Disappointing probiotics in children’s constipation
The prevalence of constipation in children may be less frequent (2%) than that of adults (20%), but it can be serious if their constipation is prolonged. Studies of standard treatments (such as laxatives) for prolonged constipation in children have shown no benefits. Some probiotic strains are effective for the treatment of paediatric diarrhoea and some strains show promise for paediatric constipation.
Although few studies demonstrated that some strains of probiotics were not that much effective for the treatment of prolonged constipation in children. But a few negative studies should not rule out the possibility that it may be effective.
However, the bottom line is — probiotics should still be administered for the treatment of such cases. Certainly, more studies are needed to completely deny the benefits of probiotics.
The writer is an Assistant Professor of Department of Paediatrics, NICVD. E-mail: ashahriar@dhaka.net
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments