what mainstream doc thinks of probiotic

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What are probiotics?

 

Probiotics are small organisms that help maintain the natural balance of organisms (microflora) in the intestines Click here to see an illustration.. The normal human digestive tract contains about 400 types of bacteria that reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and promote a healthy digestive system. The largest group of probiotic bacteria in the intestine is lactic acid bacteria, of which Lactobacillus acidophilus, found in yogurt, is the best known. Yeast is also a probiotic substance. Probiotics are also available as dietary supplements.

What are probiotics used for?

 

In most circumstances, probiotics are used to prevent diarrhea caused by antibiotics. Antibiotics kill beneficial bacteria along with the bacteria that cause illness. A decrease in beneficial bacteria may lead to diarrhea. Taking probiotic supplements (as capsules, powder, or liquid extract) may help replace the lost beneficial bacteria and thus help prevent diarrhea.

 

A decrease in beneficial bacteria may also lead to development of other infections, such as vaginal yeast and urinary tract infections, and symptoms such as diarrhea from intestinal illnesses.

 

Research has shown that probiotics may help reduce:1

 

* The symptoms of bloating and diarrhea from lactose intolerance.

* Diarrhea that is a side effect of antibiotics.

* Flare-ups of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which causes diarrhea and abdominal pain.

* Inflammation of the ileal pouch (pouchitis) that may occur in people who have had surgery to remove the colon.

 

Researchers also are studying whether probiotics might help prevent colon cancer.

 

A few studies have indicated that probiotics might improve constipation or diarrhea caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but those studies were not well-done.1 More studies are needed to confirm or deny the benefit of probiotics for IBS.

 

The results of some early studies suggest that probiotics found in yogurt may help prevent diarrhea caused by antibiotics.1 However, more careful studies are needed to confirm that yogurt is effective. To offer benefit, the yogurt must contain active cultures. Most yogurt containers indicate whether active cultures are present. Yogurt that has been pasteurized does not have active cultures.

Are probiotics safe?

 

Probiotics are considered safe because they are bacteria that already are part of the normal digestive system.

 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements in the same way it regulates medication. A dietary supplement can be sold with limited or no research on how well it works or on its safety.

 

Always tell your health professional if you are using a dietary supplement or if you are thinking about combining a dietary supplement with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on a dietary supplement. This is especially important for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.

 

When using dietary supplements, keep in mind the following:

 

* Like conventional medicines, dietary supplements may cause side effects, trigger allergic reactions, or interact with prescription and nonprescription medications or other supplements you might be taking. A side effect or interaction with another medication or supplement may worsen other health conditions.

* Dietary supplements may not be standardized in their manufacturing. Because of this, how well they work or any side effects they have may differ among brands or even within different lots of one brand. The form you buy in health food or grocery stores may not be the same as the form used in research.

* With the exception of vitamins and minerals, the long-term effects of most dietary supplements are not known.

 

Author: Paul Lehnert Last Updated May 28, 2004

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine