[Probiotics: innocuousness, prevention and risks]

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Probiotics, live microorganisms conferring health benefits, are widely consumed without age restrictions.
• Concerns exist regarding the safety of probiotics, particularly the risk of sepsis.
• Existing data on adverse effects are often limited by study design issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the incidence of sepsis associated with probiotic use.
• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of probiotics.
• To examine the impact of probiotics on immune function and specific health conditions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on studies evaluating probiotic-induced sepsis.
• Analysis of data from molecular biology and classic culture techniques.
• Assessment of studies reporting other adverse effects and immune system modulation.

Main Results:

• Sepsis secondary to probiotic use is extremely infrequent, with incidence rates as low as 0.02% in some centers or 1 case/million population.
• Few other adverse effects have been reliably reported due to study design limitations.
• Probiotics demonstrate positive effects on innate and acquired immunity, reducing atopy and eczema.
• Probiotics show benefits in preventing necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants.

Conclusions:

• Probiotic-associated sepsis is exceptionally rare, supporting their general safety.
• Probiotics offer significant health benefits, including immune enhancement and protection against certain conditions.
• Further well-designed studies are needed to fully elucidate all potential adverse effects and benefits.