Probiotics reduce diarrhea in children
Researchers from Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Australia evaluated a milk product containing probiotics and prebiotics (Cupday Milk) on the incidence of diarrhea in children in daycare centers.
First, the details.
- 496 children aged 1-3 years attending 29 childcare centers in Perth, Australia were studied.
- The diarrhea rates were analyzed in all of the children who started the study and compared to those who took the Cupday for more than 10 days.
- The endpoint for the study was the number of days in which children had 4 or more stools.
And, the results.
- The children consuming Cupday for more than 10 days had a 20% reduction in the number of days they had 4 or more stools per day.
The bottom line?
Similarly, researchers at Ben-Gurion University in Beer-Sheva, Israel reported that “Compared to standard formulas, infant formulas supplemented with probiotics — especially Lactobacillus reuteri — may curb gastrointestinal illnesses such as diarrhea and may reduce the number of absences from child care due to illness.”
These results are important from an economic perspective. For example, a study in Canada found that healthcare costs and indirect (work-loss) costs ranged from $350 to $2,663 per person depending on the severity of the illness.
It’s expensive, not to mention the stress it places on your career.
For a working parent(s), the last thing you want to hear in the morning is that little Johnny has to stay home from daycare because he’s sick.
2/27/08 20:25 JR