Gastroenteritis is the main cause of acute diarrhea. It is usually due to viral or bacterial pathogens or to parasites,
but the most frequent cause in children is rotavirus. A number of clinical trials have shown that supplementation
with Probiotics (especially with Lactobacillus rhamnosus), is ef ective in shortening the duration of this condition,
particularly in infantile gastroenteritis. Other studies have shown that probiotic supplementation can reduce risk of
diarrhea in children admitted to hospital.11
4. Traveler’s Diarrhea
Acute diarrhea occurs in half of travelers who visit high-risk areas. Although most cases are mild and self-limiting,
there is considerable morbidity. Some, but not all, studies indicate that the use of probiotic supplementation can
reduce the incidence of traveler’s diarrhea (from 71% to 43% in one study).11