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[Administration of probiotic lactobacilli to children with gastrointestinal problems: there is still little evidence]

M M Tabbers1, M A Benninga

  • 1Emma Kinderziekenhuis AMC, afd. Kindergastro-enterologie, Amsterdam. m.m.tabbers@amc.uva.nl

Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|November 1, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Lactobacilli probiotics show moderate effectiveness in preventing infectious diarrhea and are beneficial for rotavirus diarrhea in children. However, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG offers no added benefit for functional constipation.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Immunology

Context:

  • Limited data exists on lactobacilli efficacy and safety in pediatric gastrointestinal disorders.
  • Probiotics are live microorganisms conferring health benefits when administered adequately.

Purpose:

  • To review the efficacy and safety of lactobacilli for pediatric gastrointestinal indications.
  • To evaluate Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) in functional constipation and infectious diarrhea.
  • To assess LGG's role in preventing atopic eczema and cow's milk allergy.

Summary:

  • Lactobacilli are effective and safe for rotavirus diarrhea, shortening duration by approximately one day.
  • Lactobacilli demonstrate moderate efficacy in preventing infectious diarrhea, with unclear clinical relevance.
  • LGG showed no added value for functional constipation in children.
  • One study indicated LGG may prevent atopic eczema in newborns, but not cow's milk allergy.

Impact:

  • Provides insights into the clinical utility of specific probiotic strains in pediatric care.
  • Highlights the need for further research on probiotic efficacy in various pediatric gastrointestinal conditions.
  • Informs clinical decision-making regarding probiotic use for diarrhea and eczema prevention in children.

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