Probiotics Health Article

Research & general acceptance

More studies of probiotics have been done in Europe than in the United States, which is reflected in the fact that the leading manufacturers of probiotic supplements are presently based in Europe. Some mainstream researchers in Europe as well as in the United States are skeptical of some of the claims made for probiotics. Their reasons include the following considerations:

• The studies done in support of probiotics are mostly anecdotal or heavily reliant on test-tube experimentation rather than on clinical trials in human subjects. As of 2000, relatively few strains of probiotic bacteria have been shown to have clinical value. These strains are helpful in treating milk allergy and irritable bowel syndrome in humans, and in improving resistance to a yeast called Candida in immunocompromised mice.
• The basic concept of probiotics is based on a misunderstanding of the role of microflora in the human digestive tract.
• It is difficult to see how bacteria taken by mouth can survive the process of human digestion. At present, only two species of lactobacilli, L. GG and L. plan-tarum 299v, have been shown to be able to colonize the human gut.
• Supporters of probiotics emphasize two types of bacteria, the lactobacilli and the bifidobacteria, and virtually ignore the hundreds of other species that live in the intestines.

More clinical studies examining the effects of probiotics on specific conditions are being conducted. One such study in the making will examine the effect of probiotics on hepatic steatosis, or fatty degeneration of the liver. An inclusion criteria was biopsy diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study is expected to be completed in October 2004.

Training & certification

As of 2000, there are no training or certification programs specifically for probiotics. Most practitioners who recommend probiotics have been trained as nutritionists or naturopathic physicians.

BOOKS

Chaitow, Leon, ND, and Natasha Trenev. Probiotics. Northampton, UK: Thorsons, 1990.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Academy of Alternative Medicine (AAAM). 16126 E. Warren, Box 24224. Detroit, MI 48224-0224. (313) 882-0641. Fax: (313) 882-0972.

Ontario College of Naturopathic Medicine. 60 Berl Avenue. Toronto, Ontario M8Y3C7.

OTHER

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"History of Probiotic Research." June 27, 2001 [cited June 4, 2004]. <http://www.phototour.minneapolis.mn.us/candida/history.html>.

"Lactobacillus GG (LGG)." July 16, 2001 [cited June 4, 2004]. <http://www.phototour.minneapolis.mn.us/candida/lgg.html>.

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Mercola, M.D., Joseph. "One Third of Probiotics, 'Good Bacteria' Products Like Acidophilus, Found to be Worthless." July 11, 2001 [cited June 4, 2004]. <http://www.mercola.com/2001/jul/11/probiotics.htm>.

Solga, M.D., Steve. "Probiotics Effect on Hepatic Steatosis." September 2003 [cited June 4, 2004]. <http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show>.

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Rebecca Frey, Ph.D.

Katherine E. Nelson, N.D.