The probiotic group includes a "wide range of bacteria but not all of them have the same characteristics and the same efficacy; the most common are Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria.
How they work
Probiotics are live microorganisms which, if introduced orally, modify the balance of the intestinal physiological bacterial flora, settling and competing with any pathogens (bacteria, viruses and protozoa) responsible for acute and / or chronic diarrhea (type secretory / inflammatory).
by the intestinal mucosa, The most important side effects of diarrhea are dehydration and malnutrition. Diarrhea can be defined as acute or chronic based on the persistence of symptoms (up to 13 days).
Which Probiotics to Choose?
Probiotics can be introduced as a drug (eg Enterogermina, Yovis. Lacteol, Lacteol Forte), as a supplement or in food form (at least one billion live and active bacteria per gram of product).
Their effectiveness depends on whether or not they are able to overcome the gastric tract unscathed, which represents a physiological acid barrier against bacterial contamination.
In this regard, the drugs and supplements based on probiotics can be taken effectively between meals avoiding the lowering of gastric pH, but what about probiotic foods?
In addition to microorganisms, these products contain nutrients that stimulate the production of hydrochloric acid, which, in turn, could affect the survival of active cultures. Currently, foods containing probiotics have NOT been shown to have preventative or curative effects in treating diarrhea.
of probiotics in the treatment of diarrhea. The study did not take into account: the differences between the various bacterial strains, the joint action of different strains, the viability of the organisms, the dosage of the organisms, the causes of the diarrhea, the severity of the diarrhea and whether the studies were carried out. in developed or still developing countries.
Obviously, the effectiveness of probiotic therapy in the treatment of diarrhea depends on many factors; among these, the most important are undoubtedly:
- Medical diagnosis (differential);
- The choice of drug therapy to assist with probiotics;
- Hydro-saline rehydration.
The choice of a broad spectrum antibiotic over a more specific one significantly affects the survival or otherwise of the probiotic, emphasizing or nullifying its therapeutic effect.
Bibliography
- Guidelines - Ministry of Health. Veterinary Public Health Department. Food safety and collegiate bodies I - Directorate-General and Food and Nutrition Safety - Single Commission for Dietetics and Nutrition - Revision 2011
- Allen SJ, Martinez EG, Gregorio GV, Dans LF. - Probiotics for treating acute infectious diarrhea - Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 11. Art. No .: CD003048. DOI: 10.1002 / 14651858.CD003048.pub3
- Bernaola Aponte G, Bada Mancilla CA, Carreazo Pariasca NY, Rojas Galarza RA. - Probiotics for treating persistent diarrhoea in children - Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 11. Art. No .: CD007401. DOI: 10.1002 / 14651858.CD007401.pub2
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