Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Probiotics are live microorganisms, most often bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, that are widely studied for their ability to support gut health, particularly during or after antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of the gut microbiota, sometimes leading to side effects such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and Clostridioides difficile infection. There is substantial scientific evidence supporting the use of probiotics to help prevent or reduce the severity of these complications.

Multiple meta-analyses and systematic reviews (e.g., Hempel et al., JAMA 2012; Goldenberg et al., Cochrane 2017) have found that probiotics significantly reduce the risk of AAD in both adults and children. The use of specific strains, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii, has been particularly well studied with positive results.

However, it is important to note that while probiotics can help mitigate the negative effects of antibiotics on the gut microbiota, they are not considered alternatives to antibiotics for treating infections, as they do not have direct antibacterial effects against pathogenic bacteria causing disease. Rather, their role is adjunctive—to support gut health during antibiotic treatment.

Overall, the evidence supporting probiotics for the prevention of antibiotic-associated gastrointestinal side effects is robust, although their efficacy as a direct alternative to antibiotics is not supported.

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