Data published in Frontiers in Pediatrics indicated that LactoSpore (Weizmannia coagulans MTCC 5856) plus the oral rehydration solution and zinc reduced the duration of diarrhea in children by an average of 18% (or over 11 hours) compared to the oral rehydration solution and zinc alone.
“This is the first time the specific strain of W. coagulans MTCC 5856 is being tested for the safety and efficacy in children with acute diarrhea, which make the results clinically important for health professionals, including general practitioners, general pediatricians, pediatric gastroenterologists, and nutritionists,” wrote the researchers, led by the Dr. Muhammed Majeed, the late founder and chairman of the Sami-Sabinsa Group.
The company funded the trial.
LactoSpore
The study adds to the body of science supporting the health benefits or W. coagulans (formerly known as Bacillus coagulans) MTCC 5856. Other studies have shown, for example, the strain may decrease clinical symptoms of IBS like bloating, vomiting and more, may reduce IBS-related depression symptoms, and may also help manage high cholesterol levels.
Commenting on the new study’s findings, Shaheen Majeed, global CEO and managing director at Sabinsa, said: "All age groups need beneficial bacteria in their gut, and kids especially, so it’s important to add to the range of clinical research for common childhood conditions. This clinical proves improvement in efficacy by the inclusion of LactoSpore with the standard treatment of care of oral hydration solution and zinc."
Study details
Dr. Majeed and his co-workers recruited 110 non-hospitalized children to participate in their randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The children, who were aged between 2 and 10 years old, were all given oral rehydration solution (ORS) and zinc with or without 0.4 billion spores of W. coagulans MTCC 5856 for five days.
The results showed that the frequency of diarrhea was lower in children supplemented with the probiotic, and the perceived efficacy score and dehydration status improved significantly.
Additionally, no adverse effects were reported in the children during the study.
“The present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial showed that W. coagulans MTCC 5856 supplemented with ORS and Zn had comparatively more efficacy than ORS and Zn treatment alone in managing acute diarrhea in children without malnutrition,” the researchers concluded.
Source: Frontiers in Pediatrics
Volume 11, doi: 10.3389/fped.2023.1338126
“Probiotic Weizmannia coagulans MTCC 5856 as adjunct therapy in children's acute diarrhea—a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study”
Authors: M. Majeed, et al.