Fermented Milk Containing Bifidobacterium lactis DN-173 010 in Childhood Constipation: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial

Abstract

WHAT'S KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT:Chronic constipation is a common problem in childhood. In two randomized trials in adults with irritable bowel syndrome and constipation, and 1 in constipated women with a defecation frequency Ͻ3 times per week, a significant increase was shown in stool frequency in the probiotic group who used Bifidobacterium lactis DN-173 010 compared with the control group in subjects who had Ͻ3 stools per week. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS:In constipated children, the fermented dairy product that contained B lactis strain DN-173 010 increased stool frequency, but this increase was comparable to that of the control group. There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend fermented dairy products that contain B lactis strain DN-173 010 for these patients. abstract BACKGROUND: Constipation is a frustrating symptom affecting 3% of children worldwide. A fermented dairy product containing Bifidobacterium lactis strain DN-173 010 was effective in increasing stool frequency in constipated women. Our aim was to assess the effects of this product in constipated children. METHODS: In this prospective randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, 159 constipated children (defecation frequency Ͻ 3 times per week) were randomly allocated to receive either a fermented dairy product that contains B lactis DN-173 010 (n ϭ 79) or a control product (n ϭ 80) twice a day for 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in stool frequency from baseline to after 3 weeks of product consumption. Analyses were by intention to treat. RESULTS: Eleven children did not return to any follow-up visit (5 in the probiotic group, 6 in the control group) and were therefore excluded from the final analysis. Thus, 74 children in each group were analyzed. The change in stool frequency from baseline to after 3 weeks of product consumption increased in both groups, but the difference was not statistically significant (2.9 Ϯ 3.2 in probiotic group versus 2.6 Ϯ 2.6 in control group, P ϭ .35). There were no serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: In constipated children, the fermented dairy product containing B lactis strain DN-173 010 did increase stool frequency, but this increase was comparable in the control group. There is currently not sufficient evidence to recommend fermented dairy products containing B lactis strain DN-173 010 in this category of patients. Future studies should focus on whether a longer period of probiotic products is more effective in children who have a short history of constipation.

Fermented beverages with health-promoting potential: Past and future perspectives

“…However, most of the traditional fermented to help alleviate constipation (Tabbers et al, 2011). Additionally, they have been shown to have 268 modulatory effects on the brain, and demonstrate anti-cancer potential (Kumar et al, 2012; 269 Tillisch et al, 2013 (Hugenholtz, 2013).…”

Factors that negatively influence consumption of traditionally fermented milk (mursik) among preschool children (1-5 years old) in Kapseret location -Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

“…The proteolysis that occurs in fermenting milk results in a higher content of peptides and free amino acids, especially cystine, histidine, and asparagine, which play various roles in health, and produce a more digestible food than milk per se [22]. The breakdown of lactose by the bacteria containing β-galactosidase in the fermentation process allows many lactoseintolerant individuals to consume the milk product [23]. Lactic acid bacteria have the ability to re-synthesize vitamins such as folate that were destroyed by milk pasteurization that occurs prior to fermentation [24].…”

Randomized Double-blind Controlled Trial: Benefits of Lactobacillus reuteri in Chronic Functional Constipation Patients

“…Subjects were divided into two groups, 20 subjects (50%) were given placebo and 20 subjects (50%) were given L. reuteri, and there was no drop out subject. Ranges of Agachan scores before treatment in placebo and L. reuteri group are 16.00 (15-19), dan 17.00 (16)(17)(18)(19)(20) Table 1.…”

“…Coccurullo et al, Tabbers et al, and An et al reported and consistency of defecation in patients taking probiotics. 16,18,19 This research was conducted because of the differences in the reported results of various studies on the use of L. reuteri in chronic constipation patients, and the lack of research on chronic constipation in adult patients which were assessed based on various aspects of constipation.…”