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Published on: January 27, 2019
[Probiotics: innocuousness, prevention and risks]
1Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Chile.
Abstract:
Probiotics have been defined as live microorganisms which, when ingested in adequate numbers, confer health benefits to the host. They are currently consumed without any age restrictions and adverse effects such as sepsis, a marker of the risk of invasion of the bloodstream, are extremely infrequent. However, some health professionals express doubts about probiotics being truly innocuous. This review discusses the incidence of sepsis secondary to probiotics use, mainly lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, evaluated through molecular biology or classic culture techniques, showing that sepsis in large numbers of individuals along decennia is extremely low, of the order of 0,02% en some centers or as low as 1 case/million population in France. These data are important considering the use different species and strains of these microorganisms. Few studies which have reported other adverse effects but many of these have problems with their design that cast doubt about the validity of their results. On the contrary, it has been shown that probiotic microorganisms exert positive stimulatory effects on innate and acquired immunity, with decrease of the manifestations of atopy and eczema. These positive effects are further evidenced by the beneficial effects of many species of probiotics in preventing necrotizing enterocolitis in patients as functionally labile as premature-born babies.
Insights
Probiotics are safe for most people, with serious side effects like sepsis being extremely rare. Research shows they offer significant health benefits, including immune support and protection for premature infants.
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.
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