Probiotic Results

Probiotics are being touted in many parts of the media as being a cure-all for digestive disorders. While some of these claims are based in truth, looking at the impact of probiotics on individual conditions related to digestion shows a bit of a different story. There has been a relatively large amount of research on probiotics, as noted in the book, "Probiotics and Health Claims" by Professor Wolfgang Kneifel, but not all of the assertions of positive results are backed up by evidence.

Lactose Intolerance

One purported benefit of probiotics is that dairy foods which contain them may be better digested by those who suffer from lactose intolerance. A 1984 article published in the "New England Journal of Medicine" found that those who ingested lactose in yogurt as compared to those who ingested lactose in milk had 67 percent less hydrogen on their breath. The level of hydrogen on the breath is a reflection of the intestinal microflora metabolism of lactose, and therefore an indication of digestion. A much more recent systematic review published in the "Journal of Family Practice" in 2005 found probiotic supplementation did not generally alleviate the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Traveler's Diarrhea

Another condition that probiotics have been purported to help is traveler's diarrhea. In a "Traveler's Medicine and Infectious Disease Journal" 2005 meta-analysis of studies on probiotics' effects on traveler's diarrhea, the authors found that several probiotics, including Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum had significant effects. They also noted that no serious adverse reactions were reported in the 12 trials, and therefore probiotics may offer a safe and effective way to prevent traveler's diarrhea.

Atopic Eczema

Probiotics may also have an impact on atopic eczema in children. A study published in the May 2003 "Lancet" followed up on a previous study that looked at the effects of probiotics on at-risk infants in the first two years of life. The four-year follow-up showed that fewer children who had been given lactobacillus developed eczema as compared to those who had received a placebo. These results suggest that lactobacillus is effective at preventing atopic eczema beyond infancy and into childhood.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is another condition that may be helped by probiotics. In the journal "Gastroenterolgy," a study was published in March 2005 that looked at the impact of probiotics on subjects that suffered from irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. Lactobacillus salivarius or Bifidobacterium infantis were provided to patients, and they determined that those who ingested the Bifidobacterium infantis saw a greater alleviation of IBS symptoms. The results suggest that B infantis might play a role in modulating the immune response in IBS.