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Clinical Updates
Probiotics
Probiotic for Eczema
9/11/2020
Can applying a probiotic to the skin reduce eczema in children? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of the Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for probiotics.
Probiotics That Do or Don't Work
6/08/2020
An expert panel of gastroenterologists reviewed the clinical evidence for probiotics in preventing or treating C. difficile infection, IBS, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, pouchitis, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Find out for which conditions they recommend probiotics and for which they don't in the What They Do section of the Probiotic Supplements Review (we've highlighted their recommendations in yellow). Also see our Top Picks for probiotics.
Probiotic to Reduce Tooth Staining
5/28/2020
A probiotic was tested to see if it could reduce the occurrence of black stains (a type of dental plaque) on teeth. Find out if it worked in the What It Does section of the Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among probiotics.
Caution With Probiotic & Surgery
10/07/2019
Use of a popular probiotic around the time of abdominal surgery increased the rate of re-admission to the hospital after surgery, according to a recent study. For details, see the What It Does section of the Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for probiotics.
Probiotic for Cold Symptoms and Gas
9/30/2019
A study found that a particular probiotic strain reduced symptoms of upper respiratory infections, as well as gas, in children. For details see the Colds and acute respiratory infections section as well as the Bloating, gas, and abdominal pain section of the Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for probiotics and kombucha.
Probiotic for the Urinary Tract?
9/20/2019
Does taking a popular double-strain probiotic reduce the level of pathogenic microbes in the urinary tracts of women? See what a recent study found in the section about Vaginal bacterial infections of the Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among probiotics.
Probiotic to Trim Belly Fat?
9/06/2019
Can Yogurt Reduce Diabetes Risk?
8/28/2019
Increasing yogurt intake, particularly in place of certain other dairy foods, may decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. For details about this and other effects of yogurt, see the Fermented Dairy Foods section of the Probiotics Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for probiotics.
Do Probiotics Help With Bone Facture?
8/16/2019
Can taking a probiotic improve recovery from bone fracture in older people? See what a recent study found in the Bone Density and Fractures section of the Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for probiotics.
Infection from Probiotic
7/05/2019
Although rare, be aware that infections have occurred in some people due to the probiotics they have taken. For details about recent cases, see the Concerns and Cautions section of the Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among probiotics.
Popular Probiotic -- What's In a Name?
6/28/2019
Does the popular probiotic VSL#3 contain a different formula than used in the clinical studies supporting its benefits? Find out in the What to Consider When Buying section of the Probiotics Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for probiotic supplements.
Prebiotic for Insulin Sensitivity
6/24/2019
Does consuming a prebiotic improve insulin sensitivity in overweight people? See what a study recently found in the All About Prebiotics section of the Probiotic Supplements Review.
Yogurt and Colorectal Cancer
6/21/2019
Does regular consumption of yogurt affect the risk of colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer? Find out what studies are showing in the Fermented Dairy Foods section of the Probiotic Supplements Review.
Probiotic for Anxiety?
5/03/2019
A number of studies have evaluated probiotics for reducing anxiety, stress, and depression. See the results of the latest study in the What It Does section of the Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among probiotics.
Probiotic for Diverticulitis
4/26/2019
Giving a specific probiotic to people hospitalized for acute diverticulitis was found to reduce pain, inflammation, and the duration of their hospital stays. Get the details in the What It Does section of the Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for probiotics.
A Probiotic for Migraine
2/01/2019
Use of a particular probiotic for several weeks was found to modestly reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. Get the details in the What It Does section of the Probiotic Supplements Review.
Yogurt & High Blood Pressure
11/23/2018
Higher consumption of yogurt was associated with a lower risk of developing high blood pressure in a recent analysis. Risk was further reduced when yogurt consumption was part of a particular, healthful diet. For details, see the Fermented Dairy Foods section of the Probiotic Supplements Review.
Probiotic Lowers Eczema Risk in Children
11/15/2018
The risk of eczema in children was reduced by 54% when a specific probiotic was taken by mothers during pregnancy and then by their infants, according to a new study. The probiotic also reduced the incidence of gestational diabetes among the mothers. For details, see the What It Does section of the Probiotic Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks for probiotics.)
Illness From Probiotic
11/12/2018
Some people are vulnerable to serious illness related to probiotic use. Get the details of a recently reported case in the Cautions and Concerns section of the Probiotic Supplements Review.
