Across 3 studies, all 3 reported beneficial effects of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 on reducing hospitalization duration, with predominantly small to moderate effect sizes. The evidence comes primarily from children with acute gastroenteritis, where a meta-analysis of 3 RCTs (n=284) found a small reduction of 0.54 days (95% CI [-1.09, 0.0]), and one RCT in children under 5 showed a significant benefit. A systematic review in preterm neonates reported a larger reduction of 10.77 days, but this finding is from older, smaller trials. Doses and study durations were inconsistently reported.
Caveats: Evidence base is small (only 3 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. 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). The large effect observed in preterm neonates (-10.77 days) contrasts with the smaller effect in children with gastroenteritis (-0.54 days), suggesting population-specific differences. Doses and study durations were not consistently reported, limiting the ability to recommend a specific regimen.
Adverse events were similar in both groups.
from: Lack of Efficacy of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 for the Treatment of Acute GastroenterThere were no adverse effects of supplementation.
from: Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 as a Probiotic for Preterm Neonates: A Strain-Specific SysL. reuteri use was also associated with a reduced duration of hospitalization (three RCTs, n = 284, MD -0.54 days, 95% CI [-1.09, 0.0]).
Compared with the placebo group, patients in the L. reuteri group had a shorter duration of hospitalization (P = 0.048).
duration of hospitalization (-10.77 days; 95% CI, -13.67 to -7.86; 3 RCTs)