Evidence supporting the use of: Streptococcus salivarius
For the body system: Ears

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Streptococcus salivarius is a probiotic bacterium naturally found in the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract. Its use to support the ears, particularly in the context of ear health (such as prevention of otitis media or ear infections), is backed by emerging scientific evidence. Certain strains, especially S. salivarius K12, have been shown in clinical studies to colonize the oral and nasopharyngeal mucosa, where they may inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria like Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae, which are implicated in ear infections.

Research, including randomized controlled trials, has demonstrated that regular administration of S. salivarius K12 in children can reduce the incidence of recurrent otitis media (middle ear infections). The proposed mechanism involves competitive inhibition and the production of bacteriocins that suppress pathogens ascending the Eustachian tube to the middle ear. While this probiotic is not a treatment for active infections, its use as a preventive strategy for at-risk populations is gaining scientific support.

However, the evidence base remains moderate: most studies are small and conducted in pediatric populations, and there is a lack of large-scale, long-term trials. As such, while there is scientific validation for its use in supporting ear health, particularly for recurrent infections, the strength of evidence is rated as moderate (3/5).

More about Streptococcus salivarius
More about Ears

Products containing Streptococcus salivarius

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.