Lower Risk of Heart Disease with Fermented Dairy Foods
11/05/2018
A study has shown a lower risk of heart disease to be associated with consumption of fermented, rather than non-fermented, dairy foods. However, only a certain type of fermented dairy was associated with the benefit. For details, see the Fermented Dairy section of the Probiotics Review. (Also see our Top Picks among probiotic products.)
Probiotic for Abdominal Pain
10/01/2018
A probiotic was found to significantly reduce symptoms in people with acute diarrhea and abdominal pain, adding to the number of probiotics shown to have related effects. For details, see the What It Does section of the Probiotic Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among probiotics).
When To End Probiotics?
9/08/2018
If you take a probiotic when given antibiotics, at what point should you stop taking the probiotic? A new study provides some guidance. For details, see the What It Does section of the Probiotic Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among probiotics.)
Probiotics for Gum Disease
8/27/2018
Can probiotic lozenges improve gum health when used in conjunction with oral cleanings? Find out what studies are showing in the Periodontitis section of the Probiotics Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among probiotic supplements for other uses.)
Probiotic Concern
8/20/2018
While probiotics are generally safe, they can cause severe illness in people with certain medical conditions. There have been many case reports, including one published this month. For details see the Concerns and Cautions section of the Probiotic Supplements Review.
Probiotics & Exercise Performance
7/30/2018
Can taking a daily probiotic improve exercise performance? Find out in the What It Does section of the Probiotic Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks for probiotics.)
Probiotics for Bones
6/22/2018
Can taking a daily probiotic help reduce bone loss? Find out what a year-long study showed in the Bone density and fractures section of the Probiotic Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among probiotic supplements.)
Probiotic for IBS?
6/11/2018
Studies have shown that certain probiotics help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), although this can depend on the type of IBS. The most recent study focused on people with diarrhea-predominant IBS. Get the results in the What It Does section of the Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among probiotics.
Probiotic Effective for People With Mania
5/29/2018
A daily probiotic was shown to greatly reduce the risk of rehospitalization for acute mania among people recently hospitalized for this condition. The probiotic contained strains common in products that ConsumerLab has tested and reviewed. For details, see the What It Does section of the Probiotic Supplements Review.
Do Probiotics Affect Weight?
3/05/2018
Studies have shown some probiotics to help somewhat with weight loss and/or slimming, while others have shown no effect. However, a recent study with a popular probiotic found that it increased weight. Get the details in the Weight and fat loss section of the Probiotic Supplements Review.
Probiotic for Dermatitis
12/18/2017
Atopic dermatitis is a recurrent, itchy inflammation of the skin. Taking a daily probiotic mixture was found to significantly reduce symptoms and the need for topical steroids in children with atopic dermatitis. Details are in the "What It Does" section of the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Reduces Colic
10/17/2017
A widely sold probiotic was able to reduce by half the amount of crying in infants with colic, according to a placebo-controlled study. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Changed VSL#3 Probiotic?
9/26/2017
VSL#3 is a popular probiotic, but a new study suggests that the currently marketed product may be somewhat different and not have all the same effects as the earlier product. For details, see the ConsumerTips section of the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic for Dandruff?
8/29/2017
A probiotic was shown to significantly reduce the signs and symptoms of dandruff in a placebo-controlled, 2-month study. See the "What It Does" section of our Probiotic Supplements Review for details >>
Probiotic Reduces Depression in IBS
5/25/2017
A probiotic significantly decreased depression in men and women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to a recent study. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Reduces Diabetes Risk In Pregnancy
4/14/2017
Taking a certain type of probiotic during pregnancy reduced the risk of gestational diabetes, according to a new study. For details see the "What It Does" section of the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Prebiotics for Appetite Control?
3/10/2017
A study suggests that a prebiotic supplement may be helpful for appetite control – although more research is needed. Prebiotics fuel the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. For more information about the study and prebiotics (including how to get prebiotics from foods), see the "Prebiotics" section of the Probiotics Supplements Review (which includes our tests of products) >>
Probiotic for Allergy
3/03/2017
A recent study showed that taking a probiotic during allergy season reduced symptoms more than did a placebo – although not by much. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Timing Probiotics with Antibiotics Is Key
2/27/2017
Probiotics can reduce the risk of C. difficile infection due to antibiotics by nearly 70% if probiotics are started at the right time, according to a new study. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Probiotic Supplements Review (which includes our tests of products) >>
Probiotics and Weight?
