Probiotics for treatment of chronic constipation in children
Wallace C, Sinopoulou V, Gordon M, Akobeng AK
Published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Methodology
Cochrane systematic review of 14 randomised controlled trials of probiotic or synbiotic preparations versus placebo, no treatment or other interventions in children with functional constipation
Key Findings
Across 14 trials in 1,127 children, probiotics showed no clear benefit over placebo or standard therapy on defecation frequency, with very low certainty evidence throughout.
Conclusions
The available evidence does not support probiotics as an effective treatment for functional constipation in children.
Limitations
Very low certainty evidence; small heterogeneous trials with varied strains, doses and outcome definitions.
Supplements Studied
The available evidence does not support probiotics as an effective treatment for functional constipation in children.
Outcomes Measured
We included 14 studies (1127 randomised participants): 12 studies assessed probiotics in the treatment of functional constipation.
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Non-commercial (Cochrane review support)
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.