Are Probiotics Effective for Healthy People? Study Sheds Light
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A recent study published in the journal Advances In Nutrition reviewed the evidence of the benefits of probiotics for healthy people.
Probiotics are microbes that confer health benefits to the host. Various studies have examined the use of probiotics for diverse conditions for patients and healthy individuals. Clinical trials have also investigated different outcomes of probiotic use. However, a common question remains: should everyone take probiotics? This study reviewed the available evidence to assess the outcomes of probiotic use in healthy people.
The research team assembled experts to explore the evidence. The review primarily focused on healthy individuals and also considered population subgroups. The study explored whether probiotics could prevent infections of the vaginal, respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), or urinary tract, reduce antibiotic use, or improve cardiovascular risk factors.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common bacterial infections, especially in females. Studies have shown that probiotics can help reduce the recurrence of UTIs. For example, a year-long trial found that weekly vaginal suppositories containing Lactobacillus strains reduced UTI recurrence. Another study found that young females taking Lactobacillus crispatus had fewer UTIs compared to a placebo group.
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