Probiotics and the gut microbiota in intestinal health and disease
The use of probiotics is increasing in popularity for both the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases; however, the specific immune and physiological effects of probiotics in health and disease have not been fully elucidated. This Review considers recent advances in clinical trials of pro...
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Published in | Nature reviews. Gastroenterology & hepatology Vol. 7; no. 9; pp. 503 - 514 |
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Main Authors | , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
London
Nature Publishing Group UK
01.09.2010
Nature Publishing Group |
Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | The use of probiotics is increasing in popularity for both the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases; however, the specific immune and physiological effects of probiotics in health and disease have not been fully elucidated. This Review considers recent advances in clinical trials of probiotics for intestinal disorders. An overview of
in vitro
and
in vivo
research related to potential mechanisms of action of various probiotic formulations is also considered.
The use of probiotics is increasing in popularity for both the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases. While a growing number of well-conducted, prospective, randomized, controlled, clinical trials are emerging and investigations of underlying mechanisms of action are being undertaken, questions remain with respect to the specific immune and physiological effects of probiotics in health and disease. This Review considers recent advances in clinical trials of probiotics for intestinal disorders in both adult and pediatric populations. An overview of recent
in vitro
and
in vivo
research related to potential mechanisms of action of various probiotic formulations is also considered.
Key Points
Probiotics are increasingly being used for various digestive diseases, including IBS, IBD, necrotizing enterocolitis, acute infectious diarrhea and antibiotic-associated diarrhea
Not all probiotic strains are appropriate for all ailments
Depending on the strain, probiotics have different underlying mechanisms of action to provide a beneficial effect
In addition to live organisms, probiotic-derived products, such as surface-layer proteins and bacteriocins may provide beneficial effects
Probiotics are contraindicated in certain patient populations, including those with severe immune deficiencies |
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ISSN: | 1759-5045 1759-5053 |
DOI: | 10.1038/nrgastro.2010.117 |