Does yogurt give you diarrhea
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Does Yogurt Cause Diarrhea?
Introduction to Yogurt and Diarrhea
Yogurt is a popular dairy product known for its probiotic content, which is believed to offer various health benefits. However, there is a common concern about whether yogurt can cause or prevent diarrhea. This article synthesizes findings from multiple research studies to address this question.
Yogurt and Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea (AAD)
Prevention of AAD with Yogurt
Several studies have investigated the role of yogurt in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). A systematic review and meta-analysis found that yogurt consumption reduced the risk of AAD, although the data were limited and the included trials had methodological limitations. Another study involving hospitalized patients showed that those who consumed yogurt had a significantly lower incidence and duration of AAD compared to those who did not. Similarly, a randomized controlled trial in children found that probiotic yogurt significantly reduced the incidence of AAD compared to pasteurized yogurt.
Inconsistent Findings
Despite these positive findings, not all studies agree. A placebo-controlled randomized trial in a general practice setting failed to demonstrate a significant effect of yogurt on preventing AAD. This inconsistency suggests that while yogurt may help in some cases, it is not universally effective.
Yogurt and Persistent Diarrhea in Children
Yogurt vs. Milk
Research has shown that yogurt can be beneficial for children with persistent diarrhea. A study comparing yogurt to milk found that children fed yogurt had a significantly lower rate of clinical failure, defined as weight loss or persistent diarrhea, compared to those fed milk. Another study confirmed these findings, showing that substituting yogurt for milk in children with persistent diarrhea led to better clinical outcomes.
Acute Diarrhea
Yogurt has also been studied in the context of acute diarrhea. A randomized controlled trial in Pakistan found that children given yogurt had a shorter duration of diarrhea compared to those given lactose-free formula milk. Additionally, a study on hospitalized infants with acute diarrhea showed that those who received yogurt had a shorter hospital stay and greater weight gain compared to those who did not.
Yogurt and Diarrhea in Adults
Probiotic Yogurt
The effect of yogurt on diarrhea in adults has also been explored. A study involving military recruits found a non-significant trend towards reduced incidence of diarrhea in those consuming probiotic yogurt compared to non-probiotic yogurt. This suggests that while there may be some benefit, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Conclusion
The evidence suggests that yogurt, particularly probiotic yogurt, can be beneficial in preventing and managing diarrhea, especially antibiotic-associated and persistent diarrhea in children. However, the effectiveness can vary, and not all studies show consistent results. Therefore, while yogurt may help reduce the risk and duration of diarrhea in some cases, it is not a guaranteed solution for everyone.
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