read the publication in BMC Gastroenterology
Positive impact on health
Antibiotics are a frequently used weapon in the fight against bacterial pathogens. However, antibiotic medicines often also affect our the 'good' bacteria that live in our intestines. These gut flora are crucial to optimal intestinal functioning and therefore essential to good health. Antibiotics (especially broad-spectrum antibiotics) can have a disruptive effect on gut flora and trigger a variety of adverse symptoms. This is a common problem, as the broad-spectrum antibiotic amoxicillin – which carries a high risk of such complaints – is the most prescribed antibiotic in the Netherlands, with 1.2 million users in 2017.
One of the most common side effects is AAD. Probiotics are microbes that, if administered in sufficient quantities in dairy drinks or as a dietary supplement, have a positive impact on health. The consumption of certain probiotics during antibiotic treatment has been proven to have a preventive effect and reduce the likelihood of ADD.
Method
Read the story to learn more about the method of the study conducted by Remco Kort, Micropia professor affiliated with TNO and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and co-authors Ger Rijkers, Cyrille Krul and Valeria Agamennone. The probiotic products were classified according to their proven effect as demonstrated in a minimum of one to three independent clinical studies. Products found to have an effect in at least three of the included studies were awarded three stars, those with effects in two studies were awarded two stars, and those with an effect in one study were awarded only one star. This led to a total of eight single-strain and multi-strain formulae demonstrated to be effective in groups treated with probiotics. The various products are all offered for sale to consumers and can typically be purchased online. The guide will be subject to annual evaluation and updated as necessary.