What Are the Benefits of Probiotics?

Probiotics have shown promise for various health purposes, including:^[1]

1. Prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea;
2. Relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome;
3. Prevention of allergies such as eczema; 
4. Treatment of infant colic;
5. Treatment of periodontal disease;
6. Induction or maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis

Having the right gut bacteria has also been linked to

• Preventing bowel diseases
• Improving the immune system
• Lactose intolerance

There are many different types of probiotics with varying effects on the body available in the market. You may find that particular type can help with one problem, but this does not mean it can help other problems. 

In most cases, much remains unknown about which probiotics are helpful and which are not. Probiotics are sold as dietary supplements instead of medications; hence there are fewer regulations, and the manufacturers can sell supplements easily.^[2]

If you are unsure whether probiotics are right for you, talk to your healthcare provider (or paediatrician) before taking a supplement or giving one to your child.

1. (2019). ‘Probiotics: What you need to know’. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Available at: <https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-what-you-need-to-know>
2. (2020). ‘Probiotics’. Clevelandclinic. 9 March. Available at: <https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/14598-probiotics>