-Probiotic foods such as yogurt are as effective as probiotic supplements.
Some commonly available probiotics include:
- VSL#3 (Bifidobacterium breve, B. longum, B. infantis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. paracasei, L. bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus)
- Align (B. infantis)
- Culturelle (L. rhamnosus GG)
- DanActive (L. casei)
- Mutaflor (E. coli Nissle 1917)
- Florastor (Saccharomyces boulardii)
In our hospital, we most commonly use: Saccharomyces boulardii (Florastor) 250 mg = 1 cap, Oral, BID
“There is good evidence supporting the effectiveness of probiotics for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis.” AAFP 2017
“There is good evidence supporting the effectiveness of probiotics for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis. Importantly, there is compelling news about the benefit of probiotics for the prevention and treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea.These data have changed my antibiotic prescribing practices to include the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii because it is not eradicated by antibiotics.” AAFP 2017
“A wealth of evidence-based research has established the benefits of probiotics, especially in children. Probiotics, particularly Saccharomyces boulardii, have been shown to prevent the antibiotic-associated diarrhea that occurs in 5%–30% of children who receive antibiotics (SOR A). The number needed to treat to prevent one case of diarrhea is 10. Probiotics reduce the pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but have not been shown to be helpful in reducing diarrhea or constipation in pediatric IBS patients (SOR A). In breastfed infants, probiotics reduce daily crying time by up to an hour. Similar benefits have not been found in formula-fed infants or infants who are combining breastfeeding and formula. Probiotics have not been shown to prevent colic in any infants. Other benefits of probiotics include the prevention of eczema and upper respiratory infections (SOR A). However, their use has not been shown to prevent allergies and asthma.”ABFM
Further Reading
Probiotics and the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in infants and children. JAMA 2016;316(14):1484-1485.
Clinical uses of probiotics. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016;95(5):e2658.
When can infants and children benefit from probiotics? J Fam Pract 2016;65(11):789-794.