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