Information about on-going research projects relevant to Collagenous Colitis, Lymphocytic Colitis, Microscopic Colitis, and related issues, can be found here. This file is updated as new information becomes available.
The effect of probiotics on other GI disorders have also been studied, including lactose intolerance, Helicobacter pylori infection, microscopic colitis, prevention and treatment of diverticulitis, and even colon cancer prevention. The studies have been small and meta-analyses are too variable to draw firm conclusions of benefit.
Probiotics are a therapeutic class being increasingly used for a variety