Will probiotics cause loose stools
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The Impact of Probiotics on Loose Stools: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to Probiotics and Loose Stools
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host. They are commonly used to improve gut health and balance the intestinal microbiota. However, there is ongoing debate about whether probiotics can cause or alleviate loose stools. This article synthesizes findings from multiple studies to address this question.
Probiotics and Functional Diarrhea
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CJLP243
A study investigating the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CJLP243 on patients with functional diarrhea (FD) found that this probiotic significantly reduced the frequency of loose stools. The trial demonstrated that after two months of treatment, patients in the probiotic group experienced a notable decrease in loose stool frequency compared to the placebo group, indicating that this probiotic may help alleviate symptoms of FD rather than cause them1.
Probiotics in HIV-Infected Children
Bifidobacterium bifidum and Streptococcus thermophilus
In a study involving HIV-infected children, the administration of a probiotic formula containing Bifidobacterium bifidum and Streptococcus thermophilus showed a slight reduction in liquid stool episodes. Although the difference was not statistically significant, the trend suggests that probiotics may help reduce the incidence of loose stools in this population2.
Probiotics in Critically Ill Patients
Multispecies Probiotic VSL#3
A pilot trial conducted on critically ill patients receiving enteral nutrition found that the multispecies probiotic VSL#3 significantly reduced the frequency of liquid stools. This suggests that VSL#3 can be effective in minimizing diarrhea in critically ill patients, thereby reducing the occurrence of loose stools3.
Probiotics in Pediatric Acute Diarrhea
Saccharomyces boulardii
Research on the use of Saccharomyces boulardii in children with acute diarrhea revealed that this probiotic significantly shortened the duration of diarrhea and hastened the transition to semi-liquid stools. This indicates that Saccharomyces boulardii can effectively reduce the severity and duration of loose stools in pediatric patients4.
Escherichia coli Nissle 1917
Another study focused on infants and toddlers with acute diarrhea found that the probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) significantly reduced the stool frequency more quickly than a placebo. This further supports the role of probiotics in alleviating loose stools rather than causing them5.
Probiotics and Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea
Complex Probiotics
A study on antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) in mice demonstrated that complex probiotics significantly decreased fecal water content and loose stool grade. The probiotics also improved gut microbiota composition and intestinal barrier function, suggesting their efficacy in reducing loose stools associated with antibiotic use6.
Conclusion
The reviewed studies consistently indicate that probiotics do not cause loose stools; rather, they are effective in reducing the frequency and severity of loose stools across various conditions, including functional diarrhea, HIV infection, critical illness, pediatric acute diarrhea, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Probiotics such as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CJLP243, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Streptococcus thermophilus, VSL#3, Saccharomyces boulardii, and Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 have shown promising results in alleviating loose stools. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the most effective strains and dosages for different populations.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
A 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 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.
RCT
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.
RCTStudy 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.
RCTThe 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 CitedComplex 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-AnalysisMeta-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 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-Analysis