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Published on: January 27, 2019

[Efficacy and safety of probiotics]

C Graf1, F P Sarasin

  • 1Service de Médecine Interne Générale, Département de Médecine Interne, HUG, Genève.

Revue Medicale Suisse
|November 21, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Probiotics, like Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are beneficial bacteria and fungi used for gut health and diarrhea prevention. While generally safe, this review examines their potential risks, particularly for immunocompromised individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Probiotics are live microorganisms conferring health benefits.
  • Commonly used probiotics include Lactobacillus species and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
  • They are widely employed as dietary supplements for gastrointestinal health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the established indications for probiotic use.
  • To critically evaluate the potential risks associated with probiotics.
  • To specifically assess risks in immunocompromised patient populations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific articles on probiotics.
  • Analysis of studies detailing probiotic efficacy and safety.
  • Focus on clinical data concerning adverse events.

Main Results:

  • Probiotics modulate pathogenic growth and invasion in the bowel.
  • Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae are frequently utilized.
  • While generally safe, invasive infections are reported in specific patient groups.

Conclusions:

  • Probiotics offer therapeutic potential for various conditions, notably diarrhea.
  • Immunocompromised patients may face heightened risks.
  • Careful consideration of risk-benefit is essential, especially in vulnerable populations.

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