Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are a frequent challenge for young children, often causing several days of fever, discomfort and disrupted family routines. A newly published clinical study in European Journal of Pediatrics now shows that AB21®, a proprietary probiotic blend developed by AB-BIOTICS, can support a noticeably faster and smoother recovery during these common viral episodes.
Helping children return to comfort more quickly
In a randomized, controlled clinical trial involving 75 children between 6 months and 5 years of age, researchers observed that those receiving AB21® had shorter durations of key symptoms. Fever resolved an average of 1.1 days sooner, representing a reduction of about 40%, while overall discomfort eased 0.7 days earlier than in children receiving placebo. These improvements offer meaningful relief for families managing the strain that respiratory infections often bring.
Children in the probiotic group also showed lower body temperatures and reduced FLACC scores (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability), an established pediatric scale for assessing discomfort. Even after the 15-day supplementation period ended, children who had taken AB21® continued to show fewer symptoms and less nasal congestion, indicating ongoing support during recovery.
A probiotic blend developed with purpose
AB21® is formulated with 4 specific probiotic strains: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP033, KABP022 and KABP023, along with Pediococcus acidilactici KABP021. These strains work in complementary ways to support respiratory wellbeing by helping modulate the adaptive immune response, maintain gut barrier integrity and promote a balanced inflammatory response.
According to Jordi Espadaler, Director of Innovation at AB-BIOTICS:
“These coordinated actions reflect the unique potential of AB21® to influence both local and systemic immune activity during viral infections. Foundational research demonstrated how this specific strain combination supports faster viral clearance and recovery, adding to the growing scientific evidence behind the blend.”
Built on clinically precise diagnosis
One of the key strengths of this pediatric study is the high level of diagnostic accuracy applied throughout the trial. Each child was evaluated by a pediatrician using clear clinical criteria, and PCR analysis was carried out to identify the specific virus responsible for the infection. This ensured that the improvements observed were linked to confirmed viral causes rather than subjective assessments, and it demonstrated that AB21® supported recovery across different respiratory viruses.
The study was designed with strict controls, using randomized and placebo-controlled methods. Follow-up assessments continued after the supplementation period, allowing researchers to observe both the immediate effects of AB21® and the benefits that persisted during recovery controlled methods.
Supporting families through common respiratory challenges
Children under five experience more respiratory infections than any other age group due to their developing immune systems. These episodes can affect sleep, nutrition, mood and daily routines. This age group represents one of the world’s most vulnerable populations in terms of respiratory health, making safe and effective support especially valuable.