Probiotics for diarrhea

Many types of diarrheal diseases, with many different causes, disrupt intestinal function. The ability of probiotics to reduce the incidence or duration of certain diarrheal illnesses is perhaps the most verified effect on the health of the probiotics.

A paper published in 2002 reviewed nine studies on the effect of lactobacillus therapy for diarrhea in children. This paper concluded - "Lactobacillus is safe and effective as a treatment for children with acute infectious diarrhea." Although this meta-analysis can be criticized for combining data from different species and strains of lactobacillus in an analysis, the positive nature of the finding suggests that at least for this indication and for these strains, positive results have been obtained.

A common form of diarrhea is that associated with the consumption of antibiotics. The purpose of antibiotics is to kill harmful bacteria. Unfortunately, they can also kill healthy bacteria, and thus disturb the normal intestinal function. It is important to realize that the microbiota of the healthy person is completely unaffected and will return to a state of pre-antibiotic without intervention. But it is presumed that the probiotic supplement can help stabilize the microflora and minimize disruptive effects.

A recent study documented that a probiotic containing four strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium led to a quicker return to normal microbiota in adults who consumed antibiotics. A paper published in 2002 reviewed seven studies (881 patients total) on the impact of probiotic supplements in antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The paper concluded that the probiotic supplements can be used to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea , but that there is no strong effect on the ability of probiotics to treat this diarrhea. How the probiotic accomplishes this task is not known. Not all studies have shown positive results in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea or other symptoms associated with antibiotic therapy.

A serious complication of antibiotic therapy may be the onset of colitis due to Clostridium difficile. This condition may be refractory to subsequent antibiotic treatment, resulting in ongoing repetitions. Some small studies have suggested that certain probiotics can prevent relapses of ulcerative C. difficile. A recent meta-analysis concluded that the probiotic yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii probiotic treatment was more effective.

Another common form of diarrhea experienced by travelers. Studies evaluating the effect of probiotic supplements on traveler's diarrhea is ambiguous. There is a need for further research in this area for more convincing results. A meta-analysis of 12 studies in travelers with diarrhea concluded that certain products and probiotic supplements can offer a safe and effective way to prevent diarrhea without serious adverse effects .