Probiotics and Their Role in Gastrointestinal Disorders
Hungin AP, Mulligan C, Pot B, Whorwell P, Agréus L, Fracasso P, Lionis C, Mendive J, Philippart de Foy JM, Rubin G, Winchester C, de Wit N
Published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Abstract
Systematic review examining probiotic efficacy in various gastrointestinal conditions including IBS, IBD, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Methodology
Systematic literature search of meta-analyses and randomised trials followed by structured expert-panel consensus on clinical recommendations.
Key Findings
A multidisciplinary expert review of systematic reviews concluded that specific probiotic strains reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and improve overall symptoms, pain and bloating in IBS. Effects were strain- and dose-specific and could not be generalised across products.
Conclusions
Probiotics have a defensible role in primary-care management of selected gastrointestinal complaints, but clinicians should choose strains with direct trial evidence rather than treating probiotics as a single class.
Limitations
Consensus/narrative synthesis rather than a formal meta-analysis, variable trial quality, publication bias in the probiotic literature, and heavy industry involvement in the underlying trials.
Supplements Studied
Probiotics modulate the gut microbiota and have a role in the management of several gastrointestinal disorders.
Outcomes Measured
Probiotics modulate the gut microbiota and have a role in the management of several gastrointestinal disorders.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Danone Research supported the expert meeting; several authors reported industry relationships
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