Probiotics loose stool
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
The Impact of Probiotics on Loose Stool: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to Probiotics and Loose Stool
Probiotics, live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host, have been extensively studied for their potential to alleviate various gastrointestinal disorders, including loose stool and diarrhea. This article synthesizes findings from multiple research studies to provide a clear understanding of how probiotics can influence stool consistency and frequency.
Probiotics and Functional Diarrhea
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Functional Diarrhea
A study investigating the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CJLP243 on patients with functional diarrhea (FD) found significant improvements in stool consistency and a reduction in loose stool frequency after two months of treatment. The probiotic group also showed decreased levels of fecal calprotectin, indicating reduced gut inflammation3.
Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 in Infants and Toddlers
In a double-blind trial involving infants and toddlers with diarrhea lasting more than four days, the administration of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) significantly reduced the frequency of loose stools. The probiotic group showed a higher response rate and faster recovery compared to the placebo group5.
Probiotics in Critically Ill Patients
VSL#3 and Enterally Fed Patients
A pilot study on critically ill patients receiving enteral nutrition demonstrated that the multispecies probiotic VSL#3 effectively reduced the frequency of liquid stools. This suggests that VSL#3 can be beneficial in managing diarrhea in critically ill, tube-fed patients2.
Probiotics and Pediatric Diarrhea
Lactobacillus Strains in Day-Care Children
Research on nonhospitalized children attending day-care centers revealed that a combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri significantly reduced the duration of diarrhea. Early intervention with these probiotics led to a more pronounced reduction in loose stools9.
Saccharomyces boulardii in Acute Diarrhea
A prospective study on pediatric acute diarrhea found that adding Saccharomyces boulardii to standard treatment shortened the duration of diarrhea and hastened the appearance of semi-liquid stools. This highlights the potential of S. boulardii as an effective adjunct therapy for acute diarrhea in children10.
Probiotics and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Composite Probiotics in IBS Patients
A study on Korean adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) showed that composite probiotics containing Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus significantly reduced abdominal pain and defecation discomfort. These probiotics were particularly effective in patients with normal or loose stools6.
Conclusion
The evidence from various studies indicates that probiotics can play a significant role in managing loose stool and diarrhea across different populations, including critically ill patients, children, and individuals with functional diarrhea or IBS. Multispecies probiotics and specific strains like Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, and Saccharomyces boulardii have shown promising results in improving stool consistency and reducing the frequency of loose stools. Further research is needed to optimize probiotic strains, dosages, and treatment durations for different patient groups.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Meta-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-Analysis
Very Rigorous Journal
Highly 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.
RCTA 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.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalUse 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.
RCTHighly CitedProbiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 Versus Placebo for Treating Diarrhea of Greater Than 4 Days Duration in Infants and Toddlers
Probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) is a suitable remedy for diarrhea >4 days in infants and toddlers, with a higher response rate than placebo and is safe and well-tolerated.
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 CitedThe efficacy and safety of probiotics for patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on seventeen randomized controlled trials.
Probiotics may be safe and may improve gut transit time, stool frequency, and consistency in patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.
Meta-AnalysisThe 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 CitedEffect of probiotic Lactobacillus strains on acute diarrhea in a cohort of nonhospitalized children attending day-care centers
The combination of L. rhamnosus 19070-2 and L. reuteri DSM 12246 effectively reduces the duration of diarrhea in nonhospitalized children with mild gastroenteritis.
RCTHighly CitedStudy on efficacy of probiotic use in pediatric acute diarrhea: A prospective open-labeled study
Probiotic supplementation with S. boulardii significantly shortens the duration of pediatric acute diarrhea and the time it takes for first semi-liquid stools to develop by 1 day.
RCT