Lactobacillus GG is a Non-Effective Addition to Lactulose Treatment

Category: Children's Health

Children with chronic constipation are often prescribed lactulose. Lactulose is broken down in the gut and the by-products pull water into the colon and ease constipation. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus GG (LGG) are often thought to benefit constipation by replenishing the natural bacteria in the colon and restoring balance.

A study published in the March issue of the Journal of Pediatrics looked at the effects of adding LGG to the standard treatment of lactulose. 84 children who had chronic constipation for greater than 12 weeks (less than 3 bowel movements a week) were enrolled in the study. The treatment group was given 10^9 colony forming units (cfu) of LGG as well as lactulose. The primary outcome measure was treatment success.

They found no significant difference between the two groups in terms of treatment success. The authors concluded that the addition of probiotics at this dose for adjunctive treatment of constipation was not effective. They suggest a trial with a higher dosage.

Posted by on January 20, 2006 10:29 AM