The importance of Probiotics
 Probiotic Effects on Cold and Influenza-Like Symptom Incidence and Duration in Children   Gregory J. Leyer, PhD a ,  Shuguang Li, MS b ,  Mohamed E. Mubasher, PhD c ,  Cheryl Reifer, PhD d  and  Arthur C. Ouwehand, PhD e    a  Department of Research and Development, Danisco, Madison, Wisconsin b  Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical College of Tongji University, Shanghai, China c  Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Texas at Houston, Dallas Regional Campus, Dallas, Texas d  Department of Scientific Affairs, SPRIM USA, Frisco, Texas e  Department of Research and Development, Danisco, Kantvik, Finland     OBJECTIVE:  Probiotic consumption effects on cold and influenza-like  symptom incidence and duration were evaluated in healthy children  during the winter season.    METHODS:  In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 326  eligible children (3–5 years of age) were assigned randomly  to receive placebo ( N  = 104), Lactobacillus acidophilus  N...