Probiotics for functional gastrointestinal disorders

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) often lead to referral to a paediatrician during the first 6 months of life and are often responsible for hospitalisation, feeding changes, use of drugs, parental anxiety, and loss of parental working days with relevant social consequences. Among the many dietary interventions that have been reported to help manage symptoms of FGIDs is supplementation with the probiotic, Lactobacillus reuteri. This article expounds on the evidence supporting oral supplementation with L reuteri to address symptoms of colic, regurgitation and functional constipation. 

“Current evidence suggests that L reuteri may be effective in the prevention of some functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as colic and regurgitation. Preliminary data also suggest that L reuteri may be useful for treating functional constipation.”

Click here to read highlights from this video

Click here to read highlights from Prof Aw’s speech on Common GI Woes in Infants