Probiotic Lactobacillus casei Zhang (LCZ) alleviates respiratory, gastrointestinal & RBC abnormality via immuno-modulatory, anti-inflammatory & anti-oxidative actions

Abstract This 12-months randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study aimed at investigating the effects of Lactobacillus casei Zhang (LCZ; 9 log CFU daily) against upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and gastrointestinal disorders in one hundred thirty-seven (n = 137) healthy adult and elderly Malaysians. LCZ alleviated URTI symptoms in adults, with reduced duration for nasal, pharyngeal, general flu and total respiratory illnesses symptoms compared to the placebo (P