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Probiotics > Uses

Nutritional Supplement

Probiotics

Also indexed as:Intestinal Flora, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus, Lactobacillus casei

  • Digestive Support

    Irritable Bowel Syndrome

    A daily drink containing probiotics significantly reduced IBS symptoms in one study.
    Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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    In several double-blind trials, probiotic products have been found to relieve symptoms of IBS. Preparations that have been found to be effective include 1) a combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, L. rhamnosus Lc705, Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. shermanii JS and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Bb12;8 2) Lactobacillus GG;9 3) a combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07;10 and 4) a product known as VSL#311

    Constipation

    Research has shown that the probiotic strain Lactobacillus casei Shirota may help relieve chronic constipation after two weeks of supplementation.
    Constipation
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    In one double-blind study, 70 people (average age, 44 years) with chronic constipation were randomly assigned to receive 65 ml/day of a probiotic beverage or placebo for four weeks.12 The probiotic beverage provided daily at least 6.5 billion colony-forming units of Lactobacillus casei Shirota. The treatment group began showing statistically significant improvements at the end of the second week. At the end of the treatment period, the proportion of patients having moderate or severe constipation was 34% in the active-treatment group and 83% in the placebo group. Another double-blind trial found that a probiotic supplement taken for 4 weeks significantly increased bowel movement frequency in adults with constipation. The product used in that study provided 200 million colony-forming units of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 per day, and was taken twice a day after meals.13

  • Oral Health

    Tooth Decay

    Supplementing with probiotics may inhibit cavity-causing bacteria.
    Tooth Decay
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    In a double-blind study of children aged 1 to 6 years, supplementation with Lactobacillus GG five days a week in milk for seven months reduced the incidence of cavities by 49%, compared with unsupplemented milk.14 The amount of Lactobacillus added to the milk was 5 to 10 x 105 CFU per ml.

    In another study, supplementing with Lactobacillus reuteri strain ATCC 55730 (derived from breast milk) significantly decreased the number of children who had dental cavities at 9 years of age. The probiotic was given in the amount of 108 colony-forming units per day to the mother during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy, and then to the infant in the same daily amount during the first year of life.15

  • Blood Sugar and Diabetes Support

    Type 2 Diabetes

    Probiotics can improve blood glucose control, as well as cholesterol and triglyceride levels, in people with type 2 diabetes.
    Type 2 Diabetes
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    The gut microbiome is increasingly recognized as a key player in regulating immune and metabolic functions in the body, and a growing body of research suggests probiotics may be beneficial to people with type 2 diabetes. Multiple clinical trials, reviews, and meta-analyses have shown that probiotic supplements can have a positive impact on blood glucose control, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes.16,17,18,19,20 One review reported the best evidence is for supplements with multiple strains, including Lactobacillus acidophilus,Lactobacillus bulgaricus,Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifidobacterium lactis, taken in amounts of 7 billion or more colony forming units (CFU) for six to 12 weeks.21

  • Weight Management

    Obesity

    A growing body of research shows probiotics can increase weight loss in those with overweight and obesity.
    Obesity
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    People with obesity exhibit differences in gut microbiome composition compared to normal-weight individuals. Multiple controlled trials, meta-analyses, and reviews show probiotic supplements containing various Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains can help to reduce body weight, waist circumference, fat mass, and percent body fat, and may improve cholesterol levels and other markers of metabolic health.22,23,24,25,26 These effects may be due to the influence of microbes present in the gut on appetite, mood, inflammatory status, nutrient intake and absorption, and metabolism.27 One analysis determined the best effects on body weight reduction were associated with the use of two or more strains of probiotic bacteria, doses below 1010 [ten billion] colony forming units per day, and probiotics in foods (versus capsules and powders).22

