11.01.10
Nutraceutical: Probiotics
Indication: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Source: J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, July 2010;51(1):24-30.
Research: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common problem in children, for which no safe and effective treatment is available. Probiotics have shown some promising results in adult studies, but no positive study has been published on children. Researchers investigated the efficacy of VSL#3 in a population of children and teenagers affected by IBS, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study conducted in seven pediatric gastroenterology divisions. Children ages 4 to 18 years of age, meeting eligibility criteria, were enrolled. The patients were assessed through questionnaire for a 2-week baseline period. They were then randomized to receive either VSL#3 or a placebo for 6 weeks, with controls every 2 weeks. At the end, after a “wash-out” period of 2 weeks, each patient was switched to the other group and followed for a further 6 weeks.
Results: A total of 59 children completed the study. Although placebo was effective in some of the parameters and in as many as half of the patients, VSL#3 was significantly superior in the primary endpoint, the subjective assessment of relief of symptoms; as well as in 3 of 4 secondary endpoints: abdominal pain/discomfort, abdominal bloating/gassiness and family assessment of life disruption. Researchers concluded that VSL#3 is safe and more effective than placebo in ameliorating symptoms and improving the quality of life in children affected by IBS.