The word bacteria typically has a negative connotation, but some bacteria actually promote health. These ‘’good’’ bacteria naturally live in your body and help check the growth of harmful agents. They may offer additional benefits for a range of conditions and research suggests probiotics might help treat colitis, or inflammation of the colon. As of date of publication, however, not enough evidence exists to conclusively determine their effects. Probiotics are generally a safe supplement, though, and it certainly cannot hurt to experiment after getting approval from your doctor.
Probiotics for Maintaining Remission in Ulcerative Colitis Patients
Ulcerative colitis, a more severe form of this condition, can go through periods of flare-ups and remissions and treatments focus on achieving and staying in a symptom-free state. A study published in the November 2004 issue of "Gut" compared the effects of probiotics to the anti-inflammatory drug mesalazine--considered the ‘’gold standard’’ treatment for this condition--in ulcerative colitis patients currently in remission. The year-long study found that the probiotics demonstrated equal effectiveness as the drug in maintaining a state of remission.
A review of 13 studies, published in the April 2010 issue of "World Journal of Gastroenterology," reports that probiotic therapy, compared to placebo, appears to help patients stay in remission.
Probiotics for Achieving Remission in Ulcerative Colitis Patients
A study published in the July 2005 issue of "The American Journal of Gastroenterology" found that a probiotic mixture taken for six weeks induced remission in 77 percent of participants with colitis, none of which were previously responding to conventional treatments. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reports that overall, research on achieving remission is not as strong as for maintaining remission.
Collagenous Colitis
Collagenous colitis often causes frequent bouts of diarrhea. A study published in the May 2006 issue of "Inflammatory Bowel Diseases" tested the effects of probiotics versus placebo on various symptoms of this condition. More individuals in the treatment group experienced a reduction in bowel movements compared to the placebo group–29 percent versus 13 percent. Probiotic use also reduced the number of loose stools and increased the number of solid stools. The researchers note, however, that the changes were not statistically significant.
Considerations
Studies examining the effects of probiotics on colitis have used different strains of probiotics; talk to your doctor about the appropriate strain and suggestions on a quality supplement that actually contains live bacteria. The suggested dose can also vary. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reports the average dose is 3 to 5 billion organisms daily, but using it therapeutically for a condition like colitis might require higher doses. Again, your doctor can advise you on this.
References
- ''Gut''; Maintaining Remission of Ulcerative Colitis with the Probiotic Escherichia Coli Nissle 1917 is as Effective as with Standard Mesalazine; W.Kruis,et al.; November 2004
- ''Inflammatory Bowel Diseases''; Probiotic Treatment of Collagenous Colitis: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial with Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis; S. Wildt, et al.; May 2006
- ''American Journal of Gastroenterology''; VSL #3 Probiotic-Mixture Induces Remissions in Patients with Active Ulcerative Colitis; R. Bibiloni, et al.; March 2005
- ''World Journal of Gastroenterology''; Remission Induction and Maintenance Effect of Probiotics on Ulcerative Colitis: A Meta-Analysis; L.X. Sang, et al.; April 2010
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Acidophilus and Other Probiotics
