Mixed
Consumption of probiotics and prebiotics modulates intestinal microbiota composition and metabolic activity, which is associated with health benefits including reduced risk of intestinal infections, respiratory tract infections, CVD, osteoporosis, urogenital infections, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Probiotics and prebiotics show promise for various health conditions, but results vary by strain and specific health issue. Do not expect a universal cure. Consult a healthcare provider for strain-specific recommendations for conditions like IBS or antibiotic-associated diarrhea, as evidence is mixed for some applications.
A number of studies have examined the prevention and/or management of intestinal infections, respiratory tract infections, CVD, osteoporosis, urogenital infections, cavities, periodontal disease and halitosis, allergic reactions, inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome and Helicobacter pylori gastric infections.
Why this rating
The paper is a review summarizing various studies, noting heterogeneous and sometimes contradictory results, particularly for antibiotic-associated diarrhea and C. difficile.
Source
Scientific evidence for health effects attributed to the consumption of probiotics and prebiotics: an update for current perspectives and future challenges
Rafael Chacon Ruiz Martinez et al. · British Journal Of Nutrition · 2015
DOI 10.1017/s0007114515003864
More from this paper
- Prebiotics, specifically inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria like Bifidobacteria, leading to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) which have physiological benefits.Good
- Synbiotics, which combine probiotics and prebiotics, may offer synergistic benefits by enhancing the survival and effectiveness of probiotic strains.Moderate
Related findings · Mixed
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This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →