Reviewing the potential benefits of probiotics
The British Nutrition Foundation reviewed the effect of probiotics on health.
Good evidence
- Probiotics prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Only few studies
- Probiotics might prevent potentially fatal Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.
Limited number of studies
- Probiotics show conflicting results in people with constipation, with promising results for certain strains.
- Consuming probiotic strains reduces irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, although there is a high placebo effect.
The bottom line?
It’s a relatively new field of research. Over time, many of the issues will be resolved.
5/22/10 12:31 JR