  • Healthy Pregnancy and New Baby

    Colic

    Research suggests probiotics may benefit babies with colic who are breast-fed or fed milk-based formula.
    Colic
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    In a double-blind study of infants, supplementation of a standard milk-based formula with probiotic organisms (Bifidobacterium lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus) significantly reduced the frequency of colic, compared with the same formula without the probiotics.28 Another double-blind study found that the probiotic preparation, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, was an effective treatment for colic in exclusively breast-fed infants.29 In another study, L.reuteri DSM 17938 taken once a day was significantly more effective than simethicone, a drug frequently used to treat colic.30 Other double-blind research has confirmed the benefit of probiotics (particularly L.reuteri DSM 17938) in infants with colic.313233

What Are Star Ratings?
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Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

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References

1. Smirnov VV, Reznik SR, V'iunitskaia VA, et al. The current concepts of the mechanisms of the therapeutic-prophylactic action of probiotics from bacteria in the genus bacillus. Mikrobiolohichnyi Zhurnal 1993;55:92-112.

2. Mel'nikova VM, Gracheva NM, Belikov GP, et al. The chemoprophylaxis and chemotherapy of opportunistic infections. Antibiotiki i Khimioterapiia 1993;38:44-8.

3. De Simone C, Vesely R, Bianchi SB, et al. The role of probiotics in modulation of the immune system in man and in animals. Int J Immunother 1993;9:23-8.

4. Veldman A. Probiotics. Tijdschrift voor Diergeneeskunde 1992;117:345-8.

5. Kawase K. Effects of nutrients on the intestinal microflora of infants. Jpn J Dairy Food Sci 1982;31:A241-3.

6. Rasic JL. The role of dairy foods containing bifido and acidophilus bacteria in nutrition and health. N Eur Dairy J 1983;4:80-8.

7. Barefoot SF, Klaenhammer TR. Detection and activity of Lactacin B, a Bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus acidophilus. Appl Environ Microbiol 1983;45:1808-15.

8. Kajander K, Myllyluoma E, Rajilic-Stojanovic M, et al. Clinical trial: multispecies probiotic supplementation alleviates the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and stabilizes intestinal microbiota. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2008;27:48-57.

9. Francavilla R, Miniello V, Magista AM, et al. A randomized controlled trial of Lactobacillus GG in children with functional abdominal pain. Pediatrics 2010;126:e1445-52.

10. Ringel Y, Ringel-Kulka T, Maier D, et al. Probiotic bacteria: probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 versus placebo for the symptoms of bloating in patients With functional bowel disorders - a double-blind study. J Clin Gastroenterol 2011;45:518-25

11. Guandalini S, Magazzu G, Chiaro A, et al. VSL#3 improves symptoms in children with irritable bowel syndrome: a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2010;51:24-30.

12. Koebnick C, Wagner I, Leitzmann P, Stern U, Zunft HJF. Probiotic beverage containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota improves gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with chronic constipation. Can J Gastroenterol 2003;17:655-9.

13. Ojetti V, Ianiro G, Tortora A, et al. The effect of Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation in adults with chronic functional constipation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Gastrointestin Liver Dis 2014;23:387–91.

14. Nase L, Hatakka K, Savilahti E, et al. Effect of long-term consumption of a probiotic bacterium, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, in milk on dental caries and caries risk in children. Caries Res 2001;35:412-420.

15. Stensson M, Koch G, Coric S, et al. Oral administration of Lactobacillus reuteri during the first year of life reduces caries prevalence in the primary dentition at 9 years of age. Caries Res 2014;48:111–7.

16. He J, Zhang F, Han Y. Effect of probiotics on lipid profiles and blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis of RCTs. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017;96:e9166.

17. Wang X, Juan Q, He Y, et al. Multiple effects of probiotics on different types of diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2017;30:611–22.

18. Hu Y, Zhou F, Yuan Y, Xu Y. Effects of probiotics supplement in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis of randomized trials. Med Clin (Barc) 2017;148:362–70.

