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J Clin Outcomes Manage
2012 Feb;19(2):76-84
Probiotics: a review
Upadhyay N, Moudgal V
Abstract: Objective: To review the current evidence on the health benefits and adverse effects of probiotics. Methods: Review of the literature. Results: The efficacy of probiotics is strain-dependent. There is good evidence to support probiotic use in the treatment of acute diarrheal diseases, prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and prevention of pouchitis. However, there is insufficient evidence to recommend probiotics for use in other clinical conditions. Most of the studies have been marked by clinical and methodological differences, pointing to the need for well-designed clinical trials to properly assess the efficacy of probiotics. The side effects of probiotics are generally mild, but serious infections have been reported, especially in the elderly, patients with intravenous catheters, and the immunocompromised. Conclusion: While probiotics are beneficial in few clinical conditions, there is a need for additional investigations to better define their proper use in clinical practice.
Clinical Review Article
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