11.01.10
\Nutraceutical: Lactobacillus
Indication: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea
Source: Pharmacotherapy, 2010;30(2):119-26.
Research: Using the meta-analysis method, researchers evaluated 10 randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled studies looking at the benefit of Lactobacillus bacteria in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The 10 studies included a total of 1862 patients—six of the studies were in patients 18 years or older and four of the studies were in patients younger than 18 years of age. Lactobacillus is a type of bacteria prevalent in the intestinal tract and genital systems. Antibiotics can cause diarrhea and lactobacillus has been used to help restore normal balance of intestinal bacteria eliminating the diarrhea.
Results: The overall results revealed to researchers that the risk of developing antibiotic-associated diarrhea was significantly lower with Lactobacillus as compared with placebo. After a subgroup analysis, however, it was determined that the probiotic did not significantly reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in pediatric patients.