Uses

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Grade*

Acute diarrhea

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.

A

Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Probiotics show promise for preventing atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome in children. Infants benefit when their mothers take probiotics during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Direct supplementation of infants may reduce the incidence of atopic eczema by as much as half. It may also reduce cow's milk allergy and other allergic reactions during weaning. Probiotics may stabilize the intestinal barrier function and decrease gastrointestinal symptoms in children with atopic dermatitis. Children do differ, however, in their responsiveness to specific probiotics. The effectiveness of probiotics for the treatment of eczema is still under investigation.

A

Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis may be accompanied by an imbalance of intestinal bacteria flora. Probiotic supplementation in cirrhosis patients has been found to reduce the level of fecal acidity (pH) and fecal and blood ammonia, which are beneficial changes.

B

Dental caries

Short-term consumption of probiotic-containing cheese may benefit dental caries. There is also evidence that the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, when added to milk, may help reduce dental carries in young children.

B

Growth

There is evidence that young children (ages 6-36 months) who receive infant formula with bifidobacteria Bb12 supplementation may achieve faster growth than without the supplementation. More research is needed to confirm available study findings.

B

Immune enhancement

Research suggests that probiotics, especially those in milk or food, may help boost the immune system. However, commercially produced yogurt may not be as effective. More studies are needed, particularly with yogurt, in order to reach a firm conclusion.

B

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Many types of probiotics have been shown to moderately reduce symptoms of IBS, including pain, gas, bloating, and stool frequency. There is also some evidence that probiotics may reduce swelling and improve quality of life. However, not all studies show beneficial effects.

B

Sinusitis (hypertrophic)

Use of probiotic Enterococcus faecalis bacteria in hypertrophic sinusitis (sinus inflammation) may reduce frequency of relapses and the need for antibiotic therapy.

B

Ulcerative colitis

E. coli Nissle 1917 appears to be as effective as the drug mesalazine, but is not currently available in the United States. A variety of Bifidophilus preparations have shown effects of preventing relapse or maintaining remission. These include Bifidophilus alone, Bifidophilus in fermented milk products, and a synbiotic preparation. A probiotic combination consisting of VSL#3 plus balsalazide may be more effective than balsalazide or mesalazine alone. More studies are needed to more clearly determine what outcomes can be expected.

B

Allergies

There is promising early evidence that probiotics may help treat allergic conditions, especially allergic skin disorders in infants. Most studies have tested probiotics in children, teenagers, and young adults. Some evidence also suggests that probiotics help reduce swelling caused by allergies. However, study results are mixed for inhalant allergies, such as allergic rhinitis (nasal inflammation and discharge).

C

Amoebiasis

Combining a probiotic yeast (Saccharomyces boulardii) with antibiotics in the treatment of acute amoebiasis (amoebic dysentery) may decrease the duration of symptoms. More studies are needed in this area.

C

Asthma

Laser acupuncture plus probiotics may help prevent asthma attacks in school-aged children with intermittent or mild persistent asthma. More research with probiotics alone is needed.

C

Bacterial vaginosis (during pregnancy)

Vaginal suppositories containing probiotics may be effective in the treatment or prevention of bacterial vaginosis. Eating yogurt enriched with Lactobacillus acidophilus may also be beneficial. However, not all applications of probiotics show benefit. Additional research is necessary before firm conclusions can be reached regarding what probiotics and what methods can lead to reliable results.

C

Cardiovascular disease

There is limited evidence suggesting that probiotics may help reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, in overweight people. One study suggests that probiotic supplementation may reduce blood pressure and some biochemical risk factors for cardiovascular disease (leptin and fibrinogen). This implies a possible protective effect against atherosclerosis. These findings are tentative and more evidence is needed to arrive at firm conclusions.

C

Colitis (collagenous)

There is not enough evidence on which to form conclusions on the use of probiotics in collagenous colitis. A lack of a significant effect was observed in available study. More research is needed in this area.

C

Colon cancer

There is recent evidence that supplementation with a synbiotic preparation (oligofructose-enriched insulin, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 (BB12)) may help reduce the risk of colon cancer. More studies with probiotics as a monotherapy are needed.

C

Constipation

Results of studies using probiotics for constipation are mixed. Some research suggests that they may help reduce symptoms in patients with long-term constipation. However, other studies did not show effectiveness in young children. More research is needed to determine what forms of probiotics may be effective in constipation.

