Probotics: What are they?
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that are often used in the treatment or reduction of symptoms of diarrhea.
The probiotic group includes a wide range of bacteria but not all of them possess the same characteristics and the same efficacy; the most common are lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.
How they act
Diarrhea and Probiotics
What is diarrhea
Secretory / inflammatory diarrhea refers to the phlogistic hypersecretion of water and electrolytes by the intestinal mucosa; the most important side effects of diarrhea are dehydration and malnutrition; diarrhea can be defined as acute or chronic based on the persistence of symptoms (up to 13 days).
Which probiotics to choose?
Probiotics can be introduced as a drug (eg. Enterogermina, Yovis. Lacteol, Lacteol Forte), supplement or in food form ( at least one billion live and active bacteria per gram of product ) and their effectiveness depends on the capacity or otherwise of free from the gastric tract, which represents a physiological acid barrier against bacterial contamination. In this regard, probiotic-based drugs and supplements can be taken effectively away from meals avoiding the lowering of gastric pH, but probiotic foods?
These products, in addition to microorganisms, contain nutrients that stimulate the production of hydrochloric acid, which in turn could affect the survival of active yeasts. At present, foods containing probiotics have NOT been shown to have preventive or curative effects in the treatment of diarrhea.
Effectiveness
Recent studies on the use of probiotic drugs in the treatment of diarrhea demonstrate its effectiveness; an anticipated pathological remission of about one day is shown with respect to the average estimated duration, with a 59% reduction in the risk of chronicization . Furthermore, no adverse or collateral events are attributed following the administration of probiotics in the treatment of diarrhea. The study did not take into consideration: the differences between the various bacterial strains, the joint action of different strains, the vitality of the organisms, the dosage of the organisms, the causes of the diarrhea, the severity of the diarrhea and if the studies were carried out in developed or developing countries.
Obviously, the effectiveness of probiotic therapy in the treatment of diarrhea depends on many factors; among these, the most important are undoubtedly the medical diagnosis (differential) and the choice of pharmacological therapy to assist probiotics and hydro-saline rehydration. The choice of a broad-spectrum antibiotic compared to a more specific one significantly affects the survival or otherwise of the probiotic, emphasizing or nullifying the therapeutic effect.
Bibliography:
- Guidelines - Ministry of Health. Veterinary Public Health Department. Food safety and collegiate bodies I - General Directorate for Food and Nutrition Safety - Single Commission for Dietetics and Nutrition - Revision 2011
- Allen SJ, Martinez EG, Gregorio GV, Dans LF. - Probiotics for treating acute infectious diarrhea - Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 11. Art. No .: CD003048. DOI: 10.1002 / 14651858.CD003048.pub3
- Bernaola Aponte G, Bada Mancilla CA, Carreazo Pariasca NY, Rojas Galarza RA. - Probiotics for treating persistent diarrhea in children - Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 11. Art. No .: CD007401. DOI: 10.1002 / 14651858.CD007401.pub2
