Uses and Benefits of Probiotics

They have tested the following uses in humans or animals. The safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Antibiotics (probiotics reduce adverse effects associated with antibiotic use)

A growing number of studies supports the use of probiotics as a supplement to antibiotic therapy . Probiotic supplementation during a course of antibiotics can reduce the adverse effects of antibiotics on the intestinal environment. This includes reducing growth of the bacterium Clostridium difficile, which can lead to colitis, a common complication associated with antibiotics, especially in the elderly. Some probiotics also help prevent the development of antibiotic resistance. It was established that in children with acute lead to the symbiotic greater weight gain and fewer bacterial illnesses after completing treatment with antibiotics. The evidence is consistent in supporting probiotic supplementation.

Helicobacter pylori infection

Antibiotics are the most commonly used treatment to eradicate Helicobacter pylori, which causes most stomach ulcers. The most common side effects are swelling of the abdomen, diarrhea and taste disturbances. Probiotics reduce these side effects and generally help people tolerate the treatment. They can also reduce levels of H. pylori in children and adults. The probiotic yogurt suppresses H. infection pylori eradication can lead to a more complete it during treatment with antibiotics.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Probiotics appear to be promising in reducing or preventing atopic eczema syndrome / dermatitis in children. Infants benefit when their mothers ingest probiotics during pregnancy and lactation. Direct supplementation in children can reduce the incidence of atopic eczema up in the middle. It can also reduce allergies to cow's milk and other allergic reactions that occur when you stop breastfeeding. Probiotics may stabilize the intestinal barrier function and decrease gastrointestinal symptoms in children with atopic dermatitis. However, the response of specific probiotics to children differs. The effectiveness of probiotics in the treatment of eczema is still under investigation.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis of the liver may be accompanied by an imbalance of intestinal bacterial flora. Probiotic supplementation in patients with cirrhosis has been shown to reduce the level of fecal acidity (pH) and fecal and blood ammonia, which are beneficial changes.

Colon Cancer

Recent evidence that supplementation with Lactobacillus casei may help reduce the recurrence of colorectal tumors in patients who have previously undergone surgery for colon cancer.

Dental Caries

The consumption of cheese containing probiotics may be beneficial for dental caries in the short term. There is also evidence that when added probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in milk, may help reduce tooth decay in young children.

Diarrhea in children (nosocomial)

Lactobacillus GG may reduce the risk of nosocomial diarrhea (caused in hospital environments) in children, particularly in cases of rotavirus gastroenteritis.

Prevention of diarrhea

There is tentative support for probiotics in preventing diarrhea in adults and children. Supplementation may benefit men who are HIV positive, supplementation with yogurt containing Lactobacillus casei may help reduce incidence in healthy young adults. Children may benefit from Bifidobacterium lactis (strain Bb 12) added to their formula.

Growth

There is evidence that young children (ages 6-36 months) receiving formula supplemented with Bifidobacterium Bb12 growth can be achieved faster than when no supplementation.

Strengthening of immunity

Research indicates that probiotics, especially in milk and foods can help strengthen the immune system. However, commercially produced yogurt may not be as effective. Further studies are required to provide recommendations, especially in relation to yogurt.

Infections (gastrointestinal / respiratory)

Limited evidence suggests that supplementation with Lactobacillus GG to children who attend day care may help decrease the number of days spent ill, and the frequency of respiratory tract infections and antibiotic treatment for milk mismos.La fermented (with yogurt cultures and L. casei DN-114001) may reduce the duration of winter infections (gastrointestinal and respiratory) and mean body temperature in older people.

Infectious diarrhea

The Probiotics may reduce duration of symptoms of infectious diarrhea in adults and children, 17 to 30 hours. Effective forms include Lactobacillus strain GG, Lactobacillus reuteri, combination Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri, combination Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bifidus. Further studies are needed to evaluate the types, dosage, duration of treatment and the relationship they have with specific pathogens.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Many kinds of probiotics have shown a moderate reduction of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, such as pain, flatulence, abdominal bloating and stool frequency. There is some evidence that probiotics can reduce inflammation and improve the quality of life. However, not all studies show beneficial effects.

Pancreatitis (acute)

Supplementation with Lactobacillus plantarum 299 may help in preventing pancreatic infection (sepsis), reduce the number of operations needed and the length of stay in hospital for treatment of acute pancreatitis.

Colitis / diarrhea Radiation-induced

Probiotics may help treat or prevent radiation-induced diarrhea in cancer patients.

Sinusitis (hypertrophic)

The use of probiotic Enterococcus faecalis bacteria in hypertrophic sinusitis (sinus inflammation) may reduce the frequency of relapses and the need for antibiotic therapy.

Ulcerative Colitis

Apparently the E. coli Nissle 1917 is as effective as the drug mesalazine, although it is not currently available in the United States. It has been shown that a variety of preparations have been effective Bifidophilus in preventing relapse or maintaining remission of the disease. Among these are included Bifidophilus alone, Bifidophilus in fermented milk products with a symbiotic preparation. A combination of probiotic is VSL # 3 and balsalazide may be more effective than balsalazide or mesalazine alone. Further studies are needed to determine clearly the results to be expected.

Allergies

The evidence is promising to indicate that the Probiotics may help treat allergic conditions , especially those related to the skin of infants. Many studies have proven probiotics in children, adolescents and young adults. Some evidence suggests that probiotics may help reduce inflammation caused by allergies. However, the results of the studies are mixed in relation to inhalant allergies such as allergic rhinitis (nasal inflammation and discharge).

Constipation

The use of probiotics for constipation mixed results. Some studies suggest that may help reduce symptoms in patients suffering from constipation long term. However, another study showed its effectiveness in young children. Further studies are needed to determine what forms of probiotics and routes of administration may be effective against constipation.

Lactose Intolerance

Supplementation of infant formula for children with probiotics is a potential proposal for the management of allergies to cow's milk, although the evidence is conflicting on whether it improves digestion of lactose. Further research is needed in this area before it can reach a conclusion.

Thrush

Preliminary evidence suggests that cheese containing probiotics may help reduce the risk of oral fungal infections (known as oral thrush) in the elderly. Further research is needed in this area.

Urinary tract infection

Studies of Lactobacillus preparations have yielded mixed results. The evidence indicates that a combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and L. fermentum RC-14 can reduce bacteria and yeast vaginal potentially harmful in healthy women. Other studies have found benefits in women or preterm infants. Further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of probiotics against urinary tract infections and urogenital tract.

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