Probiotics

Uses

Probiotic bacteria favorably alter the intestinal microflora balance, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, promote good digestion, boost immune function, and increase resistance to infection.1, 2 People with flourishing intestinal colonies of beneficial bacteria are better equipped to fight the growth of disease-causing bacteria.3, 4Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora by producing organic compounds—such as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid—that increase the acidity of the intestine and inhibit the reproduction of many harmful bacteria.5, 6 Probiotic bacteria also produce substances called bacteriocins, which act as natural antibiotics to kill undesirable microorganisms.7

What Are Star Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used forWhy
3 Stars
Colic
Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner
Research suggests probiotics may benefit babies with colic who are breast-fed or fed milk-based formula.

In a double-blind study of infants, supplementation of a standard milk-based formula with (Bifidobacterium lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus) significantly reduced the frequency of colic, compared with the same formula without the probiotics. Another double-blind study found that the probiotic preparation, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, was an effective treatment for colic in exclusively breast-fed infants. In another study, L.reuteri DSM 17938 taken once a day was significantly more effective than simethicone, a drug frequently used to treat colic. Other double-blind research has confirmed the benefit of probiotics (particularly L.reuteri DSM 17938) in infants with colic.

3 Stars
Constipation
Amount depends on the probiotic strain used
Research has shown that the probiotic strain Lactobacillus casei Shirota may help relieve chronic constipation after two weeks of supplementation.
In one double-blind study, 70 people (average age, 44 years) with chronic constipation were randomly assigned to receive 65 ml/day of a probiotic beverage or placebo for four weeks. The probiotic beverage provided daily at least 6.5 billion colony-forming units of Lactobacillus casei Shirota. The treatment group began showing statistically significant improvements at the end of the second week. At the end of the treatment period, the proportion of patients having moderate or severe constipation was 34% in the active-treatment group and 83% in the placebo group. Another double-blind trial found that a probiotic supplement taken for 4 weeks significantly increased bowel movement frequency in adults with constipation. The product used in that study provided 200 million colony-forming units of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 per day, and was taken twice a day after meals.
3 Stars
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Refer to label instructions
A daily drink containing probiotics significantly reduced IBS symptoms in one study.
In several double-blind trials, probiotic products have been found to relieve symptoms of IBS. Preparations that have been found to be effective include 1) a combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, L. rhamnosus Lc705, Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. shermanii JS and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Bb12; 2) Lactobacillus GG; 3) a combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07; and 4) a product known as VSL#3
3 Stars
Obesity
Up to 9x109 (nine billion) colony forming units daily
A growing body of research shows probiotics can increase weight loss in those with overweight and obesity.
People with obesity exhibit differences in gut microbiome composition compared to normal-weight individuals. Multiple controlled trials, meta-analyses, and reviews show probiotic supplements containing various Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains can help to reduce body weight, waist circumference, fat mass, and percent body fat, and may improve cholesterol levels and other markers of metabolic health. These effects may be due to the influence of microbes present in the gut on appetite, mood, inflammatory status, nutrient intake and absorption, and metabolism. One analysis determined the best effects on body weight reduction were associated with the use of two or more strains of probiotic bacteria, doses below 1010 [ten billion] colony forming units per day, and probiotics in foods (versus capsules and powders).
3 Stars
Tooth Decay
Add 5 to 10 x 105 CFU per ml to milk or formula
Supplementing with probiotics may inhibit cavity-causing bacteria.

In a double-blind study of children aged 1 to 6 years, supplementation with Lactobacillus GG five days a week in milk for seven months reduced the incidence of cavities by 49%, compared with unsupplemented milk. The amount of Lactobacillus added to the milk was 5 to 10 x 105 CFU per ml.

