Probiotics, which are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed, have been studied for various health benefits and potential side effects.
Health Benefits:
1. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Probiotics have shown efficacy in managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reducing global IBS symptom scores, abdominal pain, bloating, and flatulence. The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) guidelines suggest potential benefits in preventing Clostridium difficile infections in patients on antibiotics, although the evidence quality is low.[1-2]
2. Diarrhea: Specific strains like Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG have been effective in reducing the duration of diarrhea in children with rotavirus enteritis and preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea.[3]
3. Immune Modulation: Probiotics can enhance immune function by increasing the production of antibodies and immunological cells.[4]
Side Effects:
1. Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Common side effects include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas and bloating.[1]
2. Systemic Infections: There are rare but serious risks of systemic infections, including bacteremia and fungemia, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.[5-6]
3. Metabolic and Immunological Effects: Potential adverse effects include metabolic disturbances and excessive immune stimulation in susceptible individuals.[5-6]
4. Antibiotic Resistance: There is a theoretical risk of transferring antibiotic resistance genes to the gut microbiota.[7]
Overall, while probiotics are generally considered safe for most populations, their use should be carefully evaluated in vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised patients.[6] The AGA emphasizes the need for further research to better understand the benefits and risks associated with probiotics.[2][8]
References:
1) American College of Gastroenterology Monograph on Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Ford AC, Moayyedi P, Chey WD, et al. The American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2018;113(Suppl 2):1-18. doi:10.1038/s41395-018-0084-x.
2) AGA Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Role of Probiotics in the Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders. Su GL, Ko CW, Bercik P, et al. Gastroenterology. 2020;159(2):697-705. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.05.059.
3) Protection From Gastrointestinal Diseases With the Use of Probiotics.
Marteau PR, de Vrese M, Cellier CJ, Schrezenmeir J. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2001;73(2 Suppl):430S-436S. doi:10.1093/ajcn/73.2.430s.
4) A Comprehensive Review of Probiotics and Human Health-Current Prospective and Applications. Sarita B, Samadhan D, Hassan MZ, Kovaleva EG. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2024;15:1487641. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2024.1487641.
5) Risk and Safety of Probiotics. Doron S, Snydman DR. Clinical Infectious Diseases : An Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 2015;60 Suppl 2:S129-34. doi:10.1093/cid/civ085.
6) Reappraisal of Probiotics’ Safety in Human. Sotoudegan F, Daniali M, Hassani S, Nikfar S, Abdollahi M. Food and Chemical Toxicology : An International Journal Published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association. 2019;129:22-29. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2019.04.032.
7) The Safety of Probiotics. Snydman DR. Clinical Infectious Diseases : An Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 2008;46 Suppl 2:S104-11; discussion S144-51. doi:10.1086/523331.
8) AGA Technical Review on the Role of Probiotics in the Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders. Preidis GA, Weizman AV, Kashyap PC, Morgan RL. Gastroenterology. 2020;159(2):708-738.e4. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.05.060.
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The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and is based on scientific research available at the time of writing. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet or professional healthcare guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions, are pregnant or nursing, or are taking medications. The effects of supplements can vary from person to person, and scientific research is constantly evolving. The author and publisher are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided.