Microbial cells outnumber human cells 10 over 1 in our bodies. Most of these microorganisms live in the skin, the mouth, the vagina and in the gut. Many gut floras, as they are called, are beneficial. They help to extract nutrients from foods, manufacture vitamin K and the B vitamins and detoxify carcinogens. Most importantly, they stimulate the immune system and inhibit harmful bacteria. In so doing, they help to prevent the development of autoimmune diseases, allergic diseases and bowel disorders, according to a 2005 article published on the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide website.
When children are put on antibiotics, the gut microbiota is disturbed, as the antibiotics kill the bacteria normally inhabiting in the gut. One of the best-known side effects is diarrhea. However, prolonged antibiotic treatment may precipitate other conditions, such as immune disorders, autoimmune diseases and nutrient deficiencies. Some of these side effects have been shown be preventable with probiotic supplementation.
The World Health Organization defines probiotics as "live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host." The beneficial effect of probiotics depends on the strain of the microorganisms. Different strains can elicit different effects. To ensure efficacy, it's important to choose the strains that have been proven clinically to be efficacious.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is one of the best-studied probiotic strains, with a documented safety record in infants and children. In a study done in Finland, 119 infants and children with respiratory infection were randomized to receive either Lactobacillus GG or placebo with their antibiotic treatments, according to a 2002 article in the journal "Pediatrics." The group with Lactobacillus GG had a 75 percent reduction in incidences of diarrhea. The result was validated subsequently in a large number of trials.
Saccharomyces boulardii
Saccharomyces boulardii is actually a yeast strain not derived from human sources. But it has similar efficacy to that of Lactobacillus GG against antibiotics-associated diarrhea, reducing the risk of diarrhea by 80 percent in infants and children in a placebo-controlled trial. A review published in a 2008 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology" found that Saccharomyces boulardii is also the strain of choice for acute watery diarrhea caused by rotavirus infection in infants and children. Supplementation shortened the duration of diarrhea by a little more than one day.
Bifidobacterium lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus
Bifidobacterium lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus have been shown to reduce the risk of antibiotics-associated diarrhea by 50 percent in a randomized control trial. However, the overall evidence for these two strains is weaker compared with Lactobacillus GG and S. Boulardii, according to the "Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology."
For all the strains, start the probiotics early and preferably with the onset of antibiotic treatment. Doses of the probiotics need to be high enough for the organisms to survive the digestive tract and colonize the gut. Most studies use doses of at least 10 billion a day. Be sure to consult with your doctor before starting a child on probiotic supplements.
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