Abstract
Background and aims: Feeding prebiotic agents have been shown to be useful in preventing enteric diseases by selectively stimulating growth of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the gut. There is currently insufficient evidence to support their use to prevent diarrhea in children. We evaluated the effect of daily intake of fructooligosaccharide (FOS), a prebiotic agent on diarrhea morbidities and nutritional status in urban children in Bangladesh.
Methods: A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 150 children aged 25-59 months to receive 50-ml of isotonic solution with 2-g of FOS or an identical solution without FOS (Placebo) once daily over six consecutive months. Children's mothers were interviewed weekly to obtain history of diarrhea, stool consistency, and other morbidities. Anthropometry was also measured.
Results: The number of diarrhea episodes was less in FOS group compared to the placebo group. However, the difference was not statistically significant. The total mean days with diarrhea as well as each episodes of diarrhea were significantly shorter in the FOS group (3.3 vs. 6.3 d, p=0.039 and 2.5 vs. 3.2 d, p=0.008, respectively). The body weight gain during the six-month period in the FOS group (0.86±0.55 kg) and the placebo group (0.89±0.48 kg) was not significantly different, and so were the height and the mid-arm circumference.
Conclusions: Daily intake of FOS shortens duration of diarrhea episodes, but is not useful in promoting weight gain or in preventing diarrhea. Further studies with optimizing doses are needed to define better role of FOS in diarrhea in children.
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Nakamura, S., Sarker, S., Wahed, M. et al. 90 Effect of Daily Intake of Prebiotic (Fructooligosaccharide) on Weight Gain and Reduction Diarrhea Morbidities Among Urban Children in Bangladesh. Pediatr Res 68 (Suppl 1), 48 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-00090
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-00090