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Probiotics in paediatric gastrointestinal diseases
Daniel A Lemberg1, Chee Yee Ooi, Andrew S Day
1School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|May 11, 2007
Summary
Probiotics are generally safe but scientific evidence for many benefits is limited. This review focuses on proven uses in children, specifically for acute diarrhoea and antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Probiotics are increasingly popular for purported health benefits.
- Scientific evidence supporting many claimed probiotic uses is often insufficient.
- Probiotics are generally well-tolerated and safe.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the scientific evidence for probiotics in various gastrointestinal disorders.
- To specifically evaluate the role of probiotics in managing acute diarrhoea and antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in children.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on probiotic efficacy.
- Focus on pediatric gastrointestinal conditions.
Main Results:
- Probiotics have well-established roles in treating acute diarrhoeal illness in children.
- Probiotics are also effective for antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in pediatric populations.
- Evidence for other gastrointestinal disorders remains less robust.
Conclusions:
- Probiotics are beneficial for specific pediatric gastrointestinal issues like acute and antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.
- Further research is needed to substantiate claims for other uses.
- The safety profile of probiotics is favorable.
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