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Baenas I, Camacho-Barcia L, Miranda-Olivos R, Solé-Morata N, Misiolek A, Jiménez-Murcia S, Fernández-Aranda F. Probiotic and prebiotic interventions in eating disorders: A narrative review. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2024; 32:1085-1104. [PMID: 38297469 DOI: 10.1002/erv.3069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
AIMS The review aimed to summarise and discuss findings focused on therapeutic probiotic and prebiotic interventions in eating disorders (ED). METHODS Using PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science all published studies were retrieved until February 2023, following PRISMA guidelines. From the 111 initial studies, 5 met the inclusion criteria for this review. RESULTS All studies included in this narrative review were focused on anorexia nervosa (AN). Three longitudinal, randomised, controlled trials aimed to evaluate interventions with probiotics (Lactobacillus reuteri, yoghurt with Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus) in children and adolescents. These studies primarily emphasised medical outcomes and anthropometric measures following the administration of probiotics. However, the findings yielded mixed results in terms of short-term weight gain or alterations in specific immunological parameters. With a lower level of evidence, supplementation with synbiotics (probiotic + prebiotic) has been associated with improvements in microbiota diversity and attenuation of inflammatory responses. CONCLUSIONS Research on probiotics and prebiotics in ED is limited, primarily focussing on anorexia nervosa (AN). Their use in AN regarding medical and anthropometric outcomes needs further confirmation and future research should be warranted to assess their impact on psychological and ED symptomatology, where there is a notable gap in the existing literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Baenas
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Bellvitge University Hospital, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviours, Neuroscience Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Doctoral Program in Medicine and Translational Research, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucía Camacho-Barcia
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Bellvitge University Hospital, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviours, Neuroscience Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Romina Miranda-Olivos
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Bellvitge University Hospital, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviours, Neuroscience Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Doctoral Program in Medicine and Translational Research, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neus Solé-Morata
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Bellvitge University Hospital, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandra Misiolek
- Proyecto Autoestima Relaciones y Trastornos Alimenticios (ART), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Jiménez-Murcia
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Bellvitge University Hospital, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviours, Neuroscience Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Psychology Services, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Fernández-Aranda
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Bellvitge University Hospital, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviours, Neuroscience Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
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He W, Bertram HC, Yin JY, Nie SP. Lactobacilli and Their Fermented Foods as a Promising Strategy for Enhancing Bone Mineral Density: A Review. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:17730-17745. [PMID: 39078823 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c03218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Lactobacilli fermentation possesses special nutritional and health values to food, especially in improving diseases related to the gut microbiota such as osteoporosis risk. Previous research indicates that lactobacilli-fermented foods have the potential to enhance the bone mineral density (BMD), as suggested by some clinical studies. Nonetheless, there is currently a lack of comprehensive summaries of the effects and potential mechanisms of lactobacilli-fermented foods on BMD. This review summarizes findings from preclinical and clinical studies, revealing that lactobacilli possess the potential to mitigate age-related and secondary factor-induced bone loss. Furthermore, these findings imply that lactobacilli are likely mediated through the modulation of bone remodeling via gut inflammation-related pathways. Additionally, lactobacilli fermentation may augment calcium accessibility through directly promoting calcium absorption or modifying food constituents. Considering the escalating global health challenge of bone-related issues among the elderly population, this review may offer a valuable reference for the development of food strategies aimed at preventing osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei He
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, China-Canada Joint Lab of Food Science and Technology (Nanchang), Nanchang University, 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, Jiangxi, China
| | | | - Jun-Yi Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, China-Canada Joint Lab of Food Science and Technology (Nanchang), Nanchang University, 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shao-Ping Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, China-Canada Joint Lab of Food Science and Technology (Nanchang), Nanchang University, 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, Jiangxi, China
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Himmerich H, Keeler JL, Davies HL, Tessema SA, Treasure J. The evolving profile of eating disorders and their treatment in a changing and globalised world. Lancet 2024; 403:2671-2675. [PMID: 38705161 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(24)00874-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Hubertus Himmerich
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Johanna Louise Keeler
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Helena L Davies
