Probiotics for Kids – Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
By Demi Sumler
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, also known as L. rhamnosus GG, is a type of bacteria found in your intestines, one of the most well-studied and widely used probiotic strains worldwide. It was featured in more than 1,000 scientific studies, and 250 clinical trials (including 40 in children) and has over 30 years of research history. Being a strain of human origin, it has been extensively trialled in thousands of individuals from preterm infants to the elderly and has demonstrated an excellent safety profile. L. rhamnosus GG is capable of attaching to intestinal cells and colonizing the gut to prevent competition from pathogens, and while being resistant to acid and bile, it can survive transit from the stomach to the intestines.
The Benefits of L. rhamnosus GG
When given to kids, L. rhamnosus GG has the ability to help prevent upper respiratory infections and manage various digestive issues such as acute diarrhea or baby colic.
Day Care Infections
Children who attend daycare centers are 3 times more likely to develop a respiratory tract infection than children who stay at home. Probiotic supplementation has been demonstrated in clinical trials to aid in the prevention of respiratory infections in kids. The consumption of L. rhamnosus GG on a daily basis decreased the risk of cough/running nose/the common cold significantly in children 1-7 years old attending daycare centers.1
Diarrhea
A bacterial infection can occasionally be the cause of the common problem of diarrhea. According to studies, L. rhamnosus GG may be used to cure or prevent a variety of diarrheal conditions and was found to significantly reduce the duration of diarrhea and hospital stay. Microbiota disruption caused by antibiotics may cause gut symptoms including diarrhea. Additionally, since antibiotics frequently kill healthy gut bacteria along with dangerous bacteria, taking a probiotic like L. rhamnosus GG after antibiotic treatment can help restore your gut’s healthy bacteria.
Overall, the researchers found L. rhamnosus GG to be an effective treatment option for diarrhea, especially when used in doses of over 10 billion CFU and advised early administration.
Colic
Infant colic, which is characterized by excessive and distressing weeping, affects many families. Three solutions to this issue include behavioural support, a cow’s milk exclusion diet either for the breastfeeding mother or an extensively hydrolyzed formula for the newborn.
There aren’t any known ways to reliably avoid colic, thus it’s crucial to determine whether probiotic nutrition from birth can prevent the onset of colic. Taking a probiotic supplement may have an impact on the child’s developing gut microbiota and lessen the chance of colic due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, probiotic supplementation effects on colic can depend on the strain.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial suggests early L. rhamnosus GG supplementation could alleviate symptoms associated with crying and fussing in preterm infants. The probiotic group has significantly fewer excessive criers compared to the control group.2
IBS
IBS and changes in the body’s natural gut flora may be related. For example, individuals (including children) with IBS may have lower levels of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium bacteria but higher levels of potentially hazardous Clostridium, Streptococcus, and E. coli bacteria. Studies reveal that consuming foods or taking supplements high in Lactobacillus may help with common IBS symptoms including discomfort in the stomach.
Studies show that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG use moderately improves treatment outcomes in kids with functional gastrointestinal disorders linked to abdominal pain, especially in kids with IBS.
1． Hojsak, I., Snovak, N., et al. (2010) ‘Lactobacillus GG in the prevention of gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections in children who attend day care centers: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial’, Clinical Nutrition, 29(3). doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2009.09.008.
2. Pärtty, A. et al. (2013) ‘Effects of Early Prebiotic and Probiotic Supplementation on Development of Gut Microbiota and Fussing and Crying in Preterm Infants: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial’; The Journal of Pediatrics, 163(5). doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2013.05.035.