Approach to probiotics in pediatrics: the role of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.

2022-02-01
Archivos argentinos de pediatria 120(1)
- Christian Boggio Marzet
- Fernando Burgos
- Mónica Del Compare
- Ingrid Gerold
- Omar Tabacco
- Gabriel Vinderola

PubMed: 35068121
DOI: 10.5546/aap.2022.eng.e1

Study Design

Type: Review
Population: pediatrics
Methods: descriptive review of probiotic use in pediatrics, focused on Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG

Preterm birth, C-sections, antibiotics, and limited breastfeeding contribute to the increase in noncommunicable diseases. Our objective was to perform a descriptive review of probiotic use in pediatrics, focused on Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Certain probiotics have demonstrated to be effective in acute diarrhea and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. L. rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii may shorten their duration and symptoms. L. reuteri DSM 17938 and L. rhamnosus GG were effective to manage infant colic. The use of this strain in infant formulas for cow's milk protein allergy may promote an earlier tolerance acquisition. In relation to the prevention of atopic dermatitis, the administration of L. rhamnosus GG during pregnancy reduced its development in the infant. The use of probiotics as adjuvants is a possibility to consider in current pediatric practice.

Research Insights

Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938→Reduced Infant Colics
L. reuteri DSM 17938 and L. rhamnosus GG were effective to manage infant colic.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG→Improved Cow's Milk Protein Tolerance Acquisition
The use of this strain in infant formulas for cow's milk protein allergy may promote an earlier tolerance acquisition.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG→Reduced Atopic Dermatitis Development
the administration of L. rhamnosus GG during pregnancy reduced its development in the infant.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG→Reduced Duration of Diarrhea
L. rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii may shorten their duration and symptoms.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG→Reduced Infant Colics
L. reuteri DSM 17938 and L. rhamnosus GG were effective to manage infant colic.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG→Reduced Symptoms of Acute Diarrhea
L. rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii may shorten their duration and symptoms.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
saccharomyces boulardii→Reduced Duration of Diarrhea
L. rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii may shorten their duration and symptoms.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
saccharomyces boulardii→Reduced Symptoms of Acute Diarrhea
L. rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii may shorten their duration and symptoms.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small

Adverse Events Reported

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG→Overall tolerability
The use of this strain in infant formulas for cow's milk protein allergy may promote an earlier tolerance acquisition.
Finding
Reported
saccharomyces boulardii→Overall tolerability
L. rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii may shorten their duration and symptoms.
Finding
Reported
Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938→Overall tolerability
L. reuteri DSM 17938 and L. rhamnosus GG were effective to manage infant colic.
Finding
Reported