The European researchers used 37 studies in their systematic literature review, identifying randomised, placebo-controlled trials in adults in order to form a systematic review-based consensus. Of the studies included, most were on IBS and antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.
The researchers found that specific probiotics helped to reduce overall symptom burden and abdominal pain in some IBS patients. And in patients receiving antibiotics, specified probiotics are helpful as adjuvants to prevent or reduce the duration/intensity of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.
Probiotics were found to have a favourable safety profile - similar to placebo- in primary care.
The study was published in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
