Probiotics May Help Prevent Some Diarrhea

Products known as probiotics might help to prevent diarrhea after antibiotic treatment. That’s the conclusion of a review of research on the topic. Antibiotics kill bacteria that cause infections. But at the same time they kill many normal, “good” bacteria in the digestive system. This can cause diarrhea. This problem occurs in about one-third of people treated with antibiotics. Usually it is mild, but some cases can be dangerous. Probiotics contain live cultures of “good” bacteria. The purpose is to boost these bacteria in the gut. Probiotics are found in yogurts and other products. Researchers reviewed 82 earlier studies related to probiotics. They found that people who took probiotics along with antibiotics were 42% less likely to develop diarrhea. Researchers said consumers need more information to decide whether to use these products.