Probiotics May Prevent Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea

A new study supports previous findings that suggest using probiotics while on antibiotics may reduce the risk for antibiotic-associated diarrhea.Probiotics are beneficial bacteria (sometimes referred to as “friendly germs”) that help to maintain the health of the intestinal tract and aid in digestion. They also help keep potentially harmful organisms in the gut (harmful bacteria and yeasts) under control. Most probiotics come from food sources, especially cultured milk products. Probiotics can be consumed as capsules, tablets, beverages, powders, yogurts and other foods.

The largest group of probiotic bacteria in the intestine is lactic acid bacteria, of which Lactobacillus acidophilus, found in yogurt, is the best known. Other types of probiotics include different strains of Bifidobacterium and Saccharomyces boulardii. Saccharomyces boulardii has been described as the yeast probiotic, as it has been shown to antagonize disease-causing bacteria.

An increasing number of studies support the use of probiotics as a supplement to antibiotic therapy, as a preventative for diarrhea originating in a healthcare setting in infants and in healthy adults. Probiotic supplementation during a course of antibiotics may reduce the adverse effects of antibiotics in the intestinal environment. In acutely ill children, synbiotics have been linked to greater weight gain and fewer bacterial illnesses after antibiotics are ended. The evidence consistently supports supplementation of antibiotics.

In a new study, researchers conducted a comprehensive literature search for well-designed clinical trials evaluating the effects of probiotics on the prevention and treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. A total of 82 studies were identified for inclusion.

The researchers found that overall probiotic use was linked to a significantly reduced risk for antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The authors noted that the majority of trials used Lactobacillus-based treatments; however, the specific strain used was often not well
documented. Additionally, data was not consistent for population type, specific antibiotic used and probiotic preparation.

The authors concluded that probiotics may reduce the risk for antibiotic-associated diarrhea; however, further research is necessary to understand which probiotics may be most effective for use with which specific antibiotics and patients.

Reference:
Susanne Hempel, PhD; Sydne J. Newberry, PhD; Alicia R. Maher, MD; Zhen Wang, PhD; Jeremy N. V. Miles, PhD; Roberta Shanman, MS; Breanne Johnsen, BS; Paul G. Shekelle, MD, PhD. “Probiotics for the prevention and treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis“. The Journal of the American Medial Association. May 9, 2012;307(18):1959-69.