BioGaia Probiotic chewable tablets effective in decreasing diarrhoea caused by antibiotics
In a new double blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, supplementation with BioGaia's Probiotic chewable tablets containing L. reuteri was effective in reducing the incidence of diarrhoea in hospitalised patients who were treated with antibiotics.
Antibiotic use leads to severe disturbances of the gut bacterial flora which in turn leads to side-effects such as diarrhoea and nausea. In the hospital environment, antibiotic-associated diarrhoea is a significant problem which can lead to prolonged hospital stay and increased costs.
In this randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, hospitalised patients receiving antibiotics (for pneumonia, abscess, bronchitis etc.) were also given either BioGaia Probiotic chewable tablets (2 per day, 13 subjects) or an identical placebo (10 subjects) for 4 weeks. Stool frequency, consistency and gastrointestinal symptoms were monitored during the 4 weeks and for a further 2 weeks after therapy was stopped.
The patients given BioGaia Probiotic chewable tablets showed a significantly lower incidence of diarrhoea compared to those given placebo (incidence of diarrhoea was 7.7% in the probiotic group compared to 50% in the placebo group, p=0.02). There were no differences in the incidence or severity of nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, bloating, gas, constipation or reflux. The investigators concluded that L. reuteri significantly decreased antibiotic-associated diarrhoea among hospitalized adults and that L. reuteri was well-tolerated. The investigators plan to publish the study in a medical journal during 2009.
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For additional information contact: Peter Rothschild, Managing Director, telephone: +46 8 - 555 293 00,
Eamonn Connolly, Senior Vice President Research telephone: +46 8 - 555 293 00
BioGaia is a biotechnology company that develops, markets and sells probiotic products with documented health benefits. The products are primarily based on the lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus reuteri (Reuteri), which has probiotic, health-enhancing effects. The class B share of the Parent Company BioGaia AB is quoted on the Small Cap list of the Nordic Stock Exchange in Stockholm.
www.biogaia.com