An Update on Probiotic Safety and Efficacy - Abstract
Probiotics are live microorganisms that have recently gained popularity for being beneficial to human health and digestion. There are several forms of probiotics, perhaps the more widely used form is the lactic acid producer. Studies with the strongest clinical evidence have shown beneficial effects of probiotics for acute infectious diarrhea in children, antibiotic associated diarrhea, among several others. Some studies have shown promising prophylactic effects for necrotizing enterocolitis, the common cold, irritable bowel syndrome, cancer, mucosal immunity, allergies, and urinary tract infections. While probiotics are generally known to be safe, there are occasional reports of adverse effects. Chief among the safety concerns is the ability of these organisms to invade the blood stream causing bacteremia or fungemia. Another concern relates to modifying the gut immune system, the largest immune organ, at a young age if probiotics are given to infants. With regards to lactic acid-producing probiotics, there is concern that accumulation of lactic acid in the body and the development of lactic acidosis can cause clinically significant problems. This article will provide an update on the safety and efficacy of probiotics and summarize the current literature about probiotics, including the issue of quality control.