Probiotics seem to be efficacious for the management of acute diarrhea but the effect is strain specific. This randomized, double-blind trial was conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 derived from L. reuteri ATCC 55730 (dose of 4 × 10(8) colony-forming units/die) in children with acute diarrhea. Subjects included children (6-36 months; N = 69) who had been hospitalized with acute diarrhea and had clinical signs of dehydration. Lactobacillus reuteri significantly reduced the duration of watery diarrhea compared to placebo (2.1 ± 1.7 days vs. 3.3 ± 2.1 days; P < 0.03). On day two and three of treatment, watery diarrhea persisted in 82% and 74% of the placebo group, and 55% and 45% of the treatment group, respectively (P < 0.01; P < 0.03). Finally, the L. reuteri group had a significantly lower relapse rate of diarrhea (15% vs. 42%; P < 0.03) although no significant differences in hospital stay were noted between the groups. This study revealed that L . reuteri DSM 17938 as an adjunct to rehydration therapy is efficacious and safe in the treatment of acute diarrhea. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2012 Aug;36(4):363-9. PMID: 22680836
