Meta-analysis shows limited evidence for using Lactobacillus acidophilus LB to treat acute gastroenteritis in children.

Hania Szajewska, Sanja Kolaček, Marek Ruszczynski

Journal: Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992) 2014;103(3):249-55

PMID: 24175943

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Abstract

UNLABELLED

A meta-analysis of four randomised controlled trials of varying methodological quality, involving 304 children aged 1-48 months, showed that Lactobacillus acidophilus LB (LB) reduced the duration of diarrhoea in hospitalised, but not outpatient, children compared with a placebo. The chance of a cure on day three was similar in both groups, but LB increased the chance of cure on day four.

CONCLUSION

There is limited evidence to recommend LB for treating paediatric diarrhoea.

Address: Department of Paediatrics, The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.

DOI: 10.1111/apa.12487