Health benefits of probiotics
By definition, a probiotic must deliver a health benefit. But which specific health benefits can they provide? Each formulation and dose may deliver slightly different benefits, as shown in scientific studies. Many of the health benefits are related to digestive and immune health – but other areas are actively under investigation.
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Video Transcript
The health benefits of probiotics are actively under investigation. There’s still much we need to learn.
But let’s look at what we know so far.
Probiotics are commonly associated with two main health targets: digestive health and immune health.
Certain probiotics have been shown to improve some everyday digestive symptoms such as occasional constipation, diarrhea or bloating.
Other probiotics can keep harmful microorganisms in check, aid in the digestion of lactose and help reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Antibiotics kill both the bad and good bacteria in your gut, so doctors may recommend probiotics after antibiotics in order to help support the recovery of your digestive tract.
Some probiotics may help reduce recurrences of vaginal infections.
And others may improve heart health by reducing cholesterol.
Infants may experience specific benefits from probiotics.
The introduced good bacteria can help reduce crying time and symptoms in babies with colic may help prevent eczema in infants, may help treat acute pediatric diarrhea, and may prevent a serious medical condition called necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants.
Scientists are currently exploring other potential ways probiotics benefit our health.
Preliminary studies suggest that some probiotics may improve psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
This may be achieved through the gut-brain connection, which links the activities of our gut microbiota with our psychological health.
But remember, we’re still at a fairly early stage in this research.
In the future, we hope to better understand if probiotics can prevent or repair disturbances to your colonizing microbiota, an exciting strategy to help alleviate problems that a disrupted microbiota might cause.
Not all probiotics are the same. And no one probiotic strain or combination of strains will have all the effects described here.
When choosing a probiotic, look for one that has been studied for the specific health benefits you need.
Ask your healthcare provider for probiotic recommendations based on your specific health needs.
Please refer to ISAPPscience.org for additional information, or ask your doctor or healthcare provider.
NOTE: The ISAPP board of directors developed this video to accurately represent current science. Industry had no control over final content.
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As a global organization, ISAPP is pleased to make available multiple language translations of key resources. Effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the translations, but in the event of any discrepancies, the English language version shall be considered primary.
