Across 11 studies, 9 reported beneficial effects of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 on reducing abdominal pain, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. The most commonly studied population was children with functional abdominal pain, and the typical dose used was 10^8 CFU/day. Effects were observed at a median study duration of 7 weeks, though several key trials lasted 8–17 weeks.
Caveats: Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive — clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (null-result studies are less likely to be published or indexed). Two high-quality RCTs (both evidence score 7) found neutral results, suggesting the effect may be less consistent in certain populations (e.g., children with functional constipation). Many studies had small sample sizes or were reviews, limiting individual study strength.
showing a significant decrease of antibiotic-associated side effects and a tendency to increase the eradication rate
from: Use of Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in paediatric gastrointestinal disorders: anParent-reported crying time (mean difference = -0.15 (-0.28, -0.01)) ... lower in FFI+LR versus FFI-Std
from: Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938-Containing Infant Formulas and the Associations withCompared with FFI-Std, FFI+LR had lower reports of difficulty in passing stools (11% vs. 22%; adjusted-odds ratio (OR) (95%CI) = 0.46 (0.31-0.68))
from: Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938-Containing Infant Formulas and the Associations withfussiness due to spitting-up/vomiting (mean difference = -0.17 (-0.29, -0.05)) were lower in FFI+LR versus FFI-Std
from: Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938-Containing Infant Formulas and the Associations withfewer hard stools (mean difference = -0.12 (-0.21, -0.02))
from: Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938-Containing Infant Formulas and the Associations withless physician-confirmed colic (OR = 0.61 (0.45-0.82))
from: Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938-Containing Infant Formulas and the Associations withfrequency of spitting-up/vomiting (mean difference = -0.18 (-0.34, -0.03)) ... lower in FFI+LR versus FFI-Std
from: Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938-Containing Infant Formulas and the Associations withvolume of spit-up (mean difference = -0.20 (-0.32, -0.08)) ... lower in FFI+LR versus FFI-Std
from: Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938-Containing Infant Formulas and the Associations withall these studies have shown the excellent safety of LR DSM 17938 even at higher dosages.
from: Use of Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in paediatric gastrointestinal disorders: anL. reuteri meets all the requirements to be considered a safe, well-tolerated, and efficacious probiotic
from: Lactobacillus Reuteri DSM 17938 (Limosilactobacillus reuteri) in Diarrhea and ConstipationThe probiotic compounds investigated in this study did not seem to affect IBS-D patients' gut barrier function, but showed potential anti-inflammatory and symptom-improving properties, which need to be confirmed in larger study cohorts.
from: The effects of a 6-week intervention with Limosilactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 6475 aloneNo side effects were recorded.
from: Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and a placebo both significantly reduced symptoms in childAbdominal pain was less severe in intervention group during the 4th month of the study
Additionally, there were no significant differences between groups in the numbers of patients complaining of ... abdominal pain (19/41 vs 25/36)...
The 2 groups did not differ in the duration of abdominal pain, stool type, or absence from school.
It can ameliorate dyspepsia and symptoms of gastritis in patients with HP infection
Parent-reported crying time (mean difference = -0.15 (-0.28, -0.01)), frequency of spitting-up/vomiting (mean difference = -0.18 (-0.34, -0.03)), volume of spit-up (mean difference = -0.20 (-0.32, -0.08)) and fussiness due to spitting-up/vomiting (mean difference = -0.17 (-0.29, -0.05)) were lower in FFI + LR versus FFI-Std and similar to BFI.
the beneficial effect of LR DSM 17938 compared to placebo was significantly evident for symptoms related to gas content and dysbiosis (abdominal discomfort, pain and bloating)
Both L. reuteri and the placebo significantly reduced the frequency and intensity of abdominal pain episodes at four and eight weeks compared to baseline (all p < 0.001).
pain subscore: p = 0.028
at least two double-blind randomized controlled studies on Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 (10^8 CFU/day for at least 21 days) in breast-fed infants
limited but yet encouraging evidence exists for ... L. reuteri DSM 17938 for FAP
Such as colic and regurgitation in infants, functional abdominal pain and functional constipation in children and adolescents