Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) occurs when antibiotics disturb the natural balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in the intestinal tract causing harmful bacteria to multiply beyond their normal numbers. The symptoms of AAD include frequent watery bowel movements and crampy abdominal pain.

The researchers investigated whether probiotics prevent AAD in children receiving antibiotic therapy and whether probiotics causes any harms (side effects).

33 studies were reviewed and provide the best available evidence.

The studies tested 6,352 children who were receiving probiotics co-administered with antibiotics to prevent AAD.

The participants received probiotics (Lactobacilli spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Streptococcus spp., or Saccharomyces boulardii alone or in combination), placebo (pills not including probiotics), other treatments thought to prevent AAD (i.e. diosmectite or infant formula) or no treatment.

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