2/12/2017
Several studies, including a recent one in Brazil, suggest that probiotics can help with weight reduction or other aspects of slimming. The studies published to-date, however, have limitations. For more details, see the "What It Does" section of the Probiotics Supplements Review (which includes our tests of products) >>
Probiotic for Bloating and Abdominal Discomfort?
11/21/2016
Probiotics can help with a range of gastrointestinal issues, but a recently published, large clinical trial found that a popular probiotic was only slightly helpful to people with a history of abdominal discomfort and bloating. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Speeds Recovery From Fracture
9/26/2016
A probiotic increased the speed of recovery from bone fracture in older men and women. For details, including dosage, see the "What It Does" section of the Probiotics Supplements Review >>
Probiotics Reduce Diarrhea from Anitibiotics
5/17/2016
Many studies show that using a probiotic supplement when taking antibiotics reduces the risk of developing diarrhea, or, as shown in a new study, the duration of diarrhea. We’ve summarized key points on what type, dose, and dosing schedule of probiotics work best in the "What It Does" section of our Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotics a Waste of Money?
5/14/2016
Some headlines this week suggested that probiotics are not worthwhile. The stories cited a new research study which found that probiotics do not cause a lasting effect on the gut. The headlines are misleading, as we explain in the "What It Does" section in our Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic for Fat Loss
4/29/2016
A new study found that a probiotic decreased body fat in overweight adults, without diet or exercise. The probiotic in the study differs from many on the market in an interesting way. Get more information about this and other studies with probiotics, as well as our tests of products, in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Helps with IBS
3/01/2016
A probiotic was found to improve many symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in a recent study. Studies with other probiotics have also shown benefits, but be aware that the choice of probiotic seems to depend on the type of IBS. Get the details, as well as our quality ratings, in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic May Help Prevent ADHD
1/30/2016
A study found that none of the children given a specific probiotic around infancy (as well as to their mothers) developed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), compared to 14% of those given a placebo. Details about this preliminary but intriguing study and the commonly-available probiotic used are found in the Probiotic Supplements and Kefirs Review >>
Triglyceride-Lowering with a Probiotic
11/06/2015
Studies with probiotics have demonstrated modest lowering of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, but the evidence has been mixed regarding triglycerides. A recent study in which a probiotic was added to a kefir drink showed a 17% reduction in triglycerides along with a modest reduction in LDL – effects not seen with the kefir alone. Details are found in the Probiotics and Kefirs Review >>
Prebiotic Helps With Weight
10/26/2015
A certain prebiotic was found to increase the amount of weight men and women lost while on a calorie-restricted diet. For details, including brand and dosage, plus our tests of popular probiotics and prebiotics, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Helps with Constipation
10/23/2015
A recent study found that taking a particular probiotic twice a day after meals significantly increased the number of bowel movements in people with chronic constipation. For details about the probiotic and dose, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Shortens Respiratory Infections
10/20/2015
Studies have shown probiotics to reduce the duration and severity colds when taken throughout a cold season. A new study in children shows short-term use of a probiotic -- started at the time a household member gets sick -- also significantly reduces the duration and severity of acute respiratory infections. For details, including our tests of probiotic supplements, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Improves IBS Symptoms
10/05/2015
A probiotic significantly improved symptoms in men and women with a particular type of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to a recent study. Get the details, including dosage, and our tests of popular products, in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Increases Bowel Movement Frequency
9/21/2015
A certain probiotic increased the number of weekly bowel movements in healthy men and women who reported a low frequency. Get the details, including brand and dosage, plus our tests of popular products in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Approved for Throat Infections
9/01/2015
A branded probiotic lozenge can help reduce the frequency of certain throat infections, including strep, according to a health claim recently approved in Canada. Details about the product (which is also available in the U.S.) are found in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Prebiotics for Immune Health
8/01/2015
Prebiotics are complex sugars which can support the growth of probiotic organisms in the gut. A recent study reported a specific type of prebiotic increased amounts of beneficial bacteria and improved certain markers of immune function in older men and women. Get the details, including dosage, plus our tests of popular probiotics and prebiotics in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotics May Not Work As Thought
