Probiotics? Ask a professional

Written by Holly Coyle

My husband came home from the grocery store the other day with not one but two of these Good Belly cartons of juice. Our conversation went like this:


“What are those?” I asked.

“It is a probiotic drink,” he replied.

“What is that?” I questioned.

“I don’t know.” He replied. “But the person at H-E-B was handing out coupons and samples and said this is good for digestion, good for kids and it has been tested in Sweden.”

“What test in Sweden? They are good for whom?”

“She said they were buy one get one free.”

So, we had two Good Belly cartons sitting in our fridge. I let them sit there for two days, until I finally opened one up, drinking a bit hesitantly. It tasted like juice, peach mango, I think. I thought, before I drink any more of this, or give this to one of the kids, I should find out from one of the doctors I work with what this is. Here’s what Alfredo Espinoza, M.D. shared with me:

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are microorganisms that are thought to provide a benefit to the host. They are derived from strains of bacteria or yeasts.

In what conditions may they be helpful?

There is growing enthusiasm for these microorganisms in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) such as Ulcerative Colitis and Crohns Disease. Other conditions where it is being used is in Irritable Bowel syndrome, especially the diarrheal type, Infectious diarrhea, Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea such as Clostridium Difficile infections and even Hepatic encephalopathy.

How are they thought to work?

The specific ways in which these organisms work to provide humans a benefit is unclear. They are however thought to reduce the penetration of harmful bacteria into the intestinal lining, form a protective barrier and even improve the body’s immune system response to harmful bacteria. They are also thought to be involved in the reduction of the perception of pain.

Is there scientific evidence to back most of the reported benefits advertised?

There are a number of well put together scientific studies, especially in the area of inflammatory bowel disease and Antibiotic associated diarrhea, but overall the results are variable and marginally better than their placebo counterparts. Physicians still use these substances in the a particular subset of patients once traditional and more thoroughly investigated therapies have been offered and it is usually done as an adjunct or additional therapy. There is good scientific evidence that the use of the probiotic Lactobacillus can significantly reduce the length of infectious diarrhea in adults and children..

How safe are they?

They are generally thought to be safe but they are not the first line or standard of care treatment for any one condition. Due to the lack of concrete scientific data behind most of the advertised indications, consumers should keep in mind that the expense of purchasing these substances may not produce a beneficial result. As data emerges on these microorganisms, your Gastroenterologist can guide you through their use.

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Cinde Ramirez