Probiotics and the Rotavirus

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

11 Mar 2009 12:08 PM

As we learned from tiggermom3 here at Families.com, the rotovirus can be a scary and dangerous virus, especially when it hits young children. My eldest child contracted it when he was less than three months old, and it was a trying time. Although he didn't wind up in the hospital as so many babies do when they get dehydrated from the illness, it was still a hard thing for him and for us to go through.

When the rotavirus vaccine was released, I was happy to have my next two children vaccinated. But vaccinations aren't for everyone. Now, here is the next piece of happy news. Recent research suggests that probiotics may be helpful at treating rotovirus and reducing the severity of the symptoms. Since the danger of rotavirus can stem from the dehydration and weakness from constant vomiting and diarrhea, reducing the symptoms can also reduce the complications.

There is an excellent article in Pediatrics for Parents (pedsforparents.com) that talks about a lot of different ways that the use probiotics is being explored for different conditions, rotavirus included.

What are probiotics? Probiotics are friendly bacteria that can aid us in a healthy digestive system. You may have seen the probiotic yogurt craze, where manufacturers promise to regulate you and keep you healthy when you eat their yogurt. But probiotics are in other foods as well, such as buttermilk.

Probiotics seem to keep the population of unfriendly bacteria down. It might be because they somehow create an unfriendly environment for the bad microorganisms, or simply that they compete for resources. Whatever the case, probiotics have shown an ability to reduce the severity of rotavirus, as well as reduce the chances that the virus will then be passed on to others.

More research needs to be done on probiotics, but I am looking forward to seeing the results.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

Related Articles:

Foods to Build Your Child's Immunity

Guide to the Rotavirus Vaccine

Ask for Thigh Injections

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger