Sabinsa’s LactoSpore shown in study to be safe and effective in children experiencing acute diarrhea
In the study, the probiotic was used as an adjunct to standard treatment, and was found to support recovery.
Photo © iStockphoto.com/shironosov
A recently published study1 found that a proprietary probiotic strain of Weizmannia coagulans (Bacillus coagulans) MTCC 5856 (marketed as LactoSpore by Sabinsa, based in East Windsor, NJ) may be an effective adjunct to treating diarrhea in children. In the study, 110 children between the ages of 1 and 10 were assigned to receive either a combination of the probiotic, oral rehydration solution (ORS), and zinc, or placebo, ORS, and zinc for five days.
Results showed that the mean recovery and net reduction of diarrhea duration was significantly better in the children given the probiotic, while there was not significant differences between groups in the mean frequency of diarrhea. The addition to the probiotic to standard therapy was also shown to be safe and well tolerated by the children.
"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,” said Shaheen Majeed, Sabinsa Global CEO & managing director, in a press release. “This clinical proves improvement in efficacy by the inclusion of LactoSpore with the standard treatment of care of oral hydration solution and zinc."
While the mechanisms of action for the probiotic’s effect on acute diarrhea is not fully understood, the researchers explain that “W. coagulans MTCC 5856 is known to possess a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, which may help to maintain microbial homeostasis and resist the growth of pathogens.” Additionally, because the strain produces lactic acid and short chain fatty acids, this may lower the pH of the gut cavity and inhibit the growth of pathogens.
Reference
- Majeed, M.; Nagabhushanam, K.; Arumugam, S.; Chadalavada, N.; Seepana, J.; Annamalai, T.; Murali, A.; Prakasan, P.; Mundkur, L. Probiotic Weizmannia coagulans MTCC 5856 as adjunct therapy in children's acute diarrhea—a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Front. Pediatr. 2024, 11. DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1338126
