Conclusion : Based on the available data and taking into account the safety profile of RCTs , probiotic consumption appears to be a feasible way to decrease the incidence of RTIs in children
Background : Respiratory tract infections ( RTIs ) represent one of the main health problems in children .
Probiotics are viable bacteria that colonize the intestine and affect the host intestinal microbial balance .
Accumulating evidence suggests that probiotic consumption may decrease the incidence of or modify RTIs .
The authors systematic ally review ed data from r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) to investigate the effect of probiotic consumption on  RTIs in children .
Fermented Milk Containing Bifidobacterium lactis DN-173 010 in Childhood Constipation: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND : Constipation is a frustrating symptom affecting 3 % of children worldwide . A fermented dairy product containing Bifidobacterium lactis strain DN-173 010 was effective in increasing stool frequency in constipated women . Our aim was to assess the effects of this product in constipated children . METHODS : In this prospect i ve r and omized , double-blind , controlled trial , 159 constipated children ( defecation frequency < 3 times per week ) were r and omly allocated to receive either a fermented dairy product that contains B lactis DN-173 010 ( n = 79 ) or a control product ( n = 80 ) twice a day for 3 weeks . The primary endpoint was the change in stool frequency from baseline to after 3 weeks of product consumption . Analyses were by intention to treat . RESULTS : Eleven children did not return to any follow-up visit ( 5 in the probiotic group , 6 in the control group ) and were therefore excluded from the final analysis . Thus , 74 children in each group were analyzed . The change in stool frequency from baseline to after 3 weeks of product consumption increased in both groups , but the difference was not statistically significant ( 2.9 ± 3.2 in probiotic group versus 2.6 ± 2.6 in control group , P = .35 ) . There were no serious adverse events . CONCLUSIONS : In constipated children , the fermented dairy product containing B lactis strain DN-173 010 did increase stool frequency , but this increase was comparable in the control group . There is currently not sufficient evidence to recommend fermented dairy products containing B lactis strain DN-173 010 in this category of patients . Future studies should focus on whether a longer period of probiotic products is more effective in children who have a short history of constipation
Conclusion : Based on the available data and taking into account the safety profile of RCTs , probiotic consumption appears to be a feasible way to decrease the incidence of RTIs in children
Background : Respiratory tract infections ( RTIs ) represent one of the main health problems in children .
Probiotics are viable bacteria that colonize the intestine and affect the host intestinal microbial balance .
Accumulating evidence suggests that probiotic consumption may decrease the incidence of or modify RTIs .
The authors systematic ally review ed data from r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) to investigate the effect of probiotic consumption on  RTIs in children .