From the Research
The recommended dose of Lactobacillus for pediatric patients is 1 to 10 billion colony-forming units (CFU) per day, taken orally, with a specific dose of ≥ 10^9 CFU per day showing effectiveness in reducing the duration of diarrhea. This dose can be administered as a single daily dose or divided into multiple doses throughout the day. For specific conditions, the following doses are recommended:
- Acute diarrhea: 10 billion CFU per day for 5-7 days
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea prevention: 5-10 billion CFU per day during antibiotic treatment and for 1-2 weeks after
- General gut health maintenance: 1-3 billion CFU per day Lactobacillus can be found in various forms, including capsules, powders, and liquid suspensions. Choose a form that's easy for the child to take. Always follow the specific product's instructions, as concentrations can vary. The dosage recommendation is based on the amount typically needed to colonize the gut and provide beneficial effects without overwhelming the child's system, as supported by a systematic review and meta-analysis 1.
The effectiveness of Lactobacillus in reducing the duration of diarrhea has been demonstrated in several studies, including a randomized controlled trial that showed a significant reduction in diarrhea duration with a dose of 10 billion CFU per day 2. Additionally, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that Lactobacillus reduced the duration of diarrhea by 0.7 days and the frequency of diarrhea on day 2 by 1.6 stools 3. A dose-dependent effect of Lactobacillus on reducing faecal rotavirus shedding has also been observed, with a minimal effective dose of 6 x 10^8 CFU per day for 3 days 4.
It is essential to note that while the evidence supports the use of Lactobacillus in pediatric patients, the quality of the evidence varies, and more research is needed to confirm the optimal dose and duration of treatment. However, based on the available evidence, a dose of ≥ 10^9 CFU per day is recommended for pediatric patients with acute diarrhea 1.