7/21/2015
Research continues to reveal promising uses for probiotics, but it's also showing that probiotics don't necessarily work by changing the types of organisms in our gut. A new study with Culturelle sheds light on this. Details, along with information about what probiotics can and cannot do and our tests of 43 probiotic supplements, are found in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Lowers Triglycerides
7/07/2015
Although past studies have not found probiotics to lower triglyceride levels, a recent study found a combination of two probiotic strains significantly decreased triglycerides in men and women with moderately high levels. More details, including dosage, are found in the "What It Does" section of the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Foods and Social Anxiety
6/20/2015
A new study shows that consumption of fermented foods like yogurt and kefir (which are likely to contain probiotic organisms) was associated with lower levels of social anxiety. This suggests that such foods may serve as a low-risk intervention for reducing social anxiety. More about the study is found in the Probiotics Review >>
Probiotic May Aid Fat Loss
5/30/2015
A recent study in overweight men and women showed a small decrease in fat among those taking a probiotic for 12 weeks. Other small studies have shown similar benefits using different probiotics. More details, along with our reviews of probiotics containing organisms similar to those in these studies, are found in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotics Might Reduce Risk of Depression
4/18/2015
After taking a probiotic daily for 4 weeks, people in a recent study were less likely to have negative thoughts in response to sadness -- a predictor of whether or not sadness turns into depression. This adds to a growing body of preliminary studies suggesting benefits of probiotics in anxiety and depression. For details, including the type and dose of probiotic used, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Preventing Eczema with Probiotics
3/28/2015
Allergy experts recently concluded that, when there is a family history of allergy, probiotics (taken by the mother or child) can reduce the risk of the child having eczema. For more information about this and other uses of probiotics – as well as our test reviews of products, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Prevents Bloating from Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)
2/20/2015
Acid-blocking PPI drugs, such as Prilosec (omeprazole) and Protonix (pantoprazole) may cause people to experience bloating and other unpleasant bowel symptoms, possibly due to overgrowth of bacteria in the intestine. A recent study suggests that taking a probiotic may help prevent these symptoms from occurring. For more details, as well as our reviews of popular probiotics, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Reduces Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea
1/19/2015
A yogurt containing a combination of probiotic species was found to dramatically reduce the occurrence of mild and severe diarrhea in children being treated with antibiotics primarily for ear and throat infections. Probiotics have also been shown to have similar benefits in adults. For more details, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Reduces GI Pain in IBS
12/16/2014
A yeast-based probiotic was recently shown to significantly reduce abdominal pain and discomfort among people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The most notable effect occurred after 4 weeks of use. Other studies, typically using bacterial probiotics, have also shown some benefit in IBS. For details, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Prebiotic for Reducing Anxiety?
12/06/2014
We’ve reported in the past that some probiotic bacteria may help reduce anxiety. A new study suggests that one type of prebiotic powder (which helps probiotic bacteria grow) has a related beneficial effect. See the update in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotics Reduce Cholesterol / Improve Liver Function
10/24/2014
Adding probiotic organisms to yogurt appeared to reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol in a study of people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a common condition. Levels of liver enzymes also improved and more weight loss occurred when people ate the probiotic yogurt, in contrast to those who ate regular yogurt. The probiotic organisms used in this study are found in several products recently tested by ConsumerLab.com. See the details in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotics Lower Blood Pressure
7/25/2014
Probiotics may help lower high blood pressure, especially when multiple strains are taken for a certain period of time, according to a new analysis. Get the details, as well as information about other uses for probiotics, in the updated Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Gum for Throat Infections
5/28/2014
A gum containing a probiotic has been found to significantly reduce the incidence of throat infections in children and has been approved to promote oral health and reduce bad breath. For more details, as well as our tests of probiotic supplements, see the update in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotics: An Alternative to Antibiotics for Mastitis?