In another study, supplementing with Lactobacillus reuteri strain ATCC 55730 (derived from breast milk) significantly decreased the number of children who had dental cavities at 9 years of age. The probiotic was given in the amount of 108 colony-forming units per day to the mother during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy, and then to the infant in the same daily amount during the first year of life.
3 Stars
Type 2 Diabetes
7 billion CFU or more of a mix of probiotic strains daily
Probiotics can improve blood glucose control, as well as cholesterol and triglyceride levels, in people with type 2 diabetes.
The gut microbiome is increasingly recognized as a key player in regulating immune and metabolic functions in the body, and a growing body of research suggests probiotics may be beneficial to people with type 2 diabetes. Multiple clinical trials, reviews, and meta-analyses have shown that probiotic supplements can have a positive impact on blood glucose control, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes. One review reported the best evidence is for supplements with multiple strains, including Lactobacillus acidophilus,Lactobacillus bulgaricus,Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifidobacterium lactis, taken in amounts of 7 billion or more colony forming units (CFU) for six to 12 weeks.
3 Stars
Vaginitis
Apply a daily topical preparation or a suppository containing live culture
A topical preparation or suppository containing live Lactobacillus acidophilus may help relieve symptoms and prevent recurrent infections.

is a strain of friendly bacteria that is an integral part of normal vaginal flora. Lactobacilli help maintain the vaginal microflora by preventing overgrowth of unfriendly bacteria and Candida. Lactobacilli produce lactic acid, which acts like a natural antibiotic. These friendly bacteria also compete with other organisms for the utilization of glucose. The production of lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide by lactobacilli also helps to maintain the acidic pH needed for healthy vaginal flora to thrive. Most of the research has used yogurt containing live cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus or the topical application of such yogurt or Lactobacillus acidophilus into the vagina. The effective amount of acidophilus depends on the strain used, as well as on the concentration of viable organisms.

Vaginal application of a proprietary Lactobacillus acidophilus preparation may help bacterial vaginitis. In one trial, 80% of women with bacterial vaginitis who used the preparation were either cured or experienced marked improvement in symptoms. In another trial, application of a vaginal capsule containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Streptococcus thermophilus reduced the recurrence rate of bacterial vaginosis. The treatment was given for 7 consecutive days, and then after 7 days off was given for another 7 days. In another trial, women who were predisposed to vaginal Candida infection because they were HIV-positive received either Lactobacillus acidophilus vaginal suppositories, the antifungal drug, clotrimazole (for example, Gyne-Lotrimin), or placebo weekly for 21 months. Compared to those receiving placebo, women receiving Lactobacillus acidophilus suppositories had only half the risk of experiencing an episode of Candida vaginitis—a result almost as good as that achieved with clotrimazole. In a preliminary trial, women with vaginal Trichomonas infection received vaginal Lactobacillus acidophilus suppositories for one year. Over 90% of them were reported to be cured of their clinical symptoms in that time.

Two specific strains of lactobacillus (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14) have been found to be effective against bacterial vaginosis when taken orally. In a double-blind study, supplementation with a capsule containing 10 billion of each of these organisms twice a day for 30 days increased the cure rate from antibiotic therapy to 88%, compared with a 40% cure rate in the group receiving antibiotics alone.

3 Stars
Yeast Infection
3 capsules or 1/4 tsp powder, taken by mouth three times daily, or use powder in douche or vaginal suppositories daily
Supplementing with probiotics may prevent the overgrowth of yeast organisms.

is a species of friendly bacteria that is an integral part of normal vaginal flora. Lactobacilli help to maintain the vaginal ecosystem by preventing the overgrowth of unfriendly bacteria and Candida. Lactobacilli produce lactic acid, which acts like a natural antibiotic.

Lactobacillus acidophilus can be taken orally in the form of acidophilus yogurt, or in capsules or powder. It can also be administered vaginally. In a controlled trial, women who consumed 8 ounces of Lactobacillus acidophilus-containing yogurt per day had a threefold decrease in the incidence of vaginal yeast infections and a reduction in the frequency of Candida colonization in the vagina. In another trial, women who were predisposed to vaginal Candida infection because they were HIV-positive received either Lactobacillus acidophilus vaginal suppositories, the antifungal drug, clotrimazole (e.g., Gyne-Lotrimin®), or placebo weekly for 21 months. Compared to those receiving placebo, women receiving Lactobacillus acidophilus suppositories had only half the risk of experiencing an episode of Candida vaginitis—a result almost as good as that achieved with clotrimazole.

Many women find relief using an acidophilus-containing yogurt douche daily for a few days or weeks, depending on the severity of the infection. Three capsules of acidophilus or one-quarter teaspoon of powder can be taken orally one to three times daily. Acidophilus can also be taken preventively during antibiotic use to reduce the risk of Candida vaginitis.

