How quickly do probiotics work
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How Quickly Do Probiotics Work?
Introduction to Probiotics and Their Benefits
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host. They are commonly used to treat various gastrointestinal disorders, improve gut motility, and enhance overall health by modulating the immune system and gut microbiota 49. The speed at which probiotics exert their effects can vary depending on the condition being treated and the specific strains used.
Probiotics for Acute Infectious Diarrhea
One of the most well-documented benefits of probiotics is their ability to reduce the duration and severity of acute infectious diarrhea. A comprehensive review of 23 studies involving 1,917 participants found that probiotics significantly reduced the risk of diarrhea at 3 days and shortened the mean duration of diarrhea by approximately 30 hours 1. This suggests that probiotics can start to show beneficial effects within a few days of administration in cases of acute diarrhea.
Probiotics for Constipation in Parkinson’s Disease
In a study involving Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with constipation, a multi-strain probiotic (Hexbio®) was shown to significantly improve bowel opening frequency and reduce gut transit time after 8 weeks of supplementation 2. This indicates that while some benefits may be observed within a few weeks, optimal results for constipation relief in PD patients may take up to two months.
Probiotics for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
A six-month study on the effects of multi-strain probiotics in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) demonstrated significant improvements in various cardiometabolic parameters, including a 64% reduction in insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and significant decreases in inflammatory markers 3. Although some benefits were observed at the three-month mark, the most substantial improvements were noted after six months, indicating that long-term supplementation is necessary for significant metabolic benefits.
Probiotics for Cognitive Function in Older Adults
In older adults with mild cognitive impairment, a 24-week study found that the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium breve MCC1274 improved certain cognitive functions and suppressed brain atrophy progression 6. These results suggest that probiotics may take several months to exert noticeable effects on cognitive health.
Probiotics for Colorectal Cancer Survivors
A 12-week study on colorectal cancer survivors found that probiotics significantly improved bowel symptoms and quality of life 7. This indicates that probiotics can start to show beneficial effects on gastrointestinal symptoms and overall well-being within three months.
Mechanisms of Action and Delivery
The effectiveness and speed of probiotics are influenced by their ability to survive gastric acid and reach the intestines. Studies have shown that targeted delivery systems, such as encapsulation, can enhance the viability and colonization of probiotics in the gut, thereby potentially speeding up their beneficial effects 5. Additionally, probiotics exert their effects through various mechanisms, including modulation of the immune system, competitive exclusion of pathogens, and production of beneficial metabolites 49.
Conclusion
The speed at which probiotics work can vary significantly depending on the condition being treated and the specific strains used. For acute conditions like infectious diarrhea, benefits can be observed within a few days. For chronic conditions such as constipation in PD, T2DM, and cognitive impairment, longer periods of supplementation ranging from a few weeks to several months are often required to observe significant benefits. Understanding the specific needs and conditions of the individual can help tailor probiotic use for optimal results.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Probiotics for treating infectious diarrhoea.
Probiotics may be a useful adjunct to rehydration therapy in treating acute, infectious diarrhoea in adults and children.
Meta-Analysis
Highly CitedMulti-strain probiotics (Hexbio) containing MCP BCMC strains improved constipation and gut motility in Parkinson’s disease: A randomised controlled trial
A multi-strain probiotic (Hexbio) containing MCP BCMC strains significantly improved bowel opening frequency and gut transit time in Parkinson's disease patients with constipation over 8 weeks.
RCT
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedEffects 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 JournalHighly CitedMechanisms of Action of Probiotics.
Probiotics can prevent and treat various digestive disorders, allergic disorders, and metabolic disorders by colonizing and normalizing intestinal microbial communities, promoting immune system differentiation, and modulating endocrine and neurologic functions.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedTargeted delivery of probiotics to enhance gastrointestinal stability and intestinal colonisation.
Targeted delivery of probiotics into the intestines can enhance gastrointestinal stability and colonization, with 90% viability after exposure to gastric acid and 64-76% adhesion to intestinal cells.
In Vitro StudyHighly 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.
RCTRigorous JournalEffects 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 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 JournalProbiotic Mechanisms of Action
Probiotics provide health benefits by altering gut microbiota, strengthening gut epithelial barrier, and modulating immune system, with potential therapeutic applications in various diseases.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedProbiotics (Direct-Fed Microbials) in Poultry Nutrition and Their Effects on Nutrient Utilization, Growth and Laying Performance, and Gut Health: A Systematic Review
Probiotics can enhance poultry growth and gut health, offering a potential alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in production.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalHighly Cited