Common ColdPre, Pro, Synbiotics

Multibionta Probiotic Multivitamin

Soon to be on shelves of pharmacies and health food stores in the U.S. is a probiotic-multivitamin that contains three different probiotic strains, as well as vitamins and minerals. The probiotics are Lactobacillus gasseri PA 16/8, Bifidobacterium bifidum MF 20/5, Bifidobacterium longum SP 07/3.

The tablet has a protective coating for better tolerability, and the press release claims that “Multibionta Probiotic Multivitamin reduced the duration and severity of common cold symptoms by up to two days compared to taking a multivitamin alone.”

I couldn’t find that study on PubMed, but here are some considerations for the daily use of a probiotic.

  • Historical data indicate that probiotic lactobacilli and bifidobacteria administered in food and in capsular form are safe
  • Established safe use in diverse food and supplement products worldwide
  • Caution when administering live bacteria to immunocompromised people with intestinal bleeding
  • Take care to ensure that excessive immune stimulation is not induced in people who are susceptible to developing arthritis or other complications

8/16/06 22:00 JR

Hi, I’m JR

John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.