Adults have been taking probiotics for years to improve the flora of their digestive tracts. Now an Italian research team reports that colicky babies suffering from reflux or constipation may also benefit from probiotics.
The investigators randomized over 500 newborns to receive either a probiotic or a placebo. Parents kept track of diaper changes, vomiting, severe crying episodes and trip to the pediatrician. The children getting the probiotic experienced substantially less crying time, fewer throw-ups and more dirty diapers, suggesting less constipation. The authors conclude that adding Lactobacilli to the diet during the first few weeks of life may be beneficial for the digestive tracts of infants.
[JAMA Pediatrics, Jan. 13, 2014]
This new research report seems the answer to a question posed by a meta-analysis last year: do probiotics benefit babies with colic? It appears that the answer should be yes.
In a previous study of young children, dermatologists found that Lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotic supplements could reduce the likelihood of eczema.
11/29/18 redirected to: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/probiotics-failed-to-help-kids-gastroenteritis/
