A new study found that BLIS K12 probiotic (Streptococcus salivarius) from Stratum Nutrition, helps prevent two common illnesses in children: streptococcal and viral pharyngotonsillitis (Drug Healthc Patient Saf. 2014 Feb 13;6:15-20).

The study looked at 60 children between the ages of 3 and 13 with a history of recurrent throat infection. Thirty children consumed lozenges containing BLIS K12 probiotic for 90 days, while the other 30 children served as control group. The results of the study found a 96 percent reduction in the incidence of streptococcal sore throat in children taking BLIS K12. The study also demonstrated an 80 percent reduction in episodes of viral infections and a reduction in the number of days with antibiotics (amoxicillin) and antipyretics were used. The total number of absent days from school or work in the BLIS K12 group went from 228 down to 16.

BLIS K12 is a specific, probiotic strain of Streptococcus salivarius, one of the most numerous bacteria found in the oral cavity of healthy individuals.  The K12 strain of S. salivarius secretes proteins called Bacteriocin-Like-Inhibitory-Substances, which have ability to inhibit undesirable bacteria such as S. pyogenes and S. pneumonia.