Systematic review: probiotics in the management of lower gastrointestinal symptoms in clinical practice -- an evidence-based international guide
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, Vol. 38 (8), pp. 864-86
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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