LondonProbiotic formula cut infant respiratory infections from 40% to 23%.
Formula-fed babies get more respiratory infections, and Nestlé funded the 223-infant trial in the Philippines.
Bacteria fermenting human milk sugars produce short-chain fatty acids that seem to strengthen infants’ immune responses against viruses.
Daniel Davis of Imperial College London, not involved, warns stronger immunity might raise allergy risk.
Researchers plan to test effects on allergy and asthma, and Davis calls for larger multi-country trials.
How each outlet framed it
- New Scientist leans favorable
- warns the probiotic's immune boost could raise allergy and autoimmunity risk, quoting Imperial's Daniel Davis that the pros and cons are unknown
Sources: New Scientist