Numerous articles have questioned the effectiveness of probiotics for many of the conditions for which they have been promoted.  A recent systematic review (T Newlover-Delgado, et al. JAMA Pediatr. Published online December 28, 2018. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.4575) concludes that probiotics “may be effective in the shorter term in improving pain in children with” recurrent abdominal pain (RAP). Thanks to Ben Gold for this reference.

This study extended findings from a 2009 Cochrane review (Huertas-Ceballos AA, et al Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2009; (1):CD003019).  In total, the authors identified 19 eligible studies; of these 15 were not included in the previous review. The most common probiotic studied was Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in 5 trials.

Key findings:

• At 0 to 3 months postintervention, ‘based on moderate-quality evidence (odds ratio [OR], 1.63, 95% CI 1.07-2.47; 7 studies, 772 children). The number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome was 8.” 
• There were only 2 studies with results extending 3 to 6 months.  These studies also found reduction in pain in the probiotic-treated children, OR 1.94 (CI 1.10-3.43). 
• Interestingly, the authors note that fiber-based treatments were not considered more effective than placebo, despite a similar OR of 1.83.  Due to the small number of children in these studies with fiber (n=136), the CI were wide: 0.92-3.65.

The authors discuss some of the limitations such as variations in definitions, choice of probiotic and dosage, and short-term duration.  There is not a discussion of selection bias.  It is quite possible that some negative studies were completed which were not published which could further lower or eliminate the potential benefit.

My take: Probiotics may be helpful for children with recurrent abdominal pain; it is certainly not a panacea.

Related blog posts:

• Evidence-Based IBS Treatment Recommendations from ACG
• One for the probiotic skeptics: Lack of effectiveness for acute gastroenteritis
• Probiotics -Lack of Efficacy for Acute Gastroenteritis (Part 2)
• The Truth about Probiotics: Constipation Version
• Are Probiotics Effective in Changing the Microbiome?
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Associated with Increased Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Observational Study
• How helpful are probiotics?
• Balanced summary of probiotics & Microbiome effects on brain

Moon over Zabriskie Point, Death Valley -just before sunrise

Almost sunrise at Zabriskie Point, Death Valley