Download G-1724 Probiotics, Are They Too Good To Be

Probiotics: Are They Too Good To Be True?
Bifidiobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidus regularis, Lactobacillus
casei Immunitas®, and Saccharyomyces boulardii are the names of some of the “friendly”
bacteria that are added to our food supply and touted for their role as probiotics.
Probiotics are microorganisms (small single-celled living organisms) that are ingested to
benefit health and help fight diseases. Probiotics are either bacteria or yeast. They are
available as commercial probiotic supplements (tablets and capsules) and also are added
to yogurt and cereals.
These microorganisms are attached to claims such as “naturally regulates the digestive
system,” “fights viruses and bacteria associated with diarrhea and gastrointestinal
disease,” and “can help with diarrhea caused by antibiotics, food poisoning, traveling to
other countries, and infections people pick up in hospitals.” Such claims raise the interest
of our health-aspiring society. The question is: Are probiotics the real deal or are they too
good to be true?
Research in prebiotics (ingredients that stimulate the growth of probiotics) and probiotics
is still in its infancy. Scientists still are trying to figure out how probiotics work, if they
work best in single strains or in combinations, and what population is best served by
taking them. Early results show the potential benefits likely outweigh the risks for several
critically ill and immunosuppressed populations, but the average healthy person should
have a good supply of naturally occurring probiotics working hard to regulate the
digestive tract. For this group, supplementation is likely unnecessary.
Probiotic research is most intimately tied to the following conditions:
 Allergies
 Cancer
 Colds
 Clostridium difficile infection
 Constipation
 Dental health
 Diarrhea
 Flu
 High cholesterol
 Indigestion
 Inflammatory bowel disease
 Pseudomembranous colitis
 Stomach ulcers
 Stress
 Urinary tract infections
 Vaginal infections
 Weight loss
Because all probiotics work differently, studies are looking at dosage, timing, and other
dietary and lifestyle factors to determine how to best use these microorganisms in the
diet, for how long, and in what form. In addition, extrapolating one strain of a probiotic to
use in a supplemental form may change its effectiveness. Not all probiotics are shelf
stable, so if supplements are used, it is important to store them according to the
manufacturer’s guidelines for time and temperature control in order to keep the
microorganisms active.
Some trials have convincing conclusions showing that certain strains of probiotics are
effective for some conditions, but few clinical trials of the actual supplements that are on
the market draw the same conclusions. Time and continued research will help to
determine the role of probiotics in the American food supply. Biomarkers are not yet
established and employed to identify microorganism strains with probiotic utility. It will
take time to define the different positive health benefits of existing probiotics and
incorporate them into dietary lifestyles of society.
How most probiotic bacteria exert their health benefits remains unclear, and the question
of which biomarkers accurately reflect efficacy remains unresolved. Despite the need for
more research in this area, evidence does show that probiotics may help in treating many
conditions. Studies have not shown evidence of danger in using probiotics for short-term
treatment, so foods and supplements with these helpful bacteria are a legitimate option
for recovery and care. Only time and further research will serve to prove their
effectiveness.
References and recommended readings
Dekker J, Collett M, Prasad J, Gopal P. Functionality of probiotics—potential for product
development. Forum Nutr. 2007;60:196-208.
Elmer GW, McFarland LV, McFarland M. The Power of Probiotics: Improving Your
Health With Beneficial Microbes (Haworth Series in Integrative Healing). Binghamton,
NY: Haworth Press; 2007.
Oral probiotics: an introduction. National Institutes of Health, National Center for
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) website. NCCAM publication
D345. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/probiotics/introduction.htm. Published January 2007.
Updated December 2012. Accessed November 13, 2014.
Sallit J. C. diff prevention and adjunctive therapy with prebiotics and probiotics. In:
Dietetics in Health Care Communities Dietary Practice Group. Connections. 2010;35(2).
Schardt D. Helpful bacteria: should you take probiotics? Nutrition Action. 2006;33:7-9.
Review Date 11/14
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