Lactobacillus reuteri in infants with functional chronic constipation

This double blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 supplementation in infants with chronic constipation. 44 infants were enrolled, 6-12 months old and all weaned from breast-feeding. L. reuteri was administered for 8 weeks at a dose of 108 CFU in 5 drops of oil suspension, once daily and 30 minutes after feeding. The frequency of bowel movements was significantly increased at 2 (p= 0.042), 4 (p=0.008) and 8 weeks (p=0.027) of treatment among infants who received L. reuteri compared to those given placebo. In the L. reuteri group, the stool consistency was reported as hard in 19/22 (86.4%) infants at baseline, in 11 (50%) at week 2 and in 4 (18.2%) at both weeks 4 and 8. However, there was no significant difference in stool consistency between the two groups at any of the time points.

Conclusion:

Daily supplementation with L. reuteri significantly increased stool frequency in infants with chronic constipation. Given their safety profile, probiotics could be an attractive alternative option in the treatment of functional constipation in infants.

Reference

Martinelli M, Coccorullo P, Miele E, Russo D, Greco L, Staiano A. (2009) Lactobacillus reuteri in infants with functional chronic constipation: a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Presented at the conference Gastro 2009 UEGW/WCOG, 21-25 Nov. 2009, London, UK. Abstract P1129