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Feasibility studies to control acute diarrhoea in children by feeding fermented milk preparations Actimel and Indian

K N Agarwal1, S K Bhasin

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, Delhi, India. kna_ped@yahoo.com

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|January 31, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Fermented milk preparations, including Actimel and Indian Dahi, significantly reduced diarrhea duration in children. Actimel demonstrated superior efficacy in controlling pediatric diarrhea episodes and duration.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Microbiology
  • Nutrition

Background:

  • Diarrhea remains a significant health concern in young children, necessitating effective control strategies.
  • Fermented milk products containing probiotics have shown potential in managing gastrointestinal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the feasibility of controlling diarrhea in children aged 6 months to 5 years using fermented milk preparations.
  • To compare the efficacy of Actimel (containing Lactobacillus casei DN-114001) and Indian Dahi against a control group in reducing diarrhea duration and morbidity.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted involving 150 children with acute diarrhea (75 hospital, 75 community).
  • Participants were assigned to three double-blind groups: Actimel, Indian Dahi, or ultra-heat-treated yogurt (control).
  • Actimel was also used as a starter culture in a community setting to assess preventive effects.

Main Results:

  • Both Actimel and Indian Dahi significantly reduced the mean duration of diarrhea in hospital and community settings.
  • Actimel showed a greater reduction in diarrhea duration (0.6 days hospital, 0.5 days community) compared to Indian Dahi (0.3 days hospital, 0.2 days community).
  • Community use of Actimel as a starter culture led to a 40% reduction in diarrheal morbidity episodes over 3 months.

Conclusions:

  • Fermented milk preparations, specifically Actimel and Indian Dahi, are effective in reducing the duration of diarrhea in children.
  • Actimel, containing Lactobacillus casei DN-114001, demonstrated superior effectiveness compared to Indian Dahi in managing pediatric diarrhea.

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