A therapeutic as well as preventive role of probiotics has been suggested from results of different studies using different probiotics that have been tested, usually lactic acid producing bacteria such as lactobacillus, bifidobacterium and streptococcus species. The supplementation of probiotics to infants may also have a prophylactic effect against acute diarrhoeal diseases. In the present proposal, we plan to examine if daily intake of a probiotic beverage, which includes 15 billion probiotic Lactobacilli, has a beneficial role in protecting children from infectious diarrhea in Kolkata. OBJECTIVES Primary objectives: 1. To assess the impact of probiotics in the prevention of acute diarrhoeal diseases in children 2. To assess the impact of probiotics on nutrition and growth of the children Secondary Objectives: 1. Reduction in duration, frequency of diarrhoea 2. Identification of pathogens causing diarrhoea 3. Examination of faecal microflora STUDY DESIGN It will be a double blind randomized controlled field trial involving 4000 children aged between 1 and 5 years in an urban slum of Kolkata, India. The 4000 children will be identified through demographic survey. The study will be double blinded where the study arm will receive Probiotic drink, which includes 15 billion probiotic Lactobacilli, one bottle (65ml) daily (under supervision of a Health Worker) for 12 weeks and the control arm will receive a similar drink without the lactobacilli (Nutrient drink) daily for 12 weeks. Randomization will be done in a ratio of 1:1, i.e., the study arm and control arm will include 2000 children each. All the children under the study will be visited daily by a health worker who will supervise intake of Probiotic drink or Nutrient drink by the children. All the children will be followed up daily for 24weeks for identification of acute diarrhoea cases.
Age range
12 Months – 59 Months
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Diarrhoeal episodes in children
Timeframe: 10 months