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The pros, cons, and many unknowns of probiotics

probiotics microbiome research advantages limitations challenges over-the-counter probiotics

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#1 Engadin

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Posted 15 May 2019 - 06:05 PM


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumption of over-the-counter probiotics for promotion of health and well-being has increased worldwide in recent years.
However, although probiotic use has been greatly popularized among the general public, there are conflicting clinical results
for many probiotic strains and formulations. Emerging insights from microbiome research enable an assessment of gut colo-
nization by probiotics, strain-level activity, interactions with the indigenous microbiome, safety and impacts on the host, and
allow the association of probiotics with physiological effects and potentially useful medical indications. In this Perspective, we
highlight key advances, challenges and limitations in striving toward an unbiased interpretation of the large amount of data
regarding over-the-counter probiotics, and propose avenues to improve the quality of evidence, transparency, public awareness
and regulation of their use
 
 
 
F U L L T E X T (.pdf) : Nature Medicine.
 

 


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#2 Phlogiston

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Posted 08 September 2019 - 02:06 PM

Thank you for posting this article. Some of the cautionary notes sounded are important.

 

Especially provocative is the discussion on page 8 of the potential negative effects of supplementing with single probioitic strains after antibiotic treatment. This is important because, given the known negative effects of antibiotics on the gut biome, it seems intutitive to "jump start" the microbiome with probiotic supplementation after antibiotics. 

 

Perhaps the mechanism is that taking large doses of a single probiotic in this situation gives that particular organism an "unfair advantage" during the reconstitution of the biome, resulting in a decrese in overall gut biodiversity. I've had two rounds of antibiotic treatment in the last six weeks, and just began supplementing with S. boulardii and L. gasseri in isolation. Perhaps it would be wiser to begin with a broad spectrum, multistrain product instead.


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#3 Oakman

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Posted 08 September 2019 - 11:17 PM

The idea of 'it takes a village' & 'all things in moderation' come to mind. Strains are chemical factories inside you. We've come to depend on them for their output. Advantaging one strain or another is better left for interventions, rather than chronic use. You are right - a broadspectrum (of what is the question?) sounds the way to go.


Edited by Oakman, 08 September 2019 - 11:19 PM.






Also tagged with one or more of these keywords: probiotics, microbiome research, advantages, limitations, challenges, over-the-counter probiotics

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