Probiotics and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Pediatric Age: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Microbiome Research
• Pain Management

Background:

• Pain and functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) significantly impact children's health and families.
• The gut-brain axis and individual perception play roles in pediatric nociception.
• Probiotics are explored for managing FGID symptoms in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current evidence on probiotic use for pediatric FGID.
• To assess the efficacy of probiotics in infantile colic, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and gastroesophageal reflux.
• To identify gaps in knowledge regarding probiotic mechanisms and clinical application.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature on probiotics and pediatric FGID.
• Analysis of clinical findings from studies on specific probiotic strains.
• Focus on functional gastrointestinal disorders including colic, IBS, constipation, and GERD.

Main Results:

• Probiotics demonstrated a reduction in crying in infantile colic, but mechanisms are unclear.
• Limited evidence suggests potential benefits for abdominal pain and bloating in pediatric irritable bowel syndrome.
• Insufficient evidence supports probiotic use for functional constipation or gastroesophageal reflux in children.

Conclusions:

• Probiotics are proposed for pediatric FGID pain management, but evidence is currently inadequate.
• Mechanisms of probiotic action in pediatric FGID remain poorly understood.
• Further research is required to guide clinical practice and establish specific recommendations.