An update on the use of 'biotics' in pediatric infectious gastroenteritis.

Introduction: Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is the consequence of a disturbed gastro-intestinal microbiome. Certain probiotic strains (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745, Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) DSM 17,938, the combination of L. rhamnosus 19070-2 and L. reuteri DSM 12,246) reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea.

Areas covered: Relevant literature was sourced from PubMed and CINAHL. Important reviews until 2021 were summarized in tables. New evidence for pro-, pre-, syn- and postbiotics in AGE was searched for. Postbiotics offer advantages regarding product stability and show accumulating evidence. Heterogeneity in studies regarding the in- and exclusion criteria, primary and secondary endpoints, type, dose, timing and duration of biotic administration limits the evidence.

Expert opinion: Development of a core outcome set for children with AGE would be beneficial, as its application would increase the homogeneity of the available evidence. The vast majority of the 'biotics' is registered as food supplement. Regulations for food supplements prioritize safety over efficacy, making them considerably more tolerant compared to the regulation for registration as medication. We recommend that at least one randomized controlled trial is published with the commercialized product before marketing the product, despite the fact that legislation regarding food supplements requires only safety data.