Is the scientific evidence supporting probiotics in line with the excessive marketing claims?
Let's dive into the world of probiotics and see if they really live up to the hype. You've probably noticed them popping up in everything from yogurt to pickles, promising to promote a healthy gut. But do they deliver for everyone? That's the question two new studies aim to answer.
Probiotics: All Hype?
Two comprehensive studies, published in the journal Cell, shed light on the mysterious world of probiotics. Led by researchers from the Weizmann Institute and the Tel Aviv Medical Center, these investigations aim to determine if the probiotics we buy in stores can colonize our gut and impact our health.
Senior author Eran Elinav explains their motivation: "People have put a lot of faith in probiotics, even though the science backing them is controversial."
The team set out to find out if these probiotics actually colonize our gut and if they have any impact on our health.
A Fresh Look
Most previous studies assessed the bacteria in participants' guts by analyzing stool samples. However, this method is far from ideal. The scientists decided to measure gut bacteria directly, using endoscopies and colonoscopies.
Twenty-five people participated in the study, but only fifteen progressed to the next stage. They were split into two groups: one took generic probiotics, while the other received a placebo.
After the intervention, their gut bacteria were assessed once more, and then again 2 months later. The researchers discovered that some individuals simply expelled the probiotics; they were called "resisters." Conversely, some people's guts welcomed the new microbes and successfully colonized them; these people were called "persisters."
Remarkably, the researchers found that by analyzing an individual's original microbiome and gut gene expression, they could predict who would be a "persister" and who would be a "resister."
Next, they compared stool analysis with direct sampling and found that there was only a partial correlation. Stool samples, it seems, are not always a reliable measure to assess gut flora.
Probiotics and Antibiotic Recovery
In a second study, the team explored a different question: After taking antibiotics, which clears out an individual's microbiome, should patients also take probiotics to aid in recovery?
To investigate, 21 participants took a course of antibiotics before being divided into three groups:
- a control group in which members' microbiomes were allowed to recover naturally
- a group in which members took probiotics
- a group in which members had their original microbiomes reinstated through autologous fecal microbiome transplants (aFMT)
The researchers found that the probiotic group experienced a rapid recolonization immediately after taking the antibiotics. However, this swift takeover prevented the participants' normal bacteria from repopulating, and their gut flora did not return to normal for months afterward.
In contrast, the aFMT group saw a quick return to normal bacterial levels in just a matter of days.
Elinav concludes, "Our results suggest that probiotics should not be viewed as a one-size-fits-all supplement. Instead, they could be tailored to the needs of each individual."
In short, while probiotics may offer health benefits, their effectiveness varies significantly from person to person, and their use should be tailored to individual needs. So, before you stock up on probiotics, it might be wise to consult a healthcare provider and find out if they're right for you.
- The studies, published in the journal Cell, aim to determine if the probiotics we buy in stores can colonize our gut and impact our health, addressing the controversy in the science behind probiotics.
- The researchers found that some individuals simply expelled the probiotics, while others successfully colonized them, underscoring the importance of personalized therapies and treatments for health and wellness, including probiotics.
- In another investigation, the team found that probiotics might not be the best option for recovery after antibiotic use, as they prevented the normal bacteria from repopulating in the gut, suggesting a need for individualized medical-conditions management and nutrition.
- The discoveries in these studies offer fresh insights into the health-and-wellness world, shedding light on the complex relationship between probiotics, the gut, and our overall health, challenging our understanding of the science and use of probiotics.
