Probiotics are "friendly" bacteria normally found in the digestive tract. Probiotics naturally occur in foods such as yogurt, miso and fermented vegetables. Probiotic supplements are most commonly made with friendly live bacteria called L. acidophilus, bifidobacteria or lactobacillus. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that gas or upset stomach may occur initially in people supplementing with more than 1 to 2 billion acidophilus cells daily. Read supplement labels to make certain that the product contains live and active cultures.
Immune Function
Probiotics may help to boost the immune system and improve immune function, which can reduce the risk of illnesses, such as the common cold or the influenza virus. A study published in the journal "Pediatrics" in August 2009 tested the effects of probiotic supplements on cold and flu-like symptoms in children. Children were treated with probiotics twice daily for six months. The study concludes that probiotics are effective in reducing fever, incidences and duration of colds and coughs, and decreasing the number of missed days at school due to illness.
Gastrointestinal Function
Probiotics may be useful in reducing acute infectious diarrhea and antibiotic-associated diarrhea by bulking up the feces. Probiotics help to restore the balance between good and bad bacteria in the gut, which may help with the digestive process and can reduce chronic constipation. Using probiotic supplements may reduce symptoms of IBS and Crohn's disease such as bloating, stomach pain, diarrhea and constipation.
Lactose Intolerance
Probiotics may help to reduce lactose intolerance, which is caused by low levels of the enzyme lactase in the intestines. Symptoms such as gas, bloating, stomach pain and diarrhea occur due to the inability to digest lactose from food. Increasing the healthy bacteria in the intestines may increase bowel movements and the removal of undigested lactose from the colon.
Additional Uses
Probiotics may play a role in reducing eczema and atopic dermatitis in children. Probiotics may reduce the occurrence and symptoms of vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections. The Mayo Clinic notes that probiotics are beneficial, but are not vital to maintaining a healthy body. Conclusive scientific evidence is limited and additional clinical research is needed.
References
- "American Family Physician": Probiotics, Benjamin Kligler, Andreas Cohrssen; November 1, 2008
- MayoClinic.com: Probiotics: Important for a Healthy Diet?
- "Pediatrics": Probiotic Effects on Cold and Influenza-like Symptom Incidence and Duration in Children, Leyer GJ, Li S, Mubasher ME, Reifer C, Ouwehand AC; August 2009
- "American Society for Clinical Nutrition": Prebiotics and Probiotics: Are They Functional Foods?, Marcel B Roberfroid; June 2000
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lactobacillus Acidophilus
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