This randomized, double-blind clinical trial assessed the efficacy of combining phototherapy with probiotic supplementation in managing neonatal jaundice. Conducted between 2019 and 2023, the study enrolled 300 full-term infants with serum bilirubin >15 mg/dL on day four after birth. Infants were randomized into three groups: phototherapy plus L. salivarius AP-32, phototherapy plus B. animalis subsp. lactis CP-9, or phototherapy plus placebo.
Both probiotic groups significantly reduced phototherapy duration and accelerated bilirubin reduction rates compared to placebo. The AP-32 group had the shortest hospital stay (7 hours less than placebo). Microbiome analysis showed increased microbial diversity in both probiotic groups. AP-32 supplementation increased L. salivarius abundance, while CP-9 increased B. animalis abundance. No adverse events were reported.
The findings suggest that integrating specific probiotic strains with phototherapy can enhance jaundice resolution, improve gut microbiome diversity, and potentially shorten hospitalization in neonates.