Probiotics
Place In Therapy
Efficacy: The use of probiotics in chronic constipation is
not recommended due to the low amounts of evidence. More well designed
clinical trials are needed to determine the efficacy of certain strains of
bacteria. Some studied strains have shown positive preliminary results but
these require more research. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Safety: The use of probiotics has been proven to be safe in many trials. The only caution would be in certain population such as pregnant or breastfeeding patients and patients with a deficiency in their immune system. 3,4,8,9
References
1) Cheong LW. Chronic constipation: Current treatment options. Can J Gastroenterol. 2011;25(suppl B):22B-28B.
2) Emmanuel A. Current management strategies and therapeutic targets in chronic constipation. Ther Adv Gastroenterol. 2011; 4(1): 37-48.
3) Koebnick C, Wagner I, Leitzmann P, et al. Probiotic beverage containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota improves gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with chronic constipation. 2003;17(11): 655-59.
4) Del Piano M, Carmagnola S, Anderloni A, et al. The use of probiotics in healthy volunteers with evacuation disorders and hard stools: A double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study. J Clin Gastroenterol 2010;44(suppl 1): S30-34.
5) Canadian Pharmacist Association. Patient Self Care. 2010. Chapter 31: Constipation. Page 262-80.
6) Storr M. Chronic constipation: Current management and challenges. Can J Gastroenterol 2011;(Suppl B):5B-6B.)
7) P Paré, R Bridges, MC Champion, et al. Recommendations on chronic constipation (including constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome) treatment. Can J Gastroenterol 2007;21(Suppl B):3B-22B.)
8) Foxx-orenstein AE, McNally MA, Odusns ST. Review: Update on constipation: One treatment does not fit all. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 2008;75(11): pp 813-24.)
9) Natural Standards. Probiotics (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces boulardii) Natural Standard Professional Monogragh. 2012. Accessed online March 7, 2012 at www.naturalstandard.com
Safety: The use of probiotics has been proven to be safe in many trials. The only caution would be in certain population such as pregnant or breastfeeding patients and patients with a deficiency in their immune system. 3,4,8,9
References
1) Cheong LW. Chronic constipation: Current treatment options. Can J Gastroenterol. 2011;25(suppl B):22B-28B.
2) Emmanuel A. Current management strategies and therapeutic targets in chronic constipation. Ther Adv Gastroenterol. 2011; 4(1): 37-48.
3) Koebnick C, Wagner I, Leitzmann P, et al. Probiotic beverage containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota improves gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with chronic constipation. 2003;17(11): 655-59.
4) Del Piano M, Carmagnola S, Anderloni A, et al. The use of probiotics in healthy volunteers with evacuation disorders and hard stools: A double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study. J Clin Gastroenterol 2010;44(suppl 1): S30-34.
5) Canadian Pharmacist Association. Patient Self Care. 2010. Chapter 31: Constipation. Page 262-80.
6) Storr M. Chronic constipation: Current management and challenges. Can J Gastroenterol 2011;(Suppl B):5B-6B.)
7) P Paré, R Bridges, MC Champion, et al. Recommendations on chronic constipation (including constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome) treatment. Can J Gastroenterol 2007;21(Suppl B):3B-22B.)
8) Foxx-orenstein AE, McNally MA, Odusns ST. Review: Update on constipation: One treatment does not fit all. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 2008;75(11): pp 813-24.)
9) Natural Standards. Probiotics (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces boulardii) Natural Standard Professional Monogragh. 2012. Accessed online March 7, 2012 at www.naturalstandard.com