2 Stars
Allergies and Sensitivities and Food Allergies
2.6 billion organisms per day for infants
Probiotics such as Lactobacillus GG may improve digestion in people with food allergies, helping the intestinal tract control allergen absorption and changing immune system responses to foods.

may be important in the control of food allergies because of their ability to improve digestion, by helping the intestinal tract control the absorption of food allergens and/or by changing immune system responses to foods. One group of researchers has reported using probiotics to successfully treat infants with food allergies in two trials: a double-blind trial using Lactobacillus GG bacteria in infant formula, and a preliminary trial giving the same bacteria to nursing mothers. Probiotics may also be important in non-allergy types of food intolerance caused by imbalances in the normal intestinal flora.

2 Stars
Athletic Performance
Fermented milk containing 6.5 billion live Lactobacillus casei Shirota organisms, twice a day for 16 weeks
In a double-blind trial, supplementation with a probiotic preparation reduced the frequency of upper respiratory tract infections in training athletes during the winter.
In a double-blind trial, supplementation with a probiotic preparation reduced the frequency of upper respiratory tract infections in training athletes during the winter. The product used in the study was fermented milk that contained 6.5 billion live Lactobacillus casei Shirota organisms, given twice a day for 16 weeks. Further research is needed to determine whether other probiotic strains would have the same effect.
2 Stars
Canker Sores
Apply powdered culture topically several times daily and orally take 1.5 billion colony-forming units two times daily
Topical and/or oral use of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus may help people with recurrent canker sores.

According to preliminary reports, some people with recurrent canker sores may respond to topical and/or oral use of and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. However, a double-blind study found no effect of acidophilus bacteria on the healing time of canker sores.

2 Stars
Common Cold (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis Bi-07 )
A total of 1,010 colony-forming units per day for the combination
In a double-blind study conducted in China, children who received probiotics for six months had a significantly lower incidence of cold symptoms compared with children who received a placebo.
In a double-blind study conducted in China, children who received probiotics for six months had a significantly lower incidence of cold symptoms compared with children who received a placebo. The product used in this study was Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM (1,010 colony-forming units per day), alone or in combination with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis Bi-07 (a total of 1,010 colony-forming units per day for the combination).
2 Stars
Common Cold and Sore Throat
Refer to label instructions
Daily supplementation with a probiotic may decrease the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections in children.
In a double-blind trial, daily supplementation with Lactobacillus GG (a probiotic organism) for 3 months decreased the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections by 34% in children attending daycare centers. Another double-blind trial found that a probiotic preparation taken for 3 months during the winter decreased the incidence of common infectious diseases in children aged 3-7 years. The product used in that study contained Lactobacillus helveticus R0052, Bifidobacterium infantis R0033, Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071, and fructo-oligosaccharides. Supplementation of children with a probiotic preparation daily for 2 weeks at the first sign of illness of a household member was shown in another double-blind trial to decrease the duration and severity of subsequent acute respiratory infections in members of the same household. The product used in that study contained Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 (NCIMB 30333) and Bifidobacterium lactis UABLA-12.
2 Stars
Crohn’s Disease
At least 250 mg of Saccharomyces boulardii taken three times per day
In double-blind research, diarrhea caused by Crohn’s disease has partially responded to supplementation with the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii.

In double-blind research, diarrhea caused by Crohn’s disease has partially responded to supplementation with the beneficial bacterium . Although the amount used in this trial, 250 mg taken three times per day, was helpful, as much as 500 mg taken four times per day has been administered in research successfully using Saccharomyces boulardii as a supplement with people suffering from other forms of diarrhea.

2 Stars
Diverticular Disease
Refer to label instructions
In a double-blind study of patients with diverticular disease in remission, supplementing with a probiotic significantly decreased the number of people who suffered a recurrence of symptoms or a flare-up of acute diverticulitis.
In a double-blind study of patients with diverticular disease in remission, supplementing with a probiotic significantly decreased the number of people who suffered a recurrence of symptoms or a flare-up of acute diverticulitis. The probiotic used in the study contained 24 billion Lactobacillus casei subsp. DG organisms, and was taken the first 10 days of each month for 12 months. It is not known whether other probiotic strains would have the same beneficial effect.
2 Stars
Eczema
10 billion colony-forming units daily of lactobacillus-type bacteria
Pregnant women and newborns who take probiotic supplements may reduce risk of eczema in early life.

