Acute diarrhoea

Diarrhoeal diseases are among the most common health problems affecting children worldwide. Rotavirus infection is one of the most prevalent causes. With symptoms of sudden, severe bouts of diarrhoea and vomiting it causes 600,000 deaths globally each year.

Enormous emotional and economic stress

In the U.S., rotavirus is the reason behind 45% of diarrhoea cases in children and responsible for 500,000 physician visits annually. Apart from causing fear, stress, and disruption in normal family life, rotavirus has a significant economic impact.

Microflora changes

During periods of acute diarrhoea the normal GI microflora is radically changed, including decreases in Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides species. Rotavirus diarrhoea is associated with increased intestinal permeability.

Proven efficacy with L. reuteri on acute diarrhoea

Several studies indicate that supplementation of lactobacilli can accelerate normalisation of the host’s microbial balance and thereby shorten acute episodes of diarrhoeal disease. Studies with L. reuteri have resulted in alleviating the severity as well as reducing the duration of diarrhoea due to rotavirus (2-7).