Probiotics on empty stomach
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The Impact of Probiotics on an Empty Stomach
Introduction to Probiotics and Gastric Health
Probiotics, live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, have been widely studied for their potential to improve various gastrointestinal conditions. One area of interest is the effect of taking probiotics on an empty stomach, particularly concerning gastric motility and functional constipation.
Probiotics and Gastric Emptying
Lactobacillus gasseri and Gastric Motility
A study investigated the impact of Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2716 (LG21 strain) on mild to moderate delayed gastric emptying. Participants consumed LG21 strain-containing yogurt or a placebo for 12 weeks. The results indicated that while there was some improvement in gastric emptying and autonomic function, the data were not sufficient to conclusively support the beneficial effects of the LG21 strain on delayed gastric emptying 1. This suggests that while there may be potential benefits, more extensive research is needed to confirm these findings.
Probiotics and Functional Constipation
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Findings
Several studies have focused on the role of probiotics in managing functional constipation. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that probiotics significantly reduced whole gut transit time by 12.4 hours and increased stool frequency by 1.3 bowel movements per week. The benefits were particularly notable for Bifidobacterium lactis, which improved stool consistency and frequency 2. Another meta-analysis confirmed these findings, highlighting that multispecies probiotics were more effective than single-species probiotics in reducing gut transit time, increasing stool frequency, and improving stool consistency 3.
Conclusion
The current body of research suggests that probiotics can have a positive impact on gastrointestinal health, particularly in improving gut transit time and alleviating symptoms of functional constipation. While the effects on gastric emptying are still inconclusive, the benefits for constipation are more robust, especially with multispecies probiotics. Further research with larger sample sizes and more rigorous methodologies is needed to fully understand the optimal conditions for probiotic efficacy, including the potential benefits of taking them on an empty stomach.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
The Effect of Continuous Intake of Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2716 on Mild to Moderate Delayed Gastric Emptying: A Randomized Controlled Study
The LG21 strain of probiotics showed a 4.1 odds ratio of improvement in delayed gastric emptying compared to placebo after 12 weeks, but further study is needed to confirm these beneficial effects.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalThe 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 Journal
Highly CitedMeta-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 CitedProbiotic Supplementation Improves Cognitive Function and Mood with Changes in Gut Microbiota in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial
Probiotics improve mental flexibility and reduce stress in healthy older adults, while also causing changes in gut microbiota.
RCTHighly CitedProbiotics and gastrointestinal conditions: An overview of evidence from the Cochrane Collaboration.
Probiotics may help treat gastrointestinal conditions by modifying gut microbiota composition and activity, but more research is needed to fill research gaps.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedUse of probiotics for management of acute gastroenteritis: a position paper by the ESPGHAN Working Group for Probiotics and Prebiotics.
Probiotics Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii show strong recommendations for treating acute gastroenteritis in children, with less compelling evidence for Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and heat-inactivated Lactobacillus acid
Systematic ReviewVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedA review of probiotic supplementation in healthy adults: helpful or hype?
Probiotic supplementation in healthy adults can improve immune system responses, gut microbiota concentration, and gastrointestinal health, but does not consistently cause persistent changes or improve blood lipid profile.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedThe efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review
Probiotics show potential in improving irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, but the magnitude of benefit and the most effective species and strain remain uncertain.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedThe effects of probiotics in lactose intolerance: A systematic review
Probiotics show varying degrees of efficacy in alleviating lactose intolerance symptoms, with an overall positive relationship between probiotics and lactose intolerance.
Systematic ReviewHighly Cited