A double-blind trial reported that use of a hypoallergenic infant formula plus (500 million organisms of Lactobacillus GG bacteria per gram of formula, taken for one month) initially led to improvement in eczema symptoms in infants with suspected allergy to cow's milk. However, by the end of two months, both the group receiving Lactobacillus GG and the placebo group had improved approximately the same amount. In the same report, a preliminary trial giving 20 billion lactobacilli twice per day to breast-feeding mothers led to significant improvement of their allergic infants’ eczema after one month. However, another double-blind trial found that Lactobacillus GG was no more effective than a placebo in infants with mild to moderate eczema. In another double-blind trial, a different probiotic preparation (1 billion organisms of Lactobacillus fermentum VRI-033 PCC taken twice a day) reduced the severity of eczema in a group of young children with moderate or severe eczema. may reduce allergic reactions by improving digestion, by helping the intestinal tract control the absorption of food allergens, and/or by changing immune system responses.

2 Stars
Gingivitis
Refer to label instructions
In two double-blind studies, the use of probiotic lozenges resulted in a modest improvement in certain measures of periodontal disease.
In a double-blind study of patients with chronic periodontal disease (periodontitis), use of probiotic lozenges resulted in modest improvement in certain measures of periodontal disease (a decrease in pocket depth and an improvement in attachment), when compared with a placebo. The product used in the study contained 2 different strains of Lactobacillus reuteri (Prodentis; BioGaia, Lund, Sweden); one lozenge was dissolved in the mouth twice a day (after tooth brushing) for 12 weeks. These findings were confirmed in a second double-blind trial.
2 Stars
Halitosis
Refer to label instructions
Preparations and gums containing probiotics have shown some promise for improving halitosis.
In a preliminary trial, treatment with a probiotic preparation significantly improved halitosis by about 33%. The preparation used in the study was a tablet containing Lactobacillus salivarius strain WB21 and 280 mg of xylitol. One tablet was taken 3 times per day for 2 to 4 weeks. In a double-blind trial, use of a probiotic-containing chewing gum twice a day for 2 weeks significantly improved halitosis in people with self-reported bad morning breath. The gum used in this study contained 100 million colony-forming units each of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and L. reuteri ATCC PTA 5289 per piece.
2 Stars
Hay Fever
Refer to label instructions
In one trial, supplementing with Bifidobacterium longum strain BB536 during the pollen season significantly decreased symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal blockage.

In a double-blind trial, supplementation with a specific strain (Bifidobacterium longum strain BB536) during the pollen season significantly decreased symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal blockage, compared with a placebo.

2 Stars
HIV and AIDS Support
Take under medical supervision: 1 gram three times per day of Saccharomyces boulardii for diarrhea
In one trial, Saccharomyces boulardii helped stop diarrhea in HIV-positive people.

In a double-blind trial, the non-disease-causing yeast (1 gram three times per day) helped stop diarrhea in HIV-positive people. However, people with severely compromised immune function have been reported to develop yeast infections in the bloodstream after consuming some yeast organisms that are benign for healthy people. For that reason, people with HIV infection who wish to take Saccharomyces boulardii, brewer’s yeast(Saccharomyces cerevisiae), or other live organisms should first consult a doctor.

2 Stars
Immune Function
10 billion colony-forming units a day of acidophilus or bifidobacteria-only for intestinal infections
Probiotics help stimulate the intestine’s immune system and slow the growth of infectious organisms.
Supplements of (friendly bacteria) such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, or the growth factors that encourage their development in the gastrointestinal tract may help protect the body from harmful organisms in the intestine that cause local or systemic infection according to published research, including controlled trials. The effective amount of probiotics depends on the strain used, as well as the number of viable organisms. Infectious diarrhea in children has been successfully reduced with supplements of friendly bacteria in several trials, some of which were double-blind.
2 Stars
Infection
Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner
Lactobacillus acidophilus produces acids that kill invading bacteria. These and other probiotics inhibit the growth of potentially infectious organisms and have been shown to be effective against some infections.

(the friendly bacteria found in yogurt) produces acids that kill invading bacteria. The effective amount of acidophilus depends on the strain used, as well as the concentration of viable organisms. These and other friendly bacteria known as inhibit the growth of potentially infectious organisms (pathogens) by producing acids, hydrogen peroxide, and natural antibiotics called bacteriocins and microcins, by utilizing nutrients needed by pathogens, by occupying attachment sites on the gut wall that would otherwise be available to pathogens, and by stimulating immune attacks on pathogens. Infections that have been successfully prevented or treated with friendly bacteria include infectious diarrhea, vaginitis, and urinary tract infections.

