How fast do probiotics work
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How Fast Do Probiotics Work?
Introduction to Probiotics and Their Benefits
Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. They are commonly used to improve gut health, enhance immune function, and manage various health conditions. The speed at which probiotics exert their effects can vary depending on the condition being treated and the specific strains used.
Probiotics and Gastrointestinal Health
Rapid Relief in Infectious Diarrhea
Probiotics have been shown to be effective in treating acute infectious diarrhea. A comprehensive review of 23 studies involving 1,917 participants found that probiotics significantly reduced the duration of diarrhea by approximately 30 hours and decreased the risk of diarrhea persisting beyond three days4. This indicates that probiotics can start working within a few days to alleviate symptoms of infectious diarrhea.
Improvement in Bowel Symptoms in Cancer Survivors
In colorectal cancer survivors, a 12-week course of probiotics significantly improved bowel symptoms and quality of life. The proportion of patients suffering from irritable bowel symptoms decreased from 67.9% to 45.7% over the 12-week period2. This suggests that noticeable improvements in bowel symptoms can occur within a few weeks of starting probiotic supplementation.
Probiotics and Metabolic Health
Effects on Blood Glucose and Lipid Levels
Probiotics can also have beneficial effects on metabolic health. In a study involving hypertensive women, an 8-week probiotic regimen significantly reduced fasting glucose and cholesterol levels, and increased HDL cholesterol6. Similarly, in diabetic hemodialysis patients, a 12-week probiotic supplementation led to significant improvements in glycemic control and reductions in inflammatory markers9. These findings indicate that metabolic improvements can be observed within 8 to 12 weeks of probiotic use.
Impact on Gestational Diabetes
For women with gestational diabetes, probiotic supplementation for 6 to 8 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in insulin resistance, although no significant changes were observed in fasting blood glucose or LDL cholesterol levels7 8. This suggests that while some metabolic benefits may be seen within a couple of months, other parameters may require longer periods or additional interventions.
Probiotics and Cognitive Function
Cognitive Improvements in Older Adults
In older adults with mild cognitive impairment, a 24-week course of the probiotic Bifidobacterium breve showed improvements in certain cognitive functions and a tendency to suppress brain atrophy progression3. This indicates that cognitive benefits from probiotics may take several months to become evident.
Conclusion
The speed at which probiotics work can vary significantly based on the health condition being addressed and the specific strains used. For acute conditions like infectious diarrhea, probiotics can provide relief within a few days. For chronic conditions such as metabolic disorders or cognitive decline, noticeable benefits may take several weeks to months. Overall, while some effects of probiotics can be rapid, others may require sustained use for optimal benefits.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Effects of a 6-month multi-strain probiotics supplementation in endotoxemic, inflammatory and cardiometabolic status of T2DM patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Multi-strain probiotic supplementation for 6 months significantly decreased insulin resistance and improved cardiometabolic profile in type 2 diabetes patients.
RCT
Very Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedEffects of 12 weeks of probiotic supplementation on quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
Probiotics significantly improved bowel symptoms and quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors after 12 weeks of administration.
RCTHighly CitedEffect of Probiotic Bifidobacterium breve in Improving Cognitive Function and Preventing Brain Atrophy in Older Patients with Suspected Mild Cognitive Impairment: Results of a 24-Week Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Probiotic Bifidobacterium breve MCC1274 improves cognitive function and prevents brain atrophy in older patients with mild cognitive impairment, but no significant changes in gut microbiota composition were observed.
RCT
Rigorous JournalProbiotics for treating infectious diarrhoea.
Probiotics may be a useful adjunct to rehydration therapy in treating acute, infectious diarrhoea in adults and children.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedThe Roles of Probiotics in the Gut Microbiota Composition and Metabolic Outcomes in Asymptomatic Post-Gestational Diabetes Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Probiotics improve metabolic and inflammatory outcomes in post-GDM women by modulating gut dysbiosis, highlighting the need for a comprehensive postpartum treatment strategy including probiotics.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalEffects of probiotic therapy on cardio-metabolic parameters and autonomic modulation in hypertensive women: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Probiotic therapy for 8 weeks reduced fasting glucose levels, improved lipid profile, and improved autonomic modulation in hypertensive women.
RCTEffect of Probiotics on Metabolic Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Probiotic supplementation for 6-8 weeks significantly reduced insulin resistance in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus, but did not significantly affect fasting plasma glucose or LDL-cholesterol levels.
Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedImpact of probiotics in women with gestational diabetes mellitus on metabolic health: a randomized controlled trial.
Probiotic capsule intervention in women with gestational diabetes had no impact on glycemic control, but may attenuate the normal pregnancy-induced rise in total and LDL cholesterol.
RCTRigorous JournalHighly CitedProbiotic supplementation in diabetic hemodialysis patients has beneficial metabolic effects.
Probiotic supplementation for 12 weeks in diabetic hemodialysis patients improved glucose homeostasis, reduced inflammation, and increased antioxidant capacity.
RCTRigorous JournalHighly CitedEffect of probiotics on gastrointestinal symptoms and immune parameters in systemic sclerosis: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.
Probiotics did not improve gastrointestinal symptoms in systemic sclerosis patients, but reduced Th17 cell levels suggest an immunomodulatory effect.
RCTRigorous Journal