Probiotic for Kids' Antibiotic Diarrhea? What You Need to Know

study PMID: 40716758

Quick Summary: A study found that a probiotic called Bacillus subtilis HU58™ helped children recover faster from diarrhea caused by antibiotics. Kids taking the probiotic had less tummy pain and better gut health compared to those who didn't.

What The Research Found

This research looked at how a specific probiotic, Bacillus subtilis HU58™, affected children who got diarrhea after taking antibiotics. The study showed:

Faster Recovery: Kids taking the probiotic had normal stools much quicker than those who didn't.

Less Pain: Children in the probiotic group reported significantly less tummy pain.

Better Gut Health: Overall gut health improved more in the probiotic group.

Study Details

Who was studied: 68 children aged 1 to 12 years old who had diarrhea after taking antibiotics.

How long: The study lasted for 7 days.

What they took: Children were given either a daily dose of Bacillus subtilis HU58™ or a placebo (a dummy pill).

What This Means For You

If your child gets diarrhea after taking antibiotics, this research suggests that Bacillus subtilis HU58™ might help them feel better faster. It could reduce tummy pain and help their gut recover. Always talk to your doctor before giving your child any new supplements, including probiotics. They can advise you on the best course of action.

Study Limitations

Small Study: The study only included a small number of children, so more research is needed.

Short-Term: The study only looked at the effects for a week. We don't know if the benefits last longer.

More Research Needed: The study didn't analyze the gut bacteria in detail. Further research is needed to understand how this probiotic works.

Key Findings

The study found that Bacillus subtilis HU58™ (2 × 10⁹ cfu/day) significantly improved diarrhea resolution and abdominal pain reduction in children aged 1–12 years with antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD). By day 3, 93.5% of the probiotic group achieved normal stool consistency (Bristol Stool Scale [BSS] types 3–5) compared to 22.6% in the placebo group (P < 0.001). Abdominal pain intensity (measured via Visual Analogue Scale [VAS]) decreased more rapidly in the probiotic group (-7.4 SE 0.5 at day 3 vs. -1.9 SE 0.3 in placebo; P < 0.001). Gastrointestinal wellbeing scores (adapted Gastrointestinal Restoration Questionnaire [GIRQ] and Physician Global Assessment [PGA]) also improved significantly in the probiotic group at days 3 and 7 (all P < 0.001).

Study Design

This was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in India with 68 children (1–12 years) experiencing AAD. Participants were randomised to receive either B. subtilis HU58™ or placebo for seven days. Outcomes included stool consistency (BSS), abdominal pain (VAS), and GI wellbeing (GIRQ, PGA). Statistical analyses used chi-squared tests, Wilcoxon rank sum tests, and mixed models for repeated measures.

Dosage & Administration

The probiotic group received 2 × 10⁹ colony-forming units (cfu) of B. subtilis HU58™ daily, administered as a dietary supplement. The specific formulation (e.g., capsule, powder) and timing relative to antibiotic use were not detailed in the summary.

Results & Efficacy

Stool Consistency: By day 3, 93.5% of probiotic recipients had normal stools vs. 22.6% in placebo (P < 0.001). Both groups reached near-complete normalization by day 7.
Abdominal Pain: Probiotic group VAS scores dropped by -7.4 (SE 0.5) at day 3 and -9.1 (SE 0.3) at day 7, compared to -1.9 (SE 0.3) and -8.5 (SE 0.2) in placebo (P < 0.001 for both timepoints).
GI Wellbeing: GIRQ and PGA scores improved significantly in the probiotic group at days 3 and 7 (all P < 0.001).

Limitations

The study lacked fecal microbiome analysis, limiting insights into microbial mechanisms. Follow-up beyond seven days was not reported, leaving long-term effects unexamined. The small sample size (n=68) and single-center design in India may affect generalizability. Additionally, the absence of detailed adverse event monitoring and the lack of subgroup analyses (e.g., by age or antibiotic type) restrict broader conclusions.

Clinical Relevance

This trial suggests B. subtilis HU58™ may accelerate AAD recovery in children after symptom onset, offering an alternative to traditional probiotics like Saccharomyces or Lactobacillus. The spore-forming nature of B. subtilis could enhance stability and efficacy during antibiotic therapy. However, the results should be interpreted cautiously until replicated with larger cohorts, microbiome data, and longer follow-up. Parents and clinicians may consider this strain for managing AAD in pediatric populations, though medical consultation is advised before use.

The study is registered under CTRI/2022/02/040138.