2 Stars
Liver Cirrhosis
Refer to label instructions
A probiotic preparation called VSL#3, which contains 8 different strains of beneficial bacteria, has been shown to improve the impaired mental and neurological function that is commonly seen in people with cirrhosis.
A probiotic preparation called VSL#3, which contains 8 different strains of beneficial bacteria, has been shown to improve the impaired mental and neurological function (minimal hepatic encephalopathy) that is commonly seen in people with cirrhosis.. It is not known whether other probiotic products would also be effective. Because people with severe illnesses such as cirrhosis could theoretically be harmed by supplementing with live bacteria, people with cirrhosis should only take probiotics under medical supervision.
2 Stars
Metabolic Syndrome
= 6.5 billion colony forming units (CFUs) daily
Early research indicates probiotics have likely, though small, benefits on metabolic and cardiovascular health.

There is increasing awareness of the importance of gut bacteria in regulating metabolism and inflammatory immune function, and growing evidence indicates a role for probiotics, as well as prebiotics (fibers that enhance growth of beneficial bacteria) and synbiotics (combinations of pro- and prebiotics) in preventing and treating metabolic syndrome.

One placebo-controlled trial compared the effects of a multi-strain probiotic supplement and an inulin-based synbiotic supplement to placebo in 120 participants with pre-diabetes. Both the probiotic and synbiotic supplements reduced the prevalence of metabolic syndrome more effectively than placebo. A meta-analysis was performed using data from nine randomized controlled trials investigating the use of probiotics in subjects with metabolic syndrome. The trials used different species of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, at doses ≥ 6.5 billion colony forming units (CFUs), and lasted three to 12 weeks. Five of the trials reported small but statistically significant positive findings with regard to metabolic syndrome parameters such as body-mass index (BMI), blood glucose levels, and lipid metabolism. In addition, certain probiotic strains appear to improve gut microbiome composition and reduce blood levels of inflammatory markers in people with metabolic syndrome. More research is needed to identify specific strains, optimal doses, and duration of treatment needed for probiotics to improve metabolic health.

2 Stars
Pre- and Post-Surgery Health
Refer to label instructions
One meta-analysis found that the use of a probiotic or synbiotic (probiotic plus prebiotic) product around the time of surgery significantly decreased the incidence of severe infections following elective surgery.
A meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials found that the use of a probiotic or synbiotic (probiotic plus prebiotic) product around the time of surgery significantly decreased the incidence of severe infections following elective surgery. Consult a healthcare practitioner for information about what probiotic or synbiotic to use and when to start taking it.
2 Stars
Ulcerative Colitis
10 to 600 billion colony-forming units per day of probiotic bacteria, or 250 mg of Saccharomyces boulardii three times daily
Supplementing with probiotics has been shown to help people with ulcerative colitis.

In preliminary and double-blind trials, a supplement (in this case, a non-disease-causing strain of Escherichia coli) was effective at maintaining remission in people with UC. In a double-blind trial, a combination probiotic supplement containing Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, and a beneficial strain of Streptococcus has been shown to prevent pouchitis, a common complication of surgery for UC. People with chronic relapsing pouchitis received either 3 grams per day of the supplement or placebo for nine months. Eighty-five percent of those who took the supplement had no further episodes of pouchitis during the nine-month trial, whereas 100% of those receiving placebo had relapses within four months. Preliminary and double-blind research suggests that combination probiotic supplements may be effective at promoting recovery and preventing UC relapses as well.

In a preliminary trial, people with UC significantly improved on a sugar-free, low-allergen diet with additional nutritional supplementation that included a multivitamin-mineral supplement (2–6 tablets per day); a fish oil supplement (400 mg per day); borage oil (400 mg per day); flaxseed oil (400 mg per day); and a probiotic formula containing and other species of beneficial bacteria. Some participants received slight variations of this regimen. Since so many different supplements were given and since the trial was not controlled, it is not possible to say which, if any, of the nutrients was responsible for the improvement observed by the researchers.