- Center for Eating and Feeding Disorders Research, Mental Health Center Ballerup, Copenhagen University Hospital-Mental Health Services CPH, Copenhagen, Denmark; Institute of Biological Psychiatry, Mental Health Center Sct. Hans, Mental Health Services Copenhagen, Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | - Janet Treasure
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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4
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Ribera C, Sánchez-Ortí JV, Clarke G, Marx W, Mörkl S, Balanzá-Martínez V. Probiotic, prebiotic, synbiotic and fermented food supplementation in psychiatric disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 158:105561. [PMID: 38280441 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
The use of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics or fermented foods can modulate the gut-brain axis and constitute a potentially therapeutic intervention in psychiatric disorders. This systematic review aims to identify current evidence regarding these interventions in the treatment of patients with DSM/ICD psychiatric diagnoses. Forty-seven articles from 42 studies met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was assessed in all included studies. Major depression was the most studied disorder (n = 19 studies). Studies frequently focused on schizophrenia (n = 11) and bipolar disorder (n = 5) and there were limited studies in anorexia nervosa (n = 4), ADHD (n = 3), Tourette (n = 1), insomnia (n = 1), PTSD (n = 1) and generalized anxiety disorder (n = 1). Except in MDD, current evidence does not clarify the role of probiotics and prebiotics in the treatment of mental illness. Several studies point to an improvement in the immune and inflammatory profile (e.g. CRP, IL6), which may be a relevant mechanism of action of the therapeutic response identified in these studies. Future research should consider lifestyle and dietary habits of patients as possible confounders that may influence inter-individual treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Ribera
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Department of Psychiatry, Blasco Ibañez 17, floor 7B, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Joan Vicent Sánchez-Ortí
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; INCLIVA - Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain; TMAP - Evaluation Unit in Personal Autonomy, Dependency and Serious Mental Disorders, University of Valencia, Fundación INCLIVA, Av. Menéndez y Pelayo 4, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Gerard Clarke
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Dept of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, College Rd, 1.15 Biosciences Building, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Wolfgang Marx
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Food & Mood Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, 299 Ryrie street, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia.
| | - Sabrina Mörkl
- Division of Medical Psychology, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010 Graz, Austria.
| | - Vicent Balanzá-Martínez
- INCLIVA - Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain; TMAP - Evaluation Unit in Personal Autonomy, Dependency and Serious Mental Disorders, University of Valencia, Fundación INCLIVA, Av. Menéndez y Pelayo 4, 46010 Valencia, Spain; Teaching Unit of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Valencia. Blasco Ibañez 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain.; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; VALSME (Valencia Salut Mental i Estigma) Research Group, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
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Rosa D, Zablah RA, Vazquez-Frias R. Unraveling the complexity of Disorders of the Gut-Brain Interaction: the gut microbiota connection in children. Front Pediatr 2024; 11:1283389. [PMID: 38433954 PMCID: PMC10904537 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1283389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
"Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs)," formerly referred to as "Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs)," encompass a prevalent array of chronic or recurring gastrointestinal symptoms that notably impact the quality of life for affected children and their families. Recent studies have elucidated the intricate pathophysiology of DGBIs, underscoring their correlation with gut microbiota. This review seeks to explore the present comprehension of the gut microbiota's role in DGBI development. While other factors can contribute to DGBIs, the gut microbiota prominently influences the onset and progression of these conditions. According to the Rome IV diagnostic criteria, DGBI prevalence is approximately 40% worldwide. The Rome Foundation has diligently worked for nearly three decades to refine our comprehension of DGBIs. By centering on the gut microbiota, this review sheds light on potential therapeutic interventions for DGBIs, potentially enhancing the quality of life for pediatric patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimas Rosa
- Grupo de Investigación del Caribe y Centroamérica para la Microbiota, Probióticos y Prebióticos, GICCAMPP, la Romana, Dominican Republic
| | - Roberto Arturo Zablah
- Grupo de Investigación del Caribe y Centroamérica para la Microbiota, Probióticos y Prebióticos, GICCAMPP, la Romana, Dominican Republic
- Servicio de Gastroenterología y Endoscopia Digestiva, Hospital de Niños “Benjamín Bloom”, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | - Rodrigo Vazquez-Frias
- Grupo de Investigación del Caribe y Centroamérica para la Microbiota, Probióticos y Prebióticos, GICCAMPP, la Romana, Dominican Republic
- Departamento de Gastroenterología y Nutrición Pediátrica, Instituto Nacional de Salud Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Ciudad de México, México
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Loria-Kohen V, Montiel Fernández N, López-Plaza B, Aparicio A. [Anorexia nervosa, microbiota and brain]. NUTR HOSP 2023; 40:46-50. [PMID: 37929904 DOI: 10.20960/nh.04955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric disease with a high prevalence and comorbidities, characterized by a low response rate to treatment. It is considered as a multifactorial disease. In recent years, the focus has been placed on the presence of intestinal dysbiosis and its possible involvement as a causal factor as well as an alternative treatment. The objective of this work has been to review the current state of knowledge of alterations in the intestinal microbiota identified in patients with AN and the possibility of using probiotics as a therapeutic alternative. Significant changes in the diversity of species associated with weight loss have been described that could favor the perpetuation of the disorder, and that would explain many of the nutritional, gastrointestinal, psychological, and cognitive alterations present in these patients. The use of probiotics, still little studied in patients with AN, sheds some light on this matter to improve the treatment response, always hand in hand with conventional treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Loria-Kohen
