A multi-component food supplement with a probiotic mixture, zinc, vitamin D, and inulin for upper respiratory infections

Upper respiratory infections represent a common problem in clinical practice. Doctors very frequently use antibiotics in managing infections. However, antibiotics alter the physiological microbiota, causing dysbiosis. Dysbiosis worsens respiratory symptoms, changes gut function, amplifies inflammation, and impairs the immune response. Probiotics significantly restore respiratory and gut microbiota, expediting recovery and preventing relapse. In this regard, a probiotic mixture (Abincol@), containing Lactobacillus plantarum LP01, Lactobacillus lactis subspecies cremoris LLC02, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subspecies delbrueckii LDD01, is fruitfully used in common practice. Recently, a new multi-component food supplement (Abincol Immuno (R)) has been launched. This product contains an innovative probiotic mixture (Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus), zinc, inulin, and vitamin D. This product has been tested in a practical experience by a panel of Italian otorhinolaryngologists who visited a large number of patients with upper airways infections. All patients were treated with antibiotics and Abincol@ for two weeks, then a subgroup (ratio 1:1) took a one-month course of Abincol Immuno (R) (Group A), the other patients served as control (Group B). Patients were evaluated at baseline (T0), at the end of antibiotic treatment (T1), at the end of the Abincol Immuno (R) course (T2), and at the end of 4-month follow-up (T3). Globally, 3.819 outpatients (mean age 45 years) were enrolled: 1.936 (50.7%) in Group A and 1.883 (49.3%) in Group B. This food supplement significantly reduced the rate of patients with cough (p=0.03), fatigue (p<0.001), headache (p<0.01), and malaise (p=0.01). Both food supplements were well tolerated, and no significant adverse reactions were observed. In conclusion, the current clinical experience suggested that immune manipulation with this multi-component product may be considered an effective and safe therapeutic option in managing patients with an upper respiratory infection and treated with antibiotics.