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Probiotics are nonpathogenic bacteria that, when ingested, might improve immunity, particularly resistance to gastrointestinal disease.
Investigators in Israel conducted a double-blind, randomized trial, sponsored by a formula manufacturer, that involved 201 healthy infants (age range, 4 to 10 months) who attended day care. They received either plain formula or formula supplemented with probiotics (Bifidobacterium lactis or Lactobacillus reuteri). During the 12-week study, infants who received L. reuteri were significantly healthier on 7 of 9 outcome measures (fewer days with fever or diarrhea, episodes of fever or diarrhea, clinic visits, absences from child care, and antibiotic prescriptions) than were infants who received plain formula. I…