How Probiotics Support Your Child’s Respiratory Protection

Every day, children are exposed to countless germs, especially when they start socializing more in playgrounds, pre-schools, or big school. While it’s perfectly normal for their immune systems to face these challenges, it’s also reassuring to know that we can support them in meaningful ways. One of those ways is by keeping probiotics in their diet to help strengthen their respiratory protection.

Why Probiotics Matter for Respiratory Protection

Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that support gut health, and research now shows they also play a key role in immune function. Specifically, the strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus (also known as Lactobacillus Protectus in NIDO® 3+ and 5+) has been studied for its ability to reduce the risk and severity of respiratory infections in children.

Recent global studies found that this probiotic strain can:

• Help reduce the risk of respiratory infections by 62%¹
• Help reduce school or daycare absences due to infections by up to 40%¹
• Help reduce the need for antibiotics for respiratory infections by 19%²

These benefits go beyond just fewer coughs and colds. They point to a more resilient immune system and fewer disruptions to a child’s daily routine, whether that’s missed days in school or skipped playdates due to sickness.

How It Works

It all begins in the tummy. Did you know your child’s gut health is closely linked to their lung health? It’s called the gut-lung connection, and it means that what’s happening in their tummy can affect how well they fight off coughs, colds, and other respiratory bugs.³

When good bacteria like Lactobacillus rhamnosus (the probiotic found in NIDO®) enter the gut, they help train your child’s immune system to respond better. This can lead to fewer infections, less inflammation, and a stronger natural defense against everyday germs.

Even better, these probiotics help boost antibodies (the body’s little defenders) and strengthen the lining of the nose, throat, and lungs, so germs have a harder time getting in.⁴ That means extra protection from common childhood illnesses like colds, flu, bronchitis, and even ear infections.

These immune benefits are especially important in the early years of life, when children are still building their natural defenses and becoming more exposed to shared environments like classrooms, daycare centers, and public spaces.

NIDO® 3+ and 5+: Trusted Nutrition with 1 Billion Probiotics

Understanding the science is one thing, but putting it into practice is even more powerful when it comes from a brand you already trust. That’s why NIDO® 3+ and NIDO® 5+ both contain 1 Billion Lactobacillus Protectus per serving. It’s the same great taste kids love, with added support for respiratory protection.

For toddlers aged 3 and up, NIDO® 3+ offers foundational immune support as they begin to socialize, share toys, and explore the world around them. For school-age children, NIDO® 5+ continues that support as they navigate the demands of big school, busier days, bigger groups, and new learning challenges.

Daily Protection, Your Act of Love

Respiratory infections are a normal part of childhood—but with the right protection, their frequency, severity, and impact can be significantly reduced. Adding NIDO® 3+ or NIDO® 5+ to your child’s daily routine gives them 1 Billion probiotics, plus vitamins and minerals that are tailored for their developmental needs at their age.

By choosing NIDO® 3+ and NIDO® 5+ with 1 Billion Probiotics, you’re giving your child daily respiratory protection that helps reduce sick days, lowers the chance of needing antibiotics, and fits easily into your routine—just one glass a day. It’s a simple, loving way to protect their health every day—and a powerful Act of Love that helps them keep doing what they love most.

Visit our NIDO® 3+ and NIDO® 5+ pages to learn more about the nutrition you can find in each glass you make for your child.