Meta-analysis shows limited evidence for using Lactobacillus acidophilus LB to treat acute gastroenteritis in children

A meta-analysis of four randomised controlled trials of varying methodological quality, involving 304 children aged 1-48months, showed that Lactobacillus acidophilus LB (LB) reduced the duration of diarrhoea in hospitalised, but not outpatient, children compared with a placebo. The chance of a cure on day three was similar in both groups, but LB increased the chance of cure on day four. ConclusionThere is limited evidence to recommend LB for treating paediatric diarrhoea.