In September 2019 researchers from Canada published their review of the medical scientific literature to assess the effect of probiotics on the use in children with abdominal pain disorders. A total of 11 studies involving 829 children with abdominal pain were included in the review. It was noted that 400 children had functional abdominal pain, 329 irritable bowel syndrome, 45 functional disorder and 55 a combination. Results showed that there is evidence that probiotics, especially Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, may reduce abdominal pain in children with irritable bowel syndrome. However, there are inconsistent results with respect to other probiotics, including L. reuteri DSM 17938, in reducing pain in patients with functional abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome or functional disorder. Further studies are required.
Ding FCL et al. Probiotics for paediatric functional abdominal pain disorders: A rapid review. Paediatr Child Health. 2019 Sep;24(6):383-394