to take the active or placebo and neither the participant themselves nor the study researchers will know who is taking what.  Participants complete a daily diary indicating if they are experiencing any cold-like symptoms (coughing, sneezing and blocked nose). Participants will complete a questionnaire assessing the general quality of life, well-being and health at 0, 2 and 4 months. Blood pressure, body weight and peak flow (how well your lungs are functioning) will be measured at the start and end of the study. Blood and saliva samples at 0 and 4 months and from volunteers, stool (faecal) and urine samples at 0 and 4 months.  What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? It is hoped that the results from this work will lead to improvements in our understanding of the benefits of taking probiotics and those participants receiving the probiotic might experience reduced symptoms. There have been no adverse reactions associated with the consumption of Lab4 probiotics. but mild side effects such as a change in bowel habit and/or increased flatulence may occur during the first few days of taking the supplement.  Where is the study run from? The University Clinic of Pulmonology and Allergology, Saints Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje (Macedonia)  When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? December 2017 until April 2018
Background and study aims Probiotics are 'friendly bacteria' that can have beneficial effects by, amongst other ways, interacting with the bacteria that already live in the gut to promote a healthy gut microbiota that supports the well-being of the host. The aim of this study is to see if the daily consumption of a probiotic supplement will modulate the functioning of the gut microbiota resulting in the reduced incidence and/or duration of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI, also known as the common cold), and improve quality of life and wellbeing in healthcare workers (who are prone to infections from exposure to "unwell individuals").  Who can participate? Adults aged between 18 to 70 years working in a healthcare setting i.e. nurse, doctor, pharmacist, health-care porter.  What does the study involve? Participants will be asked to take one capsule containing either the active product (probiotic) or an identical inactive product (placebo) every day for 4 months (112 days). There is an equal chance that the participant will be assigned to take the active or placebo and neither the participant themselves nor the study researchers will know who is taking what.  Participants complete a daily diary indicating if they are experiencing any cold-like symptoms (coughing, sneezing and blocked nose). Participants will complete a questionnaire assessing the general quality of life, well-being and health at 0, 2 and 4 months. Blood pressure, body weight and peak flow (how well your lungs are functioning) will be measured at the start and end of the study. Blood and saliva samples at 0 and 4 months and from volunteers, stool (faecal) and urine samples at 0 and 4 months.  What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? It is hoped that the results from this work will lead to improvements in our understanding of the benefits of taking probiotics and those participants receiving the probiotic might experience reduced symptoms. There have been no adverse reactions associated with the consumption of Lab4 probiotics. but mild side effects such as a change in bowel habit and/or increased flatulence may occur during the first few days of taking the supplement.  Where is the study run from? The University Clinic of Pulmonology and Allergology, Saints Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje (Macedonia)  When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? December 2017 until April 2018