Probiotics cause loose stools
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Probiotics and Their Impact on Loose Stools
Introduction to Probiotics and Gut Health
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host, particularly by improving gut health. They are commonly used to manage various gastrointestinal disorders, including diarrhea and constipation. This article explores the relationship between probiotics and the occurrence of loose stools, synthesizing findings from multiple research studies.
Probiotics and Diarrhea Reduction
HIV-Infected Children and Stool Consistency
A study on HIV-infected children revealed that probiotics could potentially reduce episodes of liquid stools. The research involved 77 children who were given a probiotic formula containing Bifidobacterium bifidum and Streptococcus thermophilus. The results showed a slight reduction in liquid stool consistency in the probiotics group, although the difference was not statistically significant compared to the control group 1.
Functional Diarrhea and Gut Inflammation
In patients with functional diarrhea (FD) and high fecal calprotectin levels, a study assessed the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CJLP243. The findings indicated a significant decrease in the frequency of loose stools and gut inflammation in the probiotic group compared to the placebo group after two months of treatment 2.
Critically Ill Patients and Liquid Stool Frequency
A pilot trial involving critically ill patients receiving enteral nutrition demonstrated that the multispecies probiotic VSL#3 significantly reduced the frequency of liquid stools. This suggests that probiotics can be effective in minimizing diarrhea in critically ill, tube-fed patients 5.
Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea in Mice
Research on mice with antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) showed that complex probiotics significantly decreased fecal water content and loose stool grade. The probiotics also improved gut microbiota composition and intestinal barrier function, thereby alleviating AAD symptoms 6.
Acute Diarrhea in Infants and Toddlers
A clinical trial on infants and toddlers with acute diarrhea found that administering the probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) significantly reduced the duration of diarrhea. Children receiving EcN had a quicker normalization of stool frequency compared to those receiving a placebo 8.
Probiotics and Constipation
Functional Constipation in Adults
Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials have shown that probiotics, particularly multispecies formulations, can improve stool consistency and increase stool frequency in adults with functional constipation. These findings suggest that probiotics can help regulate bowel movements and alleviate constipation symptoms 34.
Constipation in Children
A systematic review and meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials indicated that probiotics could increase stool frequency in children with constipation. However, the effect on stool consistency was not significant, highlighting the need for further research to determine the most effective probiotic strains and dosages 7.
Conclusion
The evidence suggests that probiotics can have a beneficial impact on stool consistency and frequency, potentially reducing episodes of loose stools and improving overall gut health. While some studies show significant improvements, others indicate a need for further research to establish the most effective strains and treatment protocols. Probiotics appear to be a promising, natural option for managing various gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea and constipation.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Use of probiotics in HIV-infected children: a randomized double-blind controlled study.
Probiotics may improve immune response and reduce liquid stool episodes in HIV-infected children, potentially benefiting their treatment.
RCT
Highly CitedA Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CJLP243 in Patients with Functional Diarrhea and High Fecal Calprotectin Levels
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CJLP243 treatment improves functional diarrhea symptoms, reduces fecal calprotectin levels, and increases Leuconostoc levels in patients with elevated fecal calprotectin levels.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalMeta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of the effects of probiotics on functional constipation in adults.
Probiotics, particularly multispecies probiotics, can significantly reduce gut transit time, increase stool frequency, and improve stool consistency in adults with functional constipation.
Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedThe effect of probiotics on functional constipation in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Probiotics may improve gut transit time, stool frequency, and stool consistency in adults with functional constipation, but more rigorous research is needed to determine the most effective strains, doses, and duration of use.
Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedDecrease in frequency of liquid stool in enterally fed critically ill patients given the multispecies probiotic VSL#3: a pilot trial.
VSL#3 effectively reduces the frequency of liquid stools in critically ill patients receiving enteral nutrition.
RCTComplex probiotics alleviate ampicillin-induced antibiotic-associated diarrhea in mice
Complex probiotics effectively alleviate ampicillin-induced antibiotic-associated diarrhea in mice, promoting weight gain, immune function, and gut microbiota diversity.
RCT
Animal StudyPositive Effect of Probiotics on Constipation in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Six Randomized Controlled Trials
Probiotics increase stool frequency in children with constipation, particularly in Asian children, but do not significantly affect stool consistency.
Meta-AnalysisThe probiotic Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 (EcN) stops acute diarrhoea in infants and toddlers
Probiotic Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 (EcN) effectively reduces acute diarrhoea in infants and toddlers, reducing stool frequency more rapidly than a placebo.
RCTHighly CitedEffect of Probiotics on Symptoms in Korean Adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Probiotics are safe and effective in reducing abdominal pain and bowel discomfort in Korean adults with irritable bowel syndrome.
RCT
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedProbiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in chronic constipation: Outstanding aspects to be considered for the current evidence
Prebiotics and probiotics can improve stool consistency and reduce colonic transit time, but more high-quality randomized control trials are needed to confirm their effectiveness in managing intestinal constipation.
Systematic Review