- Departamento de Nutrición y Ciencia de los Alimentos. Facultad de Farmacia. Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Grupo de Investigación VALORNUT-UCM (920030)
| | - Natalia Montiel Fernández
- Máster Universitario en Nutrición Clínica. Universidad Europea. Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas y de la Salud
| | - Bricia López-Plaza
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPAZ). Hospital Universitario La Paz
| | - Aránzazu Aparicio
- Departamento de Nutrición y Ciencia de los Alimentos. Facultad de Farmacia. Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Grupo de Investigación VALORNUT-UCM (920030). IdISSC
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7
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Schneider A, Zeiler M, Kopp K, Wagner G, Karwautz A. [The Therapeutic Potential of Prebiotics and Probiotics in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Disorders]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KINDER- UND JUGENDPSYCHIATRIE UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2023; 51:441-450. [PMID: 37070434 DOI: 10.1024/1422-4917/a000930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
The Therapeutic Potential of Prebiotics and Probiotics in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Disorders Abstract: This short review summarizes the literature available on therapeutic interventions with prebiotics and probiotics and their potential use in psychiatric disorders in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Most studies of children and adolescents are done on ADHD and autism spectrum disorders, whereas single reports exist largely on positive effects on cognitive symptoms and quality of life. Initial studies regarding anorexia nervosa point to a potential effect of weight gain and reduction of gastrointestinal symptoms. To date, the effects of prebiotics and probiotics in depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia have been mainly investigated in adults. The best reported evidence exists for depression, whereas the effects on depressive symptomatology are small. Positive effects are seen on gastrointestinal symptoms in these disorders. Given these positive effects, the mixed literature reports may result from very heterogeneous study designs. Nevertheless, the high potential of prebiotics and probiotics may be seen for minors with mental health problems. Further studies that include child and adolescent psychiatric populations and reflect the complexity of the gut-brain axis are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Schneider
- Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Österreich
| | - Michael Zeiler
- Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Österreich
| | - Konstantin Kopp
- Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Österreich
| | - Gudrun Wagner
- Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Österreich
| | - Andreas Karwautz
- Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Österreich
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Mir HD, Giorgini G, Di Marzo V. The emerging role of the endocannabinoidome-gut microbiome axis in eating disorders. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 154:106295. [PMID: 37229916 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Among the sources of chemical signals regulating food intake, energy metabolism and body weight, few have attracted recently as much attention as the expanded endocannabinoid system, or endocannabinoidome (eCBome), and the gut microbiome, the two systems on which this review article is focussed. Therefore, it is legitimate to expect that these two systems also play a major role in the etiopathology of eating disorders (EDs), in particular of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder. The major mechanisms through which, also via interactions with other endogenous signaling systems, the eCBome, with its several lipid mediators and receptors, and the gut microbiome, via its variety of microbial kingdoms, phyla and species, and armamentarium of metabolites, intervene in these disorders, are described here, based on several published studies in either experimental models or patients. Additionally, in view of the emerging multi-faceted cross-talk mechanisms between these two complex systems, we discuss the possibility that the eCBome-gut microbiome axis is also involved in EDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayatte-Dounia Mir
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Pneumologie et Cardiologie (CRIUCPQ), Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (FMED), Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Giada Giorgini
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Pneumologie et Cardiologie (CRIUCPQ), Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (FMED), Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Unité Mixte Internationale en Recherche Chimique et Biomoléculaire sur le Microbiome et son Impact sur la Santé Métabolique et la Nutrition (UMI-MicroMeNu) entre l'Université Laval, Québec, Canada, et le Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB-CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Pneumologie et Cardiologie (CRIUCPQ), Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (FMED), Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Unité Mixte Internationale en Recherche Chimique et Biomoléculaire sur le Microbiome et son Impact sur la Santé Métabolique et la Nutrition (UMI-MicroMeNu) entre l'Université Laval, Québec, Canada, et le Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB-CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy; Centre Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Institut sur la nutrition et les aliments fonctionnels (INAF), Université Laval, Québec, Canada; École de nutrition, Faculté des Sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation (FSAA), Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health (CERC-MEND), Université Laval, Québec, Canada.