2 Stars
Urinary Tract Infection
1 billion colony-forming units of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, twice a day
Double-blind research found that probiotics may help prevent UTI recurrence.
In a double-blind study of postmenopausal women who had a history of recurrent UTIs, treatment with a probiotic preparation reduced the number of recurrences over a one-year period by 51%. The preventive effect of the probiotic was almost as great as that of an antibiotic (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) and, unlike antibiotic treatment, probiotic therapy did not lead to the appearance of antibiotic- resistant bacteria. The preparation used in this study provided 1 billion colony-forming units of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, and was taken twice a day for one year. Previous research has shown that this probiotic product is particularly effective for preventing genitourinary infections. Additional research is therefore needed to determine whether other probiotic strains would also help prevent UTIs.
2 Stars
Vaginitis
Take a supplement providing 10 billion of each twice per day
Supplementing with probiotics may help prevent recurrences of bacterial or candidal vaginitis.

is a strain of friendly bacteria that is an integral part of normal vaginal flora. Lactobacilli help maintain the vaginal microflora by preventing overgrowth of unfriendly bacteria and Candida. Lactobacilli produce lactic acid, which acts like a natural antibiotic. These friendly bacteria also compete with other organisms for the utilization of glucose. The production of lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide by lactobacilli also helps to maintain the acidic pH needed for healthy vaginal flora to thrive. Most of the research has used yogurt containing live cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus or the topical application of such yogurt or Lactobacillus acidophilus into the vagina. The effective amount of acidophilus depends on the strain used, as well as on the concentration of viable organisms.

Vaginal application of a proprietary Lactobacillus acidophilus preparation may help bacterial vaginitis. In one trial, 80% of women with bacterial vaginitis who used the preparation were either cured or experienced marked improvement in symptoms. In another trial, women who were predisposed to vaginal Candida infection because they were HIV-positive received either Lactobacillus acidophilus vaginal suppositories, the antifungal drug, clotrimazole (for example, Gyne-Lotrimin), or placebo weekly for 21 months. Compared to those receiving placebo, women receiving Lactobacillus acidophilus suppositories had only half the risk of experiencing an episode of Candida vaginitis—a result almost as good as that achieved with clotrimazole. In a preliminary trial, women with vaginal Trichomonas infection received vaginal Lactobacillus acidophilus suppositories for one year. Over 90% of them were reported to be cured of their clinical symptoms in that time.

Two specific strains of lactobacillus (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14) have been found to be effective against bacterial vaginosis when taken orally. In a double-blind study, supplementation with a capsule containing 1 billion of each of these organisms twice a day for 30 days increased the cure rate from antibiotic therapy to 88%, compared with a 40% cure rate in the group receiving antibiotics alone. In another double-blind trial, women with bacterial vaginosis received one capsule of L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 (1 billion of each strain per capsule) twice a day or placebo for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, the percentage women who no longer had bacterial vaginosis was significantly higher in the probiotics group than in the placebo group (62% vs. 21%). Women with bacterial vaginosis should consult their doctor to determine whether these probiotic strains might be an effective alternative to antibiotics.

1 Star
Chronic Candidiasis
Refer to label instructions
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a type of probiotic that appears to help re-establish proper intestinal flora and prevent yeast overgrowth.

products are often used by people with candidiasis in an attempt to re-establish proper intestinal flora. Acidophilus produces natural factors that prevent the overgrowth of the yeast. Although there are no human trials, supplementation of acidophilus to immune-deficient mice infected with C. albicans produced positive effects on immune function and reduced the number of Candida colonies. The typical amount of acidophilus taken as a supplement is 1–10 billion live bacteria daily. Amounts exceeding this may induce mild gastrointestinal disturbances, while smaller amounts may not be able to sufficiently colonize the gastrointestinal tract.

1 Star
Stress
Refer to label instructions
Probiotic supplements may help counteract stress’s detrimental effect on the balance of intestinal bacteria.

Stress is understood to have a detrimental effect on the balance of intestinal bacteria, but whether supplements improve the ability to handle stress is unknown. In a six-month preliminary trial, a multivitamin-mineral (MVM) supplement that also contained a blend of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bifidobacterium longum was effective for improving scores on a stress questionnaire. However, this improvement could have been a placebo effect or could have been due to the MVM component. Controlled research comparing MVM supplements with and without added probiotics is necessary to determine whether probiotics are helpful for treating stress.

Information about Probiotics

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.