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Updated: Feb 10, 2026

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Effectiveness of Probiotics in Children With Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders and Functional Constipation: A

Carrie A M Wegh1,2, Marc A Benninga2, Merit M Tabbers2

  • 1Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen.

Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|May 22, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Probiotics show limited effectiveness for pediatric functional abdominal pain disorders and constipation. Only Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG demonstrated potential in reducing abdominal pain in children with irritable bowel syndrome.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Microbiome Research
  • Clinical Trial Analysis

Background:

  • Functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPD) and functional constipation (FC) are common in children.
  • Probiotics are often considered for managing these conditions, but evidence is limited.
  • Understanding the role of gut microbiota is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficacy of probiotics for FAPD and FC in children.
  • To identify specific probiotic strains with proven benefits for these pediatric gastrointestinal conditions.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review of PubMed and Cochrane databases was performed.
  • Included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating probiotics in children aged 0-18 years with FAPD or FC.
  • Studies published from inception to January 2018 were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Eleven RCTs for FAPD and six RCTs for FC were included.
  • Limited evidence suggests Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG may reduce abdominal pain frequency and intensity in children with irritable bowel syndrome.
  • No significant evidence supports the use of other specific probiotic strains or combinations for FAPD or FC in children.

Conclusions:

  • There is insufficient evidence to broadly recommend probiotics for pediatric FAPD and FC.
  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG shows some promise for irritable bowel syndrome-related abdominal pain in children.
  • Further research into gut microbiota differences in health and disease is needed to guide future probiotic strategies.
Abstract

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