Probiotics
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Evidence Summary
Probiotics are live microorganisms that may provide health benefits by regulating immune function and modulating the gut microbiota. Research indicates potential efficacy in managing various conditions ranging from respiratory infections to gastrointestinal disorders.
Evidence by Condition
Evidence suggests probiotic strains may help prevent acute upper respiratory tract infections.
Probiotics are studied for both the induction and maintenance of remission in patients with ulcerative colitis.
Clinical trials have proposed probiotics as an effective treatment for eczema.
Probiotics are utilized in the treatment of acute infectious diarrhoea.
Probiotics may play a role in preventing C. difficile-associated diarrhea in both adults and children.
Research has investigated the use of probiotics to prevent infantile colic.
Emerging literature shows gut microbiome differences in MDD patients, suggesting potential probiotic benefits.
Studies are exploring the potential for probiotics to prevent the onset of gestational diabetes.
Effective Doses
Dose ranges not specified in the provided research summaries.
Key Findings
- Probiotics may prevent acute upper respiratory tract infections (PMID: 36001877)
- Probiotics are used for the induction and maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis (PMID: 32128794)
- Probiotics have been proposed as an effective treatment for eczema (PMID: 30480774)
- Probiotics may assist in the prevention of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (PMHD: 29257353)
Limitations
Research efficacy is highly dependent on specific probiotic strains and the target condition, with significant gaps remaining for conditions like depression and gestational diabetes.
Safety & Interactions
No specific contraindications or drug interactions were identified in the provided research summaries.
AI-generated summary from 691 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Drug-Supplement Interactions
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements with medications.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 99% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 91% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 14% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
| Qualified Health | 0% | Tier B (FDA Qualified Health Claim) | ✅ Supported |
| No Claim | 0% | Tier D (No claim on label) | ✅ Supported |
| Approved Health | 0% | Tier A (FDA Approved Health Claim (21 CFR 101.9)) | ✅ Supported |
🏛️ NIH ODS Factsheet
Research by Topic
⚠️ FDA Safety Data
Research Evidence (691)
BACKGROUND: Probiotics are live micro-organisms that may give a beneficial physiological effect when administered in adequate amounts. Some trials show that probiotic strains can prevent respiratory infections. Even though our previously published re...
BACKGROUND: Probiotics may improve a person's health by regulating their immune function. Some trials have shown that probiotic strains can prevent respiratory infections. Even though the previous version of our review showed benefits of probiotics f...
**Iheozor-Ejiofor et al., 2020** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Iheozor-Ejiofor Zipporah, Kaur Lakhbir, ... Akobeng Anthony K. Probiotics for maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020-Mar-04;3(3):C...
**Kaur et al., 2020** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Kaur Lakhbir, Gordon Morris, ... Akobeng Anthony K. Probiotics for induction of remission in ulcerative colitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020-Mar-04;3(3):CD005573. doi:10.1002/146...
BACKGROUND: Probiotics may improve a person's health by regulating their immune function. Some studies show that probiotic strains can prevent respiratory infections. However, no evidence of the benefits of probiotics for acute upper respiratory trac...
BACKGROUND: Eczema is a common chronic skin condition. Probiotics have been proposed as an effective treatment for eczema; their use is increasing, as numerous clinical trials are under way. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2...
**Collinson et al., 2020** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Collinson Shelui, Deans Andrew, ... Allen Stephen J. Probiotics for treating acute infectious diarrhoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020-Dec-08;12(12):CD003048. doi:10.1002/1465...
An emerging body of literature demonstrates differences in the gut microbiome (GMB) of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) compared to healthy controls (HC), as well as the potential benefits of prebiotic, probiotic, and synbiotic treatment...
**Goldenberg et al., 2017** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Goldenberg Joshua Z, Yap Christina, ... Johnston Bradley C. Probiotics for the prevention of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in adults and children. Cochrane Database ...
**Ong et al., 2019** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Ong Teck Guan, Gordon Morris, ... Akobeng Anthony K. Probiotics to prevent infantile colic. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019-Mar-13;3(3):CD012473. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012473.pub2 BA...
**Nagy et al., 2023** | Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr | Meta Analysis Nagy Dávid U, Sándor-Bajusz Kinga Amália, ... Lohner Szimonetta. Effect of chicory-derived inulin-type fructans on abundance of Bifidobacterium and on bowel function: a systematic review ...
**Wallace et al., 2023** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Wallace Chris, Gordon Morris, ... Akobeng Anthony K. Probiotics for management of functional abdominal pain disorders in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023-Feb-17;2(2):CD01...
BACKGROUND: Probiotics have been proposed as an effective treatment for eczema, and recently a number of clinical trials have been undertaken. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of probiotics for the treatment of eczema SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched th...
**So et al., 2018** | Am J Clin Nutr | Meta Analysis So Daniel, Whelan Kevin, ... Campbell Katrina L. Dietary fiber intervention on gut microbiota composition in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2018-Jun-01;107(6...
**Davidson et al., 2021** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Davidson Sarah J, Barrett Helen L, ... Dekker Nitert Marloes. Probiotics for preventing gestational diabetes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021-Apr-19;4(4):CD009951. doi:10.1002/14...
**Allen et al., 2010** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Allen Stephen J, Martinez Elizabeth G, ... Dans Leonila F. Probiotics for treating acute infectious diarrhoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010-Nov-10;2010(11):CD003048. doi:10.1002/...
**Goldenberg et al., 2013** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Goldenberg Joshua Z, Ma Stephanie S Y, ... Johnston Bradley C. Probiotics for the prevention of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in adults and children. Cochrane Databa...
**Dalal et al., 2017** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Dalal Rohan, McGee Richard G, ... Webster Angela C. Probiotics for people with hepatic encephalopathy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017-Feb-23;2(2):CD008716. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD0...
**Newlove-Delgado et al., 2017** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Newlove-Delgado Tamsin V, Martin Alice E, ... Logan Stuart. Dietary interventions for recurrent abdominal pain in childhood. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017-Mar-23;3(3):CD...
BACKGROUND: Neuropathic or neurogenic bladder describes a process of dysfunctional voiding as the result of injury in the brain, spinal cord or nerves innervating the bladder. People with neuropathic bladder, such as from spinal cord injury (SCI), ar...
**Purton et al., 2021** | Neurosci Biobehav Rev | Meta Analysis Purton Terry, Staskova Lada, ... Marx Wolfgang. Prebiotic and probiotic supplementation and the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway: A systematic review and meta analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Re...
**Zhang et al., 2022** | Clin Nutr | Meta Analysis Zhang Chengcheng, Jiang Jinchi, ... Zhai Qixiao. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of the effects of probiotics on type 2 diabetes in adults. Clin Nutr. 2022-Feb;41(2):365-373. doi:10.101...
BACKGROUND: Intestinal dysbiosis may contribute to the pathogenesis of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) in very preterm or very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Dietary supplementation with probiotics to modulate the intestinal microbiome has been pro...
**Esmaeilinezhad et al., 2025** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Esmaeilinezhad Zahra, Ghosh Nirjhar Ruth, ... Johnston Bradley C. Probiotics for the prevention of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea in adults and children. Cochr...
**Manheimer et al., 2012** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Manheimer Eric, Cheng Ke, ... Lao Lixing. Acupuncture for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012-May-16;2012(5):CD005111. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD...
**Parohan et al., 2022** | Nutr Neurosci | Meta Analysis Parohan Mohammad, Djalali Mahmoud, ... Javanbakht Mohammad Hassan. Effect of probiotic supplementation on migraine prophylaxis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled tr...
**Marx et al., 2020** | Neurosci Biobehav Rev | Meta Analysis Marx Wolfgang, Scholey Andrew, ... Jacka Felice. Prebiotics, probiotics, fermented foods and cognitive outcomes: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 202...
BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem affecting 13% of the global population. Prior research has indicated that CKD is associated with gut dysbiosis. Gut dysbiosis may lead to the development and/or progression of ...
**Zhou et al., 2025** | J Clin Endocrinol Metab | Meta Analysis Zhou Xin, Zheng Wenbin, ... Zeng Tianshu. Glucose Parameters, Inflammation Markers, and Gut Microbiota Changes of Gut Microbiome-Targeted Therapies in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systema...
**Oduyebo et al., 2009** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Oduyebo Oyinlola O, Anorlu Rose I, Ogunsola Folasade T. The effects of antimicrobial therapy on bacterial vaginosis in non-pregnant women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009-Jul-08(3...
**Bo et al., 2014** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Bo Lulong, Li Jinbao, ... Deng Xiaoming. Probiotics for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014-Oct-25;2014(10):CD009066. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009...
**Schwenger et al., 2015** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Schwenger Erin M, Tejani Aaron M, Loewen Peter S. Probiotics for preventing urinary tract infections in adults and children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015-Dec-23;2015(12):CD00...
**Scott et al., 2019** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Scott Anna M, Clark Justin, ... Del Mar Chris B. Probiotics for preventing acute otitis media in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019-Jun-18;6(6):CD012941. doi:10.1002/14651858...
**Liu et al., 2022** | Int J Mol Sci | Meta Analysis Liu Yu-Cheng, Wu Chia-Rong, Huang Tsai-Wei. Preventive Effect of Probiotics on Oral Mucositis Induced by Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci. 2022-Oct-31;23(21). ...
**Shields et al., 2023** | JAMA Dermatol | Systematic Review Shields Ali, Ly Sophia, ... Barbieri John S. Safety and Effectiveness of Oral Nutraceuticals for Treating Acne: A Systematic Review. JAMA Dermatol. 2023-Dec-01;159(12):1373-1382. doi:10.100...
**McGee et al., 2011** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis McGee Richard G, Bakens Anouk, ... Webster Angela C. Probiotics for patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011-Nov-09(11):CD008716. doi:10.1002/14651858.C...
