Probiotics Shown Capable of Reducing Diarrhea

Probiotics By Richard Shank

Medical researchers in New York recently reviewed evidence that probiotics, microorganisms with potential health benefits, have the ability to prevent antibiotic-associated and infectious diarrhea.

Probiotics compete with bacteria associated with illness in the digestive system. It is thought that introducing probiotics to the body will save the immune system from over-responding to foreign bacteria because they have already been weakened by the presence of the probiotics.

Antibiotics are meant to target harmful bacteria, but they also have an impact on strains of bacteria that are important for proper digestion. It is thought that, by introducing probiotic dietary supplements, the digestive side-effects of antibiotic treatments can be reduced.

The researchers note that probiotics are considered dietary supplements and are not regulated as stringently as food and drugs. Product quality varies widely and therefore consumers should consult their medical doctors when considering these products. Nonetheless, various forms of probiotics have shown the potential to have positive health benefits and further research is warranted.

Source: Kligler, Benjamin, Cohrsenn, Andreas. 2008. Probiotics. American Family Physician 79(9): 1073-1078.

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