In patients predicted to have severe acute pancreatitis, giving probiotics didn’t reduce the risk of infection, according to this study by researchers in the Dutch Acute Pancreatitis Study Group. Continue reading Negative results giving probiotics in pancreatitis
Category Archives: Pre, Pro, Synbiotics
Feeding synbiotics to newborn infants
Live probiotic bacteria and dietary prebiotic oligosaccharides (together termed synbiotics) are being used in infancy, but evidence of their long-term effects and safety is lacking.
Now, researchers from Helsinki University Central Hospital in Finland report their effects. Continue reading Feeding synbiotics to newborn infants
The poor record of CAM to treat H. pylori bacteria
It’s unclear whether killing the bacteria called Helicobacter pylori improves symptoms in patients with dyspepsia (ie, stomach pain with fullness, bloating, or nausea). But there is benefit in people with ulcers.
Here’s a review from American Family Physician that recommends that all of us with dyspepsia be tested and treated if H. pylori is found. Recommendations from the American College of Gastroenterology are here.
Is there a role for CAM?
Continue reading The poor record of CAM to treat H. pylori bacteria
A review of probiotics to treat IBS
Recently, the use of tegaserod (Zelnorm) and alosetron (Lotronex) to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was restricted because of adverse events.
Here’s what we know about probiotics for the relief of symptoms of IBS. Continue reading A review of probiotics to treat IBS
Updating what we know about probiotics and diarrhea
Growing evidence suggests that probiotics might serve as a functional food in the treatment of diarrhea.
Here’s what we know.
Continue reading Updating what we know about probiotics and diarrhea
ConsumerLab tests probiotic products
Your can see the products that passed for free. Others will require a subscription. Continue reading ConsumerLab tests probiotic products
Probiotic, prebiotic, synbiotic: What’s the difference?
Confusing? It won’t be after this.
The term, “probiotic” (meaning “for life”) was coined in the 1960’s, although the concept was introduced early in the 20th century. Probiotics are “good” bacteria that normally live in the intestines. They are found in foods such as yogurt, and in dietary supplements. Examples are Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. The beneficial effects of probiotics are achieved by changing the microflora (numbers and types of bacteria) within the intestines.
Continue reading Probiotic, prebiotic, synbiotic: What’s the difference?
Probiotics and dermatitis: A review in infants and kids
Researchers from Alfa Institute of Biomedical Sciences (AIBS) in Athens, Greece reviewed the evidence for probiotics in treating or preventing atopic dermatitis in children. Continue reading Probiotics and dermatitis: A review in infants and kids
Probiotics prevent diarrhea during antibiotic treatment
A probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus reduced the incidence of diarrhea caused by the bacteria Clostridium difficile in older hospitalized patients who were receiving antibiotics. Continue reading Probiotics prevent diarrhea during antibiotic treatment
Safety of probiotics and the translocation issue
Probiotics are increasingly being used for their health benefits and are advocated by many healthcare professionals.
So, what’s the problem? Continue reading Safety of probiotics and the translocation issue
Probiotics reduce diarrhea in children
Researchers from Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Australia evaluated a milk product containing probiotics and prebiotics (Cupday Milk) on the incidence of diarrhea in children in daycare centers. Continue reading Probiotics reduce diarrhea in children
The benefits of probiotics in endurance athletes
If an elite athlete takes something that enhances the immune system, does that make it a performance enhancement drug? Continue reading The benefits of probiotics in endurance athletes
Bad results with probiotics reported during treatment of pancreatitis
Researchers at the University Medical Center Utrecht in The Netherlands, reported more deaths when patients suffering from severe acute pancreatitis were treated with probiotics compared to placebo. Continue reading Bad results with probiotics reported during treatment of pancreatitis
Update on probiotics to treat inflammatory bowel disease
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia have reviewed treatment options.
Intestinal bacteria play an important role in the disease process of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here’s what they say about probiotics. Continue reading Update on probiotics to treat inflammatory bowel disease
Should all hospital patients receive a probiotic?
Maybe, based on these study results. Continue reading Should all hospital patients receive a probiotic?
Should probiotics be used to treat antibiotic-associated diarrhea?
Although there is insufficient evidence to recommend probiotics routinely, Lactobacillus GG or Saccharomyces boulardii appear to be the most effective, according to this Cochrane review.
Here are the details.
Continue reading Should probiotics be used to treat antibiotic-associated diarrhea?
Testing the value of probiotics in marathon runners
Following prolonged heavy endurance exercise, the immune system is suppressed for up to 12 hours. This has led to the concept of the “open window,” when there’s an increased risk of an upper respiratory tract infection.
Might probiotics lower this risk?
Continue reading Testing the value of probiotics in marathon runners
Using a probiotic to reduce 5-FU related diarrhea
Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a drug that’s been used to treat cancer for about 40 years.
Researchers from Helsinki University Central Hospital in Finland tested the value of a probiotic (Lactobacillus) and fiber supplementation on 5-FU side effects. Continue reading Using a probiotic to reduce 5-FU related diarrhea
Soy plus probiotic/prebiotic to lower cholesterol levels
Soy reportedly lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol blood levels a little, while the data on probiotics are mixed.
Would it help to combine them? Here’s a study that tries. Continue reading Soy plus probiotic/prebiotic to lower cholesterol levels
Using probiotics in children with cystic fibrosis
The results of this study suggest that probiotics might delay respiratory impairment. Continue reading Using probiotics in children with cystic fibrosis