Abstract
As different probiotic supplements become increasingly seen in the market, questions regarding their use for gut health from patients rises as well. Because these supplements do not require FDA approval, their safety and efficacy is often unknown and limited research available poses an even greater challenge for healthcare providers when prompted with questions regarding their use. This article summarizes evidence-based recommendations provided by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and the World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO). Of the conditions discussed, supportive evidence on the use of probiotics is mostly seen in the prevention of C. diff associated diarrhea, prevention of antibiotic associated diarrhea and treatment of IBS. Of the millions of different strains available, the recurring genus seen across multiple disease states is Lactobacillus. It is most known that probiotics serve as a source of “good” bacteria, but these supplements may pose a threat in certain patient populations and require careful consideration between patients and providers before starting.
Recommended Citation
Maberry K, Nguyen H, Quinter C, Magalona J. The "Pros" of Probiotics: A Review of Probiotics Place in Therapy. Transformative Medicine. 2024; 3(3):113-116. doi: https://doi.org/10.54299/tmed/tqsk7273.