Lactobacillus acidophilus yogurt and supplement in children with acute diarrhea: A clinical trial

Abstract

Acute gastroenteritis is a major cause of children morbidity and mortality worldwide. Probiotics like Lactobacillus Acidophilus (L. acidophilus) may be beneficial in treatment of acute diarrhea. This study aimed at comparing the effects of yogurt fermented by L.acidophilus (L.acidophilus yogurt), L.acidophilus supplement, conventional yogurt and placebo added to routine fluid therapy in children with acute non-bloody diarrhea. In a randomized clinical trial, 160 children with acute diarrhea admitted in Tabriz Children Hospital were assessed in a clinical trial. They were randomized in 4 groups: Group A received 300 g day-1 of yogurt fermented by lactobacillus acidophilus, group B received 2 capsules/day of lactobacillus acidophilus supplement, group C received 300 g day-1 of conventional yogurt and group D received placebo material (control group). The standard fluid therapy was administered in all patients. Age, sex, duration of diarrhea before admission, weigh on admission and discharge and its change, frequency of stool passing on days 1, 2 and 3 post-admission and their changes, type of diarrhea, signs and symptoms on admission and day 3 and duration of hospital stay were determined in each patient. One hundred (62.5%) males and 60 (37.5%) females, with the mean age of 18,36آ±6.47 (12-48) months enrolled in the study. Four groups were matched considering the baseline characteristics. The mean frequency of stool passing on day 3 post-admission and the mean amount of decrement in stool passing frequency 72 h after hospitalization were significantly higher and lower in group A, respectively (p = 0.015 and 0.029, respectively). Dehydration rate on day 3 was significantly lower in groups A and B (p<0.001). The mean duration of hospital stay was significantly shorter in group B (p=0.037). L.acidophilus yogurt and L.acidophilus supplement would diminish the seventy of acute non-bloody diarrhea in children. آ© Medwell Journals, 2008.