19. Akbari V, Hendijani F. Effects of probiotic supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev 2016;74:774–84.

20. Li C, Li X, Han H, et al. Effect of probiotics on metabolic profiles in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016;95:e4088.

21. Tiderencel K, Hutcheon D, Ziegler J. Probiotics for the treatment of type 2 diabetes: A review of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2019:e3213.

22. Wang ZB, Xin SS, Ding LN, et al. The Potential Role of Probiotics in Controlling Overweight/Obesity and Associated Metabolic Parameters in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med: eCAM. 2019;2019:3862971.

23. Sivamaruthi BS, Kesika P, Suganthy N, et al. A Review on Role of Microbiome in Obesity and Antiobesity Properties of Probiotic Supplements. Biomed Res Int. 2019;2019:3291367.

24. Mazloom K, Siddiqi I, Covasa M. Probiotics: How Effective Are They in the Fight against Obesity? Nutrients. 2019 Jan;11(2).

25. Cerdó T, García-Santos JA, G Bermúdez M, et al. The Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity. Nutrients. 2019 Mar;11(3).

26. Borgeraas H, Johnson LK, Skattebu J, et al. Effects of probiotics on body weight, body mass index, fat mass and fat percentage in subjects with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Obesity Reviews 2018 02;19(2):219–232.

27. Aoun A,Darwish F, Hamod N. The Influence of the Gut Microbiome on Obesity in Adults and the Role of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics for Weight Loss. Prev Nutr Food Sci 2020 Jun;25(2):113–123.

28. Saavedra JM, Abi-Hanna A, Moore N, Yolken RH. Long-term consumption of infant formulas containing live probiotic bacteria: tolerance and safety. Am J Clin Nutr 2004;79:261-7.

29. Savino F, Cordisco L, Tarasco V, et al. Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in infantile colic: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Pediatrics 2010;126:e526-33.

30. Savino F, Pelle E, Palumeri E, et al R. Lactobacillus reuteri (American Type Culture Collection Strain 55730) versus simethicone in the treatment of infantile colic: a prospective randomized study. Pediatrics 2007;119(1):e124-30.

31. Kianifar H, Ahanchian H, Grover Z, et al. Synbiotic in the management of infantile colic: a randomised controlled trial. J Paediatr Child Health 2014;50:801-5.

32. Chau K, Lau E, Greenberg S, et al. Probiotics for infantile colic: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938. J Pediatr 2014 Oct 23 [Epub ahead of print].

33. Savino F, Ceratto S, Poggi E, et al. Preventive effects of oral probiotic on infantile colic: a prospective, randomised, blinded, controlled trial using Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938. Benef Microbes 2015;6:245–51.

34. Gaby, AR. Nutritional Medicine. Concord, NH: Fritz Perlberg Publishing, 2011.

35. Chapman CM, Gibson GR, Rowland I. Health benefits of probiotics: are mixtures more effective than single strains? Eur J Nutr 2011 Feb;50:1-17.

36. Bassetti S, Frei R, Zimmerli W. Fungemia with Saccharomyces cerevisiae after treatment with Saccharomyces boulardii. Am J Med 1998;105:71-2.

37. Perapoch J, Planes AM, Querol A, et al. Fungemia with Saccharomyces cerevisiae in two newborns, only one of whom had been treated with Ultra-Levura. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2000;19:468-70.

38. Mehta A, Rangarajan S, Borate U. A cautionary tale for probiotic use in hematopoietic SCT patients - Lactobacillus acidophilus sepsis in a patient with mantle cell lymphoma undergoing hematopoietic SCT. Bone Marrow Transplant 2013;48:461–62.

39. Kato K, Funabashi N, Takaoka H, et al. Lactobacillus paracasei endocarditis in a consumer of probiotics with advanced and severe bicuspid aortic valve stenosis complicated with diffuse left ventricular mid-layer fibrosis. Int J Cardiol 2016;224:157–61.

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