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Probiotics for Constipation in Infants

Probiotics increased frequency of bowel movements in infants with chronic constipation.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, researchers at a clinic in Italy randomized 44 infants (age, >6 months; mean, 8 months) with functional chronic constipation to receive a suspension of the probioticLactobacillus reuteri or placebo once daily 30 minutes after feeding for 8 weeks.

On the basis of parental report, frequency of bowel movement was significantly higher in the treatment group than in the placebo group beginning at week 2. At week 8, the proportion of infants in the probiotic group with 5 to 7 bowel movements per week had increased from 18% (at baseline) to 82%, compared with an increase from 23% to 55% in the placebo group. Stool consistency did not differ between the two groups. The frequency of inconsolable crying episodes increased in both groups, but there was no significant difference between the groups in the prevalence of crying at any time.

Comment: These results are somewhat difficult to interpret because adjustments were not made for baseline differences in constipation characteristics between groups (e.g., rectal impaction), and episodes of inconsolable crying increased in both groups. Nevertheless, the results are consistent with those from other studies that have reported positive effects of probiotics for gastrointestinal disorders (JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Feb 1 2005) and suggest that L. reuteri can join the list of treatments for constipation, including elimination of cow's milk

Published in Journal Watch Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine November 3, 2010