A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study measured the incidence and duration of cold and flu-like symptoms in healthy children between the ages of 3 and 5 in a daycare setting during the winter months. The study monitored the impact of Lactobacillus acidophilus (HOWARU® NCFM®) and Bifidobacterium lactis (HOWARU® Bi-07®), commercially known as HOWARU® Protect Kids, versus a placebo. Cold- and flu-like symptoms — namely headache, sore throat, runny nose and fever — as well as other symptoms were evaluated. ​

The study also recorded the incidence of illness-related flu-like symptoms and the number of absences due to illness or fever. ​

Results from the study showed a significant reduction in fever (72.7%), cough (62.1%), and runny nose (58.8%). The number of sick days was reduced by nearly half, and reported antibiotic usage was reduced by 80%.