Upper respiratory discomfort is among the most common seasonal concerns in young children, often resulting in missed school days and disrupted family routines. Although such conditions are typically self-limiting, their management is largely supportive, leaving room for safe, nutritional approaches that work with the body’s own defenses. New research published in the European Journal of Pediatrics has added meaningful clinical data to this conversation, evaluating a specific probiotic blend developed by Kaneka and AB Biotics.
Study Overview
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted at Hospital Médica Sur in Mexico City, pediatric specialists investigated the safety and efficacy of a probiotic combination containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP®-022, KABP®-023, and KABP®-033 together with Pediococcus acidilactici KABP®-021. Seventy-five children between six months and five years of age presenting with upper respiratory tract and throat discomfort were enrolled and received either the probiotic blend or placebo twice daily for 15 days.
Compared with placebo, the probiotic group experienced a statistically significant reduction in overall discomfort and other meaningful scores recorded by parents under physician supervision. Importantly, these findings were consistent across age, sex, and other factors. The probiotic was well tolerated, and no serious adverse events were reported.
Mechanistic Insights
The AB21® strains have been shown in pre-clinical models to support immune communication through multiple complementary mechanisms.
- Postbiotic production: The strains generate short-chain fatty acids such as acetate—molecules known to signal immune cells and contribute to epithelial barrier integrity.
- Interferon pathway activation: In macrophage assays, the blend increased expression of genes related to type I interferon signaling, an early component of the innate immune response.
- Gut-lung axis modulation: By interacting with the intestinal environment, these probiotics may influence systemic immune responses that extend beyond the gut.
Together, these attributes suggest that AB21® helps maintain healthy immune activity and contributes to normal mucosal barrier function—key elements of respiratory well-being.
Implications for Formulators and Healthcare Brands
This pediatric trial extends prior adult findings and provides additional clinical substantiation for AB21® as a science-based ingredient supporting immune and upper respiratory health. For product developers, the study reinforces the value of selecting strain-specific, clinically characterized probiotics with demonstrated safety in sensitive populations.
Kaneka Probiotics continues to advance research that defines clear mechanisms and measurable outcomes while upholding the highest standards of ethical study design and regulatory compliance.
Disclaimer:
This information is provided for business-to-business educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This ingredient is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.