A ‘high-potency’ lactic acid bacteria supplement may ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in children, says a new study that echoes results from adult studies.
A daily dose of VSL Pharmaceuticals VSL#3 branded probiotic was found to reduce measures of abdominal pain and discomfort and levels of bloating and gassiness, according to findings published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition.
"There is evidence that some probiotics […] have a beneficial role in the dietary management of children and teenagers suffering with IBS," said Stefano Guandalini, MD, lead researcher and professor at the University of Chicago. "This has the potential to make a real difference for kids who suffer from pain, bloating and discomfort of IBS."
The precise numbers of IBS suffers in the US are not known, as many people (adults and children) with mild symptoms do not consult a physician, but it is believed to be between 15 and 30 million.
The long-term condition, from which more women suffer than men, involves abdominal discomfort accompanied by diarrhoea or constipation. Although it is not life threatening and dose not lead to other, more serious health conditions, IBS is untreatable. At present, intervention involves management of symptoms.
Furthermore, when it comes to managing IBS in children very little is known about dietary approaches, according to the Chicago-based scientists.
Study details
Prof Guandalini and his co-workers conducted their randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study with four to 18 year olds. The children and adolescents were randomly assigned to receive placebo or the probiotic supplement (450 billion CFU) for six weeks. At the end of the intervention, the children underwent a two-week washout period and then crossed over for six weeks of the other intervention.
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