Probiotics may reduce symptoms of antibiotic use

A TRIPLE-BLIND, dose-response study conducted by DuPont Nutrition & Health shows its probiotic formulation may reduce the potential gastrointestinal side effects of antibiotic treatment. The study, done in collaboration with the Changhai Hospital in Shanghai, China, tested the four-strain probiotic combination in HOWARU Restore which appeared to lower the risk and duration of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). Compared to placebo, a decrease in fever, bloating and abdominal pain was observed when patients took the probiotic.

The study also indicates a tendency toward reduced Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) – Clostridium difficile being the pathogen responsible for 10%-25% of AAD episodes and almost all episodes of antibiotic-induced pseudo-membranous colitis. Apart from being one of the largest studies with probiotics and AAD, it is to date the only dose-response study of the effect of probiotics on AAD in adults.

Their findings have been published in Vaccine Journal under the title “Clinical Dose Response Study Examines Use of Probiotics to Reduce Symptoms of Antibiotic Use.”