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Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of repeated oral intake of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 (L-92) on the symptoms of allergic reactions to cedar pollen. Methods: We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind parallel-group study. Subjects were divided into two groups, which consumed test tablets containing 1-92 (2×10 cells) or placebo tablets, once a day for 12 weeks. During the study period, subjects ussessed their nasal and ocular symptoms every day. These symptoms were scored from 0 (no symptom) to 4 (very severe). The scores of Japanese Rhino-conjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (JRQLQ) were also examined in each subject. In addition, physical and blood examinations were performed to assess the safety of the study tablets. Results: After four weeks and six weeks of tablet intake, the start of codar pollen dispersal, there were significant differences between the L-92 group and the placebo group in the nasal symptom-medication score by severity classification. In addition, the results after four weeks showed the L-92 group had significantly improved partial IRQLQ scores, compared to the placebo group, while each score of nasal and ocular symptoms did not change. No adverse events caused by the consumption of the study tablets were observed. Conclusion: These results suggest that oral administration of L-92 can ameliorate the symptoms of allergic reactions to cedar pollen at the start of the dispersal period [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]