Probiotics
Studied for: Infection - Antibiotic · Depression · Gastritis · Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Infection - Antibiotic
What the research found
Supplementation during Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy improves eradication rates by approximately 15% (RR 1.15, 95% CI 1.10–1.20) while reducing total antibiotic-related side effects (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.54–0.94) Both Lactobacillus alone (RR 1.24) and multi-strain probiotics (RR 1.12) improved eradication Oral probiotic combinations administered alongside standard eradication therapy improved Helicobacter pylori clearance (RR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.10–1.20) across 13 randomized trials involving 2,306 patients
Dose used in studies
1 to 10 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) per day
Side effects reported
temporary digestive upset
References
Lu2016
Depression
What the research found
Provisionally recommended to reduce depressive symptoms. Mechanism: Modulates the microbiota-gut-brain axis and lowers systemic inflammation.
Dose used in studies
1 to 10 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) per day
Side effects reported
temporary digestive upset
References
Not yet listed
Gastritis
What the research found
Probiotics introduce beneficial bacterial strains (such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) that help restore balance to the gut microbiome. Certain strains physically block H. pylori—the bacterium primarily responsible for chronic gastritis—from adhering to the stomach wall. [1] (https://www.medicinenet.com/best_natural_treatments_for_gastritis/article.htm), [2] (https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-gastritis), [3] (https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/gerd/best-foods-for-gastritis?srsltid=AfmBOoq1K_FAlbjEH0TuB2bf-LPLbws47-cSYMF9ilv7RQW6gPI9PCvD)Evidence: Clinical trials show that while probiotics may not eradicate H. pylori alone, adding them to standard medical triple-therapy significantly increases bacterial clearance rates and decreases the side effects of prescription antibiotics. [1] (https://www.buzzrx.com/blog/how-to-cure-gastritis-permanently), [2] (<https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/complementary-and-alternative-medicine/natural-treatments-gastritis>)
Dose used in studies
1 to 10 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) per day
Side effects reported
temporary digestive upset
References
Not yet listed
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
What the research found
Such as Bacillus coagulans MTCC5260 (RR = 4.9 for pain relief) and Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (RR = 4.6) reduce pain and distension.
Dose used in studies
1 to 10 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) per day
Side effects reported
temporary digestive upset
References
Goodoory2023, Mcfarland2021
Not medical advice
Trials are run on specific people, for specific reasons, over a set period. Your medications, conditions and bloodwork can change what is safe for you. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before starting.