Which Probiotics Are Most Effective In Treating Colitis?

Probiotics are friendly microorganisms that live in your intestine. The World Health Organization defines probiotics as "live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." Normally your intestinal tract is sterile at birth, but it is colonized by bacteria from your environment within days to weeks. A study published in the July 2010 issue of "PLoS One" suggests that early exposure to microorganisms is critical for normal immune development and the prevention of autoimmune diseases, such as ulcerative colitis.

Hygiene Hypothesis

Proponents of the hygiene hypothesis claim that the decline of infections in developed countries parallels a rise in chronic inflammatory diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, allergies and other immune-mediated conditions. Research published in the July 7, 2010, issue of "PLoS One" supports the notion that exposure to both beneficial and infectious organisms early in life plays a role in the development of a balanced immune response. Ostensibly your immune system benefits from exposure to environmental organisms, a process that would have played a much larger part in your immune "education" in years past.

Colitis Defined

Ulcerative colitis, or UC, is a bowel disease characterized by chronic inflammation and ulceration in the lining of your colon. UC is associated with bloody diarrhea, fever, dehydration and weight loss. Frequently people with UC also suffer from extra-intestinal manifestations such as arthritis, eye inflammation and skin and mucous membrane disorders. The risk of colon cancer is significantly higher among patients with UC. Treatment for this disease involves dietary changes, anti-inflammatory medications and drugs designed to modulate your immune response. Probiotics have also proven useful in some situations.

Research

Clinical studies have shown that probiotics are beneficial for some patients with UC. However, not all probiotics are useful for this condition, and not all patients will notice improvement from taking preparations that have helped other patients. An April 2011 editorial in "Digestion" cites Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, a specific strain of E. coli, and VSL#3, a formulation containing eight strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, as two of the better-studied formulations for treating UC. A review in the November 2010 issue of "Gastroenterology and Hepatology" reports the lack of benefit from some probiotic preparations, such as pure Lactobacillus formulations, and reiterates that only E. coli Nissle 1917 and VSL#3 have so far proven effective for managing UC.

Considerations

The use of probiotics for managing colitis is still controversial, and not all strains of organisms have demonstrated clinical efficacy. Scientists who advocate probiotic therapy have not decided how these organisms exert their benefits in UC, nor are they certain what probiotic doses are optimal. It is generally accepted that you must consume several billion organisms daily for 7 to 10 days to colonize your entire colon. While research has shown specific preparations of probiotics to be useful, other preparations or strains may confer equivalent benefits. Ask your doctor if probiotics are appropriate for you.