From the Guidelines
Probiotics have been shown to have a significant benefit in improving digestive health, reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and constipation, as well as preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea 1.
Benefits of Probiotics
The benefits of probiotics include:
- Improving intestinal transit, evacuation frequency, and consistency of feces in adult patients with constipation 1
- Reducing the risk of developing Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea by 64% when given with antibiotics 1
- Improving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, with significant effects on global symptoms or abdominal pain for combinations of probiotics, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Escherichia 1
- Reducing the number of infection episodes and the number of days of absence from school/work due to respiratory tract infections 1
- Having beneficial clinical and immunologic effects in the treatment of allergic rhinitis 1
Effective Probiotic Strains
Effective probiotic strains include:
- Lactobacillus Acidophilus, which has been shown to have a greater efficacy in reducing total and LDL cholesterol 1
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which has been shown to be useful in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea 1
- Saccharomyces boulardii, which has been shown to be effective in preventing Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea 1
- Bifidobacterium Lactis, which has been shown to improve intestinal transit, evacuation frequency, and consistency of feces in adult patients with constipation 1
Dosage and Administration
The optimal dosage and administration of probiotics vary depending on the specific strain and condition being treated. However, it is recommended to take probiotics consistently for at least 4-12 weeks, preferably with or just before meals, and to choose products with multiple strains that are stored properly and have guaranteed potency through the expiration date 1.
From the Research
Benefits of Probiotics
The benefits of taking probiotics are numerous and well-documented in various studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Some of the key benefits include:
- Improvement in gastrointestinal health, including the prevention and treatment of acute infectious diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome 2, 4
- Boosting of the immune system, which can help to prevent infections and diseases 3, 6
- Reduction in the risk of certain diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, hepatic encephalopathy, and necrotizing enterocolitis 2
- Improvement in oral health, including the prevention and treatment of dental caries, periodontal disease, and bad breath 3
- Potential benefits for mental health, including the reduction of stress and anxiety 6
Specific Health Benefits
Probiotics have been shown to have specific health benefits, including:
- Prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea 2, 4
- Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and functional gastrointestinal disorders 2, 4
- Reduction in the risk of respiratory tract infections 5
- Improvement in cardiovascular health, including the reduction of blood pressure and cholesterol levels 6
- Potential benefits for skin health, including the treatment of acne and other skin conditions 6
Safety and Efficacy
Probiotics are generally considered safe and well-tolerated, with few side effects reported 2, 4, 5. However, they should be used cautiously in certain populations, such as those who are critically ill or severely immunocompromised 4. The efficacy of probiotics can vary depending on the specific strain and dosage used, as well as the individual's overall health status 2, 4, 5.