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Wallace C, Sinopoulou V, Gordon M, Akobeng AK, Llanos-Chea A, Hungria G, Febo-Rodriguez L, Fifi A, Fernandez Valdes L, Langshaw A, Saps M. Probiotics for treatment of chronic constipation in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 3:CD014257. [PMID: 35349168 PMCID: PMC8962960 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd014257.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional constipation is defined as chronic constipation with no identifiable underlying cause. It is a significant cause of morbidity in children, accounting for up to 25% of visits to paediatric gastroenterologists. Probiotic preparations may sufficiently alter the gut microbiome and promote normal gut physiology in a way that helps relieve functional constipation. Several studies have sought to address this hypothesis, as well as the role of probiotics in other functional gut disorders. Therefore, it is important to have a focused review to assess the evidence to date. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy and safety of probiotics for the management of chronic constipation without a physical explanation in children. SEARCH METHODS On 28 June 2021, we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, AMED, WHO ICTR, and ClinicalTrials.gov, with no language, date, publication status, or document type limitations. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed probiotic preparations (including synbiotics) compared to placebo, no treatment or any other interventional preparation in people aged between 0 and 18 years old with a diagnosis of functional constipation according to consensus criteria (such as Rome IV). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS We included 14 studies (1127 randomised participants): 12 studies assessed probiotics in the treatment of functional constipation, whilst two studies investigated synbiotic preparations. Three studies compared probiotics to placebo in relation to the frequency of defecation at study end, but we did not pool them as there was very significant unexplained heterogeneity. Four studies compared probiotics to placebo in relation to treatment success. There may be no difference in global improvement/treatment success (RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.73 to 2.26; 313 participants; low-certainty evidence). Five studies compared probiotics to placebo in relation to withdrawals due to adverse events, with the pooled effect suggesting there may be no difference (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.95; 357 participants; low-certainty evidence). The pooled estimate from three studies that compared probiotics plus an osmotic laxative to osmotic laxative alone found there may be no difference in frequency of defecation (MD -0.01, 95% CI -0.57 to 0.56; 268 participants; low-certainty evidence). Two studies compared probiotics plus an osmotic laxative to osmotic laxative alone in relation to global improvement/treatment success, and found there may be no difference between the treatments (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.15; 139 participants; low-certainty evidence). Three studies compared probiotics plus osmotic laxative to osmotic laxative alone in relation to withdrawals due to adverse events, but it is unclear if there is a difference between them (RR 2.86, 95% CI 0.12 to 68.35; 268 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Two studies compared probiotics versus magnesium oxide. It is unclear if there is a difference in frequency of defecation (MD 0.28, 95% CI -0.58 to 1.14; 36 participants), treatment success (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.57; 36 participants) or withdrawals due to adverse events (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.05 to 5.04; 77 participants). The certainty of the evidence is very low for these outcomes. One study assessed the role of a synbiotic preparation in comparison to placebo. There may be higher treatment success in favour of synbiotics compared to placebo (RR 2.32, 95% CI 1.54 to 3.47; 155 participants; low-certainty evidence). The study reported that there were no withdrawals due to adverse effects in either group. One study assessed a synbiotic plus paraffin compared to paraffin alone. It is uncertain if there is a difference in frequency of defecation (MD 0.74, 95% CI -0.96, 2.44; 66 participants; very low-certainty evidence), or treatment success (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.17; 66 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The study reported that there were no withdrawals due to adverse effects in either group. One study compared a synbiotic preparation to paraffin. It is uncertain if there is a difference in frequency of defecation (MD -1.53, 95% CI -3.00, -0.06; 60 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or in treatment success (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.65, 1.13; 60 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The study reported that there were no withdrawals due to adverse effects in either group. All secondary outcomes were either not reported or reported in a way that did not allow for analysis. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is insufficient evidence to conclude whether probiotics are efficacious in successfully treating chronic constipation without a physical explanation in children or changing the frequency of defecation, or whether there is a difference in withdrawals due to adverse events when compared with placebo. There is limited evidence from one study to suggest a synbiotic preparation may be more likely than placebo to lead to treatment success, with no difference in withdrawals due to adverse events. There is insufficient evidence to draw efficacy or safety conclusions about the use of probiotics in combination with or in comparison to any of the other interventions reported. The majority of the studies that presented data on serious adverse events reported that no events occurred. Two studies did not report this outcome. Future studies are needed to confirm efficacy, but the research community requires guidance on the best context for probiotics in such studies, considering where they should be best considered in a potential treatment hierarchy and should align with core outcome sets to support future interpretation of findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Morris Gordon
- School of Medicine, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | | | | | - Gregory Hungria
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | - Amanda Fifi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | - Amber Langshaw
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Miguel Saps
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
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