5/28/2014
Two different strains of probiotics have been found to reduce breast pain and resolve infection in nursing mothers with mastitis, as well as reduce the rate of recurrence. For details, as well as our tests of probiotic supplements, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic for IBS Symptoms
5/24/2014
A recent study found that a multi-strain probiotic reduced certain symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Get the details, as well as our tests of probiotic products, in the updated Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Helps a Little with Allergy
4/19/2014
Among people already taking a daily antihistamine, adding a daily probiotic provided a small, additional benefit -- particularly with ocular (eye) symptoms, according to a new study. For more information about the probiotic used, and our tests of probiotic supplements, see the updated Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Not Always Useful in Infant Colic
4/19/2014
A month ago, we reported on a study that showed a probiotic could help prevent colic in infants. A new study, however, shows that the same probiotic given to infants who already have colic does not help more than placebo. For more details, and our tests of probiotic supplements, see the updated Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Helps with Colic
3/18/2014
Daily use of a probiotic reduced crying time in infants by nearly half and regurgitation by more than one-third in a recent study. Probiotics have also reduced abdominal pain in older children. Based on their safety, probiotics seem worth a try for these uses. Details about the products and dosage are in the update to the Probiotics Review >>
Probiotic Helps Women Shed Pounds
2/01/2014
Recently, a study found that women on a reduced-calorie diet lost significantly more weight if they took a particular probiotic than women on the same diet who took a placebo. Get details about the probiotic used and the dosage in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Significantly Reduces Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea
12/20/2013
A new study using a combination of probiotic organisms reduced the incidence of diarrhea by half among hospitalized individuals receiving antibiotics. Two doses were tried, and the higher dose was more effective. For details about this probiotic and how it was taken, along with additional information and our tests of probiotics, see the updated Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotics for Oral Health?
11/16/2013
For people with periodontitis (inflammation around the teeth), a new study showed a probiotic lozenge resulted in additional improvement over standard dental scaling and chlorhexidine rinse. Get the details, as well as our tests of probiotics, in the updated Probiotic Supplements Review>>
Probiotic Helps Prevent Recurrence of Diverticular Disease
10/12/2013
A new study found a major reduction in the recurrence of symptomatic diverticular disease when people were given a specific probiotic. Further reduction occurred with a combination of the probiotic and a prescription medication. For details about the treatment, including dosage, and our tests of probiotic supplements, see the updated Probiotic Supplements Review >>
New Probiotic Study
8/10/2013
A new study raises questions about the efficacy of taking probiotics to reduce the occurrence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. For more details, as well as test results and comparisons for 29 probiotic supplements, see the updated Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
6/29/2013
A popular probiotic given in a yogurt appeared to reduce symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome. However, people taking a yogurt without the probiotic did just as well, if not better, over time, raising doubt about the value of the probiotic. For more details, as well as test results and comparisons for 29 probiotic supplements, see the updated Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotic Reduces Abdominal Fat
5/26/2013
A study found that giving overweight people a strain of probiotic as part of a milk drink led to reductions in abdominal fat over 12 weeks. Those receiving the drink without the probiotic had no improvement. Get details in the updated Probiotic Supplements Review >>
More Probiotic Concerns
1/19/2013
According to a published case report, two women recently developed a severely debilitating condition ("eosinophilic syndrome") two to four weeks after taking what appears to be the same "new" probiotic supplement. It's not yet known if these are isolated cases or are there more to come. For more information, see the recent update to the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotics Reduce Risk of Diarrhea After Antibiotics
11/24/2012
Taking a broad-spectrum antibiotic can disturb the natural organisms in your gut. In some cases, particularly among older, hospitalized individuals, diarrhea can result due to infection with C. difficile. This can be life-threatening. A new review of 20 clinical trials shows that probiotics can reduce the risk of C. difficile-associated diarrhea by 50% to 75% depending on the type of probiotic used. Find out more, including the type of probiotic associated with most benefit, in the updated Probiotic Supplements Review, which includes our tests and reviews of 29 probiotic supplements. More >>
Probiotic Helps Preterm Infants
10/20/2012
Giving preterm infants a small amount of a probiotic improved their feeding and decreased their time in the hospital compared to infants not given the treatment. Learn more about this probiotic and other probiotic supplements for children and others in the Probiotic Supplements Review which includes our product tests. More >>
Probiotics Reduce Risk of Diarrhea from Antibiotics
5/13/2012
A review of over 60 clinical studies concluded that probiotics are associated with a 42% reduction in the risk of diarrhea due to antibiotic administration. The benefit appears greater for certain probiotics. For more details, including our tests of probiotic supplements, see the update in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Probiotics and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
1/01/2011
A recent study of children with IBS found that eight weeks of treatment with a probiotic greatly reduced the frequency and severity of abdominal pain. See the Probiotic Supplements Review for the type and dose of probiotic used and more >>
