Multicenter Trial of a Combination Probiotic for Children with Gastroenteritis
Freedman SB, Williamson-Urquhart S, Farion KJ, Gouin S, Willan AR, Poonai N
Published in New England Journal of Medicine
Methodology
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a 5-day course of Lactobacillus rhamnosus/L. helveticus in children aged 3-48 months presenting to emergency departments with gastroenteritis
Key Findings
Moderate-to-severe gastroenteritis occurred in 26.1% of the probiotic group and 24.7% of the placebo group (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.77-1.46); no differences in duration of diarrhoea or vomiting, unscheduled visits or hospitalisation.
Conclusions
A combination probiotic offered no benefit over placebo in children with acute gastroenteritis.
Limitations
Single clinical scenario and age band; results may not generalise to other strains or to antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.
Supplements Studied
In children with acute gastroenteritis, the probiotic did not prevent the development of moderate-to-severe gastroenteritis within 14 days after enrollment.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.