Probiotics Won't Help Kids With Stomach Flu

Probiotics are not effective in improving symptoms in young patients with gastroenteritis or stomach flu, stated new research.

Probiotics may not actually help ease symptoms of vomiting and diarrohea in children with stomach flu, shows new study.

The study, involving nearly 1,000 children aged 3 months to 4 years, provides evidence against the popular and costly //use of probiotics -- live microorganisms believed to restore the balance of intestinal bacteria and boost the immune system.

Gastroenteritis / Stomach Flu - Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Prevention
Gastroenteritis or Stomach Flu or Gastric flu is highly contagious and infectious inflammation of stomach, small and large intestines that causes diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and abdominal cramps.

‘There are no treatments for pediatric acute gastroenteritis other than giving children fluids to prevent dehydration and, sometimes, medication to relieve nausea. ’

"Probiotics had no effect on the children. Parents are better off saving their money and using it to buy more fresh fruits and vegetables for their children," said study co-author, Phillip Tarr, Professor at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

The findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed that a commonly used probiotic is not effective in improving symptoms in young patients with gastroenteritis, popularly known as "stomach flu".

The researchers evaluated a common probiotic known as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, or LGG, which is sold over the counter as Culturelle. Certain versions of the probiotic are intended for babies and children.

Nausea and Vomiting - Symptom Evaluation
Nausea and vomiting is a common problem that could be caused by conditions affecting the digestive tract or other systems of the body or due to infections.

The lack of options has prompted some physicians and parents to give ill children probiotics, the researchers said.

Source-IANS

Probiotics - Support System for the Gut
Probiotics are live microorganisms that resemble the “good bacteria” in our gut. Science is yet to fully explore the healing potential of probiotics; meanwhile some studies have ruled in their favor.

Quiz on Probiotics
Though probiotics have been a part of our diet since ancient times, their use as medicines has been relatively recent. Test your knowledge on probiotics by taking this quiz.