WebMD Medical News Laura J. Martin, MD May 23, 2011 --
Researchers in Europe say a fermented dairy product containing a
specific bacterium known as a probiotic did not relieve
constipation in children more than a dairy product without a
probiotic. The finding is significant, the researchers say,
because probiotics have helped some adults with constipation. It
seemed logical that probiotics, live microorganisms that are
often called “friendly” or “good” bacteria, might work for
children. But in a new study the kids who consumed the fermented
dairy product did no better, based on number of stools produced,
than youngsters in a comparison group. The study examined 159
children with constipation for at least two months with a
defecation rate of less than three times per week. About half
were given the probiotic product twice daily for three weeks;
children in the comparison group were given a dairy product
without the probiotic. In the study, the fermented dairy product
that contained B lactis strain DN-173 010 i