Study: BLIS K12 Probiotic Holds Potential for ENT Health in Children and Adults

Stratum Nutrition has announced the recent publication of two new studies evaluating BLIS K12 oral probiotic (Streptococcus salivarius K12) and recurrent pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis by S. pyogenes. The independent studies were published in the International Journal of General Medicine and Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy with encouraging findings in both children and adults.

26 Feb 2013 --- One independent research study evaluated the effectiveness of BLIS K12 oral probiotic for supporting ear and throat health in children(1). Published in the International Journal of General Medicine, an Italian research team demonstrated that they could minimize the reoccurrence of common childhood ear and throat infections, such as otitis media and tonsillitis by around 40% and 90% respectively. Conducted over 10 months, 82 children aged between 4-5 years with a history of recurrent ear and throat infection, were recruited for this study to determine the effect of 90 days of treatment with either the BLIS K12 probiotic or a placebo. Researchers concluded “Prophylactic administration of S. salivarius K12 [BLIS K12] to children with a history of recurrent oral streptococcal pathology reduced episodes of streptococcal pharyngeal infections and/or tonsillitis as well as episodes of acute otitis media.”

Barry Richardson of BLIS Technologies said, “We have seen that BLIS K12 probiotic, when taken on a daily basis, is very effective at establishing itself inside the mouth and throat. This is important because BLIS K12 has evolved a number of defense mechanisms, which protects it from other invading bacteria, such as those known to cause tonsillitis etc; and by protecting itself from harmful bacteria, BLIS K12 also protects us from harmful bacteria.”
 
Another clinical study further supports the findings of BLIS K12 oral cavity probiotic for supporting ear and throat health(2). Published in the medical science journal, Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, an Italian research team demonstrated that they could reduce the reoccurrence of common ear and throat infections, such as strep throat infection and tonsillitis by more than 83% in adults. The study followed 40 adults with a history of recurrent ear and throat infection and examined the effect of 90 days of treatment with either the BLIS K12 probiotic or a placebo. Researchers concluded “The regular use of BLIS K12 appears to have effected a substantial reduction in the incidence of recurrent oral streptococcal pathology, reducing the requirement for these BLIS K12-treated individuals to be exposed to therapeutic courses of antibiotics.”
 
BLIS Technologies CEO, Dr Barry Richardson said, “We have known from our own work over several years about the effectiveness of the BLIS K12 in defending certain infections of the throat and upper airways but finally, we have an independent research group that has now corroborated these findings. It is reassuring to us to know that BLIS K12 has been independently supported as being highly efficacious in both children and adults.”
 
BLIS K12 is a specific, beneficial strain of Streptococcus salivarius (S. salivarius), one of the most numerous bacteria found in the mouth of healthy individuals. In addition to being part of the dominant healthy species of the mouth, this probiotic strain also secretes powerful antimicrobial molecules called Bacteriocin-Like-Inhibitory Substances to provide a natural resistance to oral pathogens such as S. Pyogenes found to contribute to ENT infections.
 
(1) Di Pierro, F., et al. (2012). Preliminary paediatric clinical evaluation of the oral probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 in preventing recurrent pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and recurrent acute otitis media. International Journal of General Medicine, 5, 991–7. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S38859
(2) Di Pierro, F., et al. (2013). Clinical evaluation of the oral probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 in the prevention of recurrent pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes in adults. Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy.