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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota
Published on: July 31, 2019
[Probiotics and prebiotics in clinical practice].
G Olveira Fuster1, I González-Molero
1Unidad de Nutrición Clinica y Dietética, Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutriciín, Hospital Regional Universitario Carlos Haya, Málaga, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Red RD06/001510008, España. gabrielm.olveira.sspa@juntadeandalucia.es
Certain probiotics significantly reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea risk. Prebiotics, probiotics, and symbiotics show potential for inflammatory bowel disease and post-transplant infections, though more research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Gut Health
- Clinical Nutrition
- Gastroenterology
Context:
- The article reviews the clinical applications of prebiotics, probiotics, and symbiotics.
- Current evidence supports specific probiotic strains for certain conditions.
Purpose:
- To revise the concepts of prebiotics, probiotics, and symbiotics.
- To evaluate their efficacy in various clinical scenarios.
Summary:
- High-evidence conclusion: specific probiotic strains reduce antibiotic-induced diarrhea.
- Potential benefits for inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, pouchitis) in remission induction/maintenance.
- Promising for liver transplant, pancreatitis, and ICU patients to reduce infections, but requires more robust studies.
- Safety profile favors probiotics; risks are low even in immunosuppressed individuals, but caution is advised for specific patient groups.
Impact:
- Provides evidence-based insights into the use of gut microbiota modulators.
- Highlights areas for future research in gastroenterology and critical care.
- Informs clinical practice regarding the judicious use of probiotics, prebiotics, and symbiotics.
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