Children can have as many as 8 to 10 colds annually and are more likely to catch a virus when going to school or daycare. There’s a reason why they call it the “common” cold. It is the leading cause of school absences and doctor’s visits, which not only affects children’s education but also causes parents to miss work. Children lack a fully developed immune system to the over 100 types of cold viruses. Simple preventive measures like proper handwashing and teaching children to sneeze into their elbows can significantly reduce the spread of these viruses to immunocompromised or fragile elderly family members.
HMF Fit For School: A Probiotic Supplement for Children’s Immune Health
HMF Fit For School, by Genestra, has garnered attention for its potential benefits in supporting children’s immune function, particularly in preventing upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). This chewable supplement combines a proprietary blend of probiotics with essential vitamins, specifically designed to boost children’s immune systems and improve overall health.
Clinical Evidence and Benefits
Several clinical trials have highlighted the efficacy of probiotic supplementation in reducing the incidence and severity of URTI symptoms. A recent meta-analysis of 23 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials found that probiotics, especially those containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, significantly reduce the duration of URTIs in otherwise healthy children.
One notable study involved 57 preschool children aged 3-6, who were randomized to receive either a placebo or HMF Fit For School’s probiotic and vitamin C combination daily for six months. The probiotic group experienced a 33% reduction in URTI incidence, fewer days with symptoms, and a 30% decrease in school absenteeism. Additionally, there was a notable reduction in the use of cough medications. These findings suggest that HMF Fit For School not only helps prevent infections but also alleviates their symptoms when they occur.
Further research involving a larger cohort of 171 children aged 3-10 corroborated these findings. The study demonstrated that children taking HMF Fit For School had significantly fewer incidents of coughing and sore throat, shorter durations of symptoms, and a reduced need for antibiotics. These benefits underscore the supplement’s role in enhancing children’s immune defenses, making it a valuable addition to their daily routine, especially during the school year.
Additional Nutritional Support
Beyond probiotics, HMF Fit For School also provides essential vitamins, including vitamin C and vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a vital role in immune cell function and has been shown to reduce the risk of respiratory infections. It also supports calcium absorption, essential for bone development in children. As research continues to support its benefits, HMF Fit For School stands out as a valuable tool for parents looking to support their children’s health, especially during the school year.
Lyle Sunada is a compounding pharmacist and NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner specializing in hormone balancing and alternative medicine at Cloverdale Pharmasave. Everything mentioned in the article is available In-Store.
