Probiotics in the Child Care Center: Context Matters

In the United States, 3 of 5 children <5 years of age are in a child care arrangement.¹ In addition to potential opportunities for early socialization and education for children, parents often rely on child care to participate in the work force. However, child care exposure has also been associated with an increased risk in children for gastrointestinal (GI) and upper respiratory infection. Thus, any intervention that can prevent child care associated illness can have public health as well as economic and educational implications.

Probiotics are defined as “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.”² Probiotic interventions in child care settings have been reported to decrease the risk of common infections and, as a result, decrease the number of missed days at child care.³ However, in this issue, Laursen et al⁴ conduct a high quality study that suggests...