Derya İLHAN, Soner Sertan KARA, Eda SOMUNCU, Nezihe Bilge BAHÇECİ, İlknur ÇAĞLAR, Şule DEMİR
Annals of Clinical and Analytical Medicine - 2026;17(10):1078-1082
Aim: This study investigated whether a new supplement combining prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics could help children recover faster from acute gastroenteritis (AGE), a common illness that often leads to dehydration and hospitalization. Methods: In a randomized, single-masked, placebo-controlled trial, 120 children aged 1-10 years with AGE were assigned to receive either the combined supplement or a placebo, in addition to standard oral rehydration therapy. The study group received one sachet per day containing a combined preparation of 5x10? CFU heat-killed (tyndallized) Lactobacillus acidophilus, 2.1x10? CFU live bacteria (L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis), and 133.37 mg fructo-oligosaccharides. Researchers monitored children for 5 days, tracking the frequency of diarrhea and vomiting, and changes in stool consistency using the Bristol Stool Scale. Results: Of the 120 children, 106 completed the study. The group receiving the supplement had a significantly shorter duration of diarrhea (7 vs. 8 days, P = .043), faster resolution of vomiting ( P < .001), and better stool consistency starting from the second day. Importantly, no adverse effects were observed among any participants. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the combined prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic supplement is both safe and effective for children with AGE, helping reduce symptom duration and severity when used alongside standard rehydration therapy.
