THE IMPACT OF CONSUMING PROBIOTIC YOGURT «KARPATSKY» ON IMMUNE PROTECTION AGAINST SEASONAL RESPIRATORY VIRAL INFECTIONS

This study investigates the impact of consuming “Karpatsky” yogurt on immune protection against seasonal respiratory viral infections. Given the increasing prevalence of respiratory infections and the growing interest in probiotic-based preventive measures, our research aims to explore the potential benefits of yogurt consumption on immune function. A total of 90 participants, aged 18-65, were recruited and divided into a test group consuming “Karpatsky” yogurt daily for 12 weeks and a control group maintaining their usual diet. The evaluation of results was based on studying the number of upper respiratory tract infections, the duration of each illness episode, the number, and severity of symptoms. During the analysis of the obtained information, a significant reduction in the frequency, duration, and severity of respiratory infection symptoms was established in the test group compared to the control group, indicating a comprehensive positive effect of the yogurt components ("Karpatsky"), including the probiotic component, on immune protection against seasonal upper respiratory tract infections. The obtained data can be used to develop preventive measures aimed at reducing the risk of seasonal respiratory infections through the consumption of fermented probiotic products. The work carried out opens up prospects for further research related to the study of the long-term effects of consuming probiotic products on the immune system and expanding the sample size to confirm the obtained results in other population groups.