Probiotics for the Prevention of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhoea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This study analyzed 42 clinical trials involving 11,305 adults to determine if probiotics can help prevent diarrhea caused by antibiotics. The results showed that taking probiotics alongside antibiotics reduced the risk of diarrhea by 37%. Higher doses and certain probiotic strains (like Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Saccharomyces boulardii) were more effective. However, the benefits were only significant in people at moderate to high risk of antibiotic-related diarrhea. The study was well-conducted, but many included trials had a moderate risk of bias. The findings suggest probiotics may be a useful preventative measure but are less effective when the baseline risk of diarrhea is low.

If you are at risk for diarrhea when taking antibiotics, consider a high-dose probiotic supplement (>10 billion CFUs per day) containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, or Saccharomyces boulardii. However, probiotics may be less beneficial for those with a low risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Always consult a healthcare provider before adding probiotics to your regimen.