C

Crohn's disease

Based on a limited number of studies, probiotics have not demonstrated efficacy in clinical symptoms associated with Crohn's disease. More well designed studies are needed.

C

Diarrhea (HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy)

Probiotic therapy is well tolerated in HIV infected patients on antiretroviral therapy, but may not be helpful for gastrointestinal symptoms. More studies are needed in this area.

C

Ear infections

Probiotic capsules (containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and LC705, Bifidobacterium breve 99, and Propionibacterium freudenreichii JS) have not been shown to protect against ear infections in children. More research is needed to confirm these findings.

C

Fertility

Probiotics have been used in the vagina immediately after oocyte (egg) retrieval during in vitro fertilization (IVF), but they do not appear to have an effect on vaginal colonization or pregnancy rate in IVF cycles. More studies are needed.

C

Helicobacter pylori infection (therapy-related side effects)

Antibiotics are the main treatment to eradicate Helicobacter pylori, the cause of most stomach ulcers. Side effects commonly include bloating, diarrhea, and taste disturbances. Probiotics reduce these side effects and generally help people tolerate the treatment. They may also reduce levels of H. pylori in children and adults. Yogurt containing probiotics suppresses H. pylori infection and may lead to more complete eradication during antibiotic treatment.

C

Hepatic encephalopathy (confused thinking due to liver disorders)

Initial studies in minimal hepatic encephalopathy are encouraging. Probiotics and prebiotics may lead to the improvement of symptoms and may be an alternative to lactulose for the management of this condition in people with cirrhosis. However, more studies are needed to better understand the role of probiotics in this condition.

C

Infection prevention

There is limited evidence that probiotic supplementation may reduce the presence of harmful bacteria in the upper respiratory tract. More studies are needed to establish this relationship and its implications for health.

C

Lactose intolerance

Supplementation of infant formulas with probiotics is a potential approach for the management of cow's milk allergy, but there is conflicting evidence as to whether it improves digestion of lactose. More research is needed in this area before a conclusion can be drawn.

C

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) prevention

Little evidence is available on the effects of probiotics in the prevention of NEC. Study results conflict. Further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of this application.

C

Pneumonia

There is insufficient evidence to draw any firm conclusions on the use of probiotics for pneumonia. More research is necessary.

C

Pouchitis

Limited evidence suggests that a probiotic preparation (VSL#3, containing lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, and Streptococcus salivarius subspecies thermophilus) may be effective in the prevention of pouchitis. Notably, discontinuation appears to be followed by relapse, while continuation apparently maintains remission and better quality of life. Lactobacillus GG supplementation, however, has had conflicting results in preventing flare-ups. More studies are needed to arrive at firm conclusions.

C

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Lactobacillus GG has been associated with some improvements in subjective well-being and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. More studies are needed.

C

Supplementation in preterm and very low birthweight infants

Probiotics, when added to formulas or breast milk, may foster better growth and higher counts of healthy bacteria in the gut of preterm infants. They may also boost the immune system and improve feeding tolerance. However, Lactobacillus GG may not be effective. More studies are needed to clarify specific guidelines for probiotics in preterm infant care.

C

Thrush

Early research suggests that cheese-containing probiotics may help reduce the risk of a fungal mouth infection, called thrush. More research is needed in this area.

C

Urinary tract infection

Studies of Lactobacillus preparations for urinary tract infection have had mixed results. Available evidence suggests that a combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and L. fermentum RC-14 may reduce potentially harmful vaginal bacteria and yeast in healthy women. Other studies have found no benefit for women or pre-term infants. More studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of probiotics in urinary and urogenital tract infections.

C

Vaccine adjunct

Lactobacillus fermentum (CECT5716) may increase the protective effects of the flu vaccine. More research is needed.

C

Vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection)

Probiotics have not been adequately studied for the prevention or treatment of vaginal yeast infections. More research is needed in this area before a conclusion can be drawn.

C

Pancreatitis (acute)

Overall, there is a lack of evidence to support the use of probiotics in patients with acute pancreatitis. Some research has found that probiotics may increase risk of mortality in these patients.

D

*Key to grades:A: Strong scientific evidence for this use; B: Good scientific evidence for this use; C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use; D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work); F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).