**Wang et al., 2020** | Nutrients | Meta Analysis Wang Chun-Chi, Tung Yu-Tang, ... Chen Yang-Ching. Effect of Probiotic Supplementation on Newborn Birth Weight for Mother with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus or Overweight/Obesity: A Systematic Review a...
**Panchal et al., 2023** | Eur J Clin Nutr | Meta Analysis Panchal Harshad, Athalye-Jape Gayatri, ... Patole Sanjay. Growth and neuro-developmental outcomes of probiotic supplemented preterm infants-a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Clin N...
CONTEXT: The use of prebiotics and probiotics as a treatment for psychiatric conditions has gained interest due to their potential to modulate the gut-brain axis. This review aims to assess the effectiveness of these interventions in reducing symptom...
**Gao et al., 2025** | Medicine (Baltimore) | Meta Analysis Gao Qian, Sun Yuanju, ... Li Pan. The effect of probiotic supplementation during pregnancy on pregnancy complications: An umbrella meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2025-Dec-19;104(51):e4...
**Wang et al., 2025** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Wang Hang Zhen, Hayles Elizabeth H, ... Osborn David A. Probiotics in infants for prevention of allergic disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2025-Jun-13;6(6):CD006475. doi:10.1002/14...
**Liu et al., 2025** | J Food Sci | Meta Analysis Liu Weitong, Guo Jinghan, ... Wang Yanqing. Efficacy of probiotic supplementation in influencing cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Food Sci. 2025-Jul;...
**Bernaola et al., 2013** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Bernaola Aponte Guillermo, Bada Mancilla Carlos Alfonso, ... Rojas Galarza Raúl Alberto. Probiotics for treating persistent diarrhoea in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013...
**Singh et al., 2015** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Singh Siddharth, Stroud Andrea M, ... Pardi Darrell S. Treatment and prevention of pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for chronic ulcerative colitis. Cochrane Database ...
With growing interest in the gut microbiome, prebiotics and probiotics have received considerable attention as potential treatments for depression and anxiety. We conducted a random-effects meta-analysis of 34 controlled clinical trials evaluating th...
**Nguyen et al., 2019** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Nguyen Nghia, Zhang Bing, ... Singh Siddharth. Treatment and prevention of pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for chronic ulcerative colitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2...
**Coffey et al., 2020** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Coffey Michael J, Garg Millie, ... Ooi Chee Y. Probiotics for people with cystic fibrosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020-Jan-22;1(1):CD012949. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012949.pub2 ...
**Limketkai et al., 2020** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Limketkai Berkeley N, Akobeng Anthony K, ... Adepoju Akinlolu Adedayo. Probiotics for induction of remission in Crohn's disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020-Jul-17;7(7):CD00...
**Billington et al., 2023** | Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr | Systematic Review Billington Emma O, Mahajan Amita, ... Raman Maitreyi. Effects of probiotics on bone mineral density and bone turnover: A systematic review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2023;63(19):4...
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Some probiotics may be beneficial in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but differences in species and strains used, as well as endpoints reported, have hampered attempts to make specific recommendations as to which should be preferre...
Showing top 50 of 691 sources, sorted by quality score.
Details
Probiotics
Overview
Probiotics is a bioactive compound tracked in the biomedical knowledge base.
Also known as: lactobacillus, bifidobacterium, probiotic, live cultures, psychobiotics
Role in Health
Detailed overview pending — this entity has sources compiled across multiple verticals.
Related Verticals
See sources-index for all verified sources referencing Probiotics.
Safety Considerations
Safety data extraction pending.
Sources
See linked source pages for full provenance.
Related Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
What are probiotics and how do they work?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that may provide health benefits by regulating immune function and modulating the gut microbiota. They are primarily used to support a healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive system.
Can probiotics help with digestive issues like diarrhea?
There is moderate evidence that probiotics can be used to treat acute infectious diarrhea and help prevent C. difficile-associated diarrhea. They are also being studied for the induction and maintenance of remission in patients with ulcerative colitis.
Do probiotics help with skin conditions like eczema?
There is moderate evidence from clinical trials suggesting that probiotics may serve as an effective treatment for eczema. They are thought to work by helping to regulate the body's immune response.
Can probiotics prevent respiratory infections?
There is moderate evidence suggesting that certain probiotic strains may help prevent acute upper respiratory tract infections. This is achieved through their ability to modulate immune function.
Do probiotics interact with antibiotics?
There is a minor, well-established interaction between probiotics and antibiotics. While probiotics may help reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, antibiotics can also kill the live organisms found in probiotics.
What is the recommended dose of probiotics?
The provided research does not specify an effective dose range for probiotics. You should consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for your specific needs.
Are there any safety concerns or people who should avoid probiotics?
No specific contraindications or safety risks were identified in the current research summaries. However, you should always consult a medical professional before starting a new supplement to ensure it is safe for your individual health status.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.