Comparative efficacy of probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic interventions in children with functional abdominal pain disorders: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Yang Y, Li Y, Yan X, Huang W
Published in Frontiers in Nutrition
Methodology
Network meta-analysis of randomized trials in children aged 4-18 with functional abdominal pain disorders, searching eight databases to October 2025, ranking probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic interventions by SUCRA with CINeMA certainty assessment.
Key Findings
Probiotic interventions improved global response and pain outcomes in pediatric functional abdominal pain, but effects were strain-specific and evidence certainty varied.
Conclusions
Strain choice matters; probiotics help some children with recurrent stomach pain but results are inconsistent.
Limitations
Heterogeneous strains and doses; many small trials; certainty limited by risk of bias.
Supplements Studied
Given their biological plausibility, probiotics have emerged as a promising therapy, yet evidence remains inconsistent due to strain-specific effects and heterogeneous study designs.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Not reported
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