A randomised, single blinded (effects analyst), multi-centre study on the efficacy of L. reuteri DSM 17938 in children aged 3 – 60 months, and treated in their homes for acute diarrhoea for five days. 29 children were randomised to the L. reuteri group and 31 to the control group. Both groups received conventional rehydration therapy, but the control group received no probiotic. 

Compared to controls, duration of diarrhoea was significantly reduced, and at 48 hours 55% of the children were free from diarrhoea vs. 13% in the control group. From the 72nd hour of intervention, there was no difference between the two groups in the percentage of children with watery diarrhoea. No study-related adverse events were reported.

Conclusions: L. reuteri Protectis was effective in the management of acute diarrhoea in outpatient children:

• Significantly reduced duration of diarrhoea 
• 55% of children recovered after 48 hours
• First study to show that L. reuteri Protectis is effective also in outpatient children