EFFECTIVENESS OF PROBIOTICS IN REDUCING THE DURATION OF ACUTE DIARRHEA IN CHILDREN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Acute diarrhea remains a leading cause of pediatric morbidity worldwide, with significant implications for child health, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Although oral rehydration therapy (ORT) reduces mortality, it does not significantly shorten illness duration. Probiotics have emerged as a potential adjunctive treatment.

Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics in reducing the duration and severity of acute diarrhea in children under 10 years of age.

Methods: The review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and included randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews published between 2000 and 2025. Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria focused on pediatric populations receiving probiotic therapy versus placebo, ORS, or antibiotics.

Results: Sixteen studies met the eligibility criteria, representing over 25,000 pediatric patients. Most studies reported a reduction in diarrhea duration by 1–2 days, especially with Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Some meta-analyses found moderate to high efficacy, although strain-specific and population-specific variations were noted.

Conclusion: Probiotics, particularly S. boulardii and L. rhamnosus GG, effectively reduce the duration of acute diarrhea in children. Their integration with ORS and zinc therapy offers an evidence-based, low-risk strategy to improve outcomes in pediatric gastrointestinal care.