Abstract
BackgroundShort term illnesses, usually caused by respiratory or gastrointestinal diseases are disruptive to productivity and there is relatively little focus on preventative measures. This study examined the effect of the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri protectis (ATCC55730) on its ability to improve work-place healthiness by reducing short term sick-leave caused by respiratory or gastrointestinal infections.Methods262 employees at TetraPak in Sweden (day-workers and three-shift-workers) that were healthy at study start were randomised in a double-blind fashion to receive either a daily dose of 108 Colony Forming Units of L. reuteri or placebo for 80 days. The study products were administered with a drinking straw. 181 subjects complied with the study protocol, 94 were randomised to receive L. reuteri and 87 received placebo.ResultsIn the placebo group 26.4% reported sick-leave for the defined causes during the study as compared with 10.6% in the L. reuteri group (p < 0.01). The frequency of sick-days was 0.9% in the placebo group and 0.4% in the L. reuteri group (p < 0.01). Among the 53 shift-workers, 33% in the placebo group reported sick during the study period as compared with none in the L. reuteri group(p < 0.005).
Highlights
The general well-being in work-places is receiving increased attention in Sweden
The cost due to short term sick-leave is in Sweden alone estimated to more than 2.2 billion € [1] and a majority (50–60%) of the episodes are caused by diseases in the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal infections [2]
After ethical committee approval had been granted, informed consent was obtained from 262 employees who started treatment. 132 were randomised to receive L. reuteri and 130 randomised to placebo. 38 subjects in the L. reuteri group and 43 in the placebo group failed to comply with the full protocol requirements and were withdrawn from further analysis
Summary
The general well-being in work-places is receiving increased attention in Sweden. Is the well-being and healthiness important to the individual himself, and important to fellow co-workers, family members and last but not least to the success of the company. The cost due to short term sick-leave is in Sweden alone estimated to more than 2.2 billion € [1] and a majority (50–60%) of the episodes are caused by diseases in the respiratory tract (common cold) and gastrointestinal infections [2]. Usually caused by respiratory or gastrointestinal diseases are disruptive to productivity and there is relatively little focus on preventative measures. This study examined the effect of the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri protectis (ATCC55730) on its ability to improve work-place healthiness by reducing short term sick-leave caused by respiratory or gastrointestinal infections
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