Best Probiotics Supplements

Some bugs are good for you. The World Health Organization defines probiotics as "live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." But, not just any bug will do. Although they are not intended to treat disease, certain probiotics may work to alleviate particular medical conditions. Look for them on the ingredient list of probiotic supplements.

Respiratory Tract Infections

Lactobacillus may improve cold symptoms. Almost 600 daycare children aged 1 through 6 years had fewer sick days when they drank milk supplemented with Lactobacillus GG, according to researchers in the "British Medical Journal," in 2001. In another study reported in "Pediatrics," in 2009, roughly 300 children aged 3 to 5 years experienced reduced fever, runny nose, cough and sick days when they took Lactobacillus acidophilus, compared to placebo. Elderly subjects who drank Lactobacillus casei-fermented milk shaved 20 percent off the duration of winter respiratory tract infections, as reported in the "Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging" in 2003.

Dental Disease

There have been at least two studies in which Lactobacillus reuteri was effective in preventing dental disorders. After taking L. reuteri for two weeks, 59 patients showed significantly improved gingivitis and plaque formation, as reported in "Swedish Dental," in 2006. Investigators in "Acta Odontologica Scandinavica" in 2006, saw a significant reduction in the amount of a cavity-causing bacterium in the mouths of 120 subjects who took L. reuteri for two weeks.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea may be alleviated by probiotic supplements containing Bifidobacterium infantis. Compared to placebo, B. infantis reduced the symptoms of 400 women with IBS by 20 percent in a 2006 study reported in "Nutrition in Clinical Practice." In another 2006 investigation cited in the same journal, symptoms decreased by 20 to 25 percent in subjects who took B. infantis when compared to a different probiotic. The American Gastroenterology Association states that a combination of B. infantis, Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus plantarum may help relieve symptoms of IBS, including gas, bloating and frequent bowel movements.

Infectious Diarrhea in Children

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infectious diarrhea accounts for 13 percent of hospitalizations for U.S. children under 5 years old. In 2000, the "Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition" reported on a study in which an oral rehydration solution supplemented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG reduced duration of diarrhea by 20 hours in children 1 month to 3 years old. Children treated with L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri twice daily for five days experienced 40 fewer hours of diarrhea than controls, according to a 2002 article in the "Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal." A meta-analysis published in "Pediatrics" by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2002, concluded that Lactobacillus is a safe and effective treatment for infectious diarrhea in children.

Atopic Dermatitis in Children

According to the National Eczema Association, this rash-like inflammatory skin condition occurs in 10 percent of all infants and children. In a study published in 2000, in "Clinical and Experimental Allergy," 27 infants with atopic dermatitis experienced a significant decrease in symptoms after two months of Lactobacillus GG-supplemented formula. Researchers in "Lancet" in 2003 established that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG reduces the occurrence of atopic dermatitis in children who are at risk for the first two years of life.