November 17/Somerville, MA/Natural Standard -- Probiotics may prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) in children, according to a new study.

In a new review, researchers conducted comprehensive literature search for well-designed clinical trials evaluating the effects of probiotics on ADD in children. Additionally, each study was required to compare probiotics to placebo, active alternative prophylaxis, or no treatment, and measure the incidence of diarrhea secondary to antibiotic.

Sixteen well-designed clinical trials included 3,432 children receiving antibiotics were ultimately included in the review. A variety of probiotic strains were used. The researchers found that despite methodological flaws, the overall evidence suggests a protective effect of probiotics in preventing AAD. Additional study in this area is needed.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria (sometimes referred to as "friendly germs") that help to maintain the health of the intestinal tract and aid in digestion. They also help keep potentially harmful organisms in the gut (harmful bacteria and yeasts) under control.

Most probiotics come from food sources, especially cultured milk products. Probiotics may be consumed as capsules, tablets, beverages, powders, yogurts and other foods.

From the November 18,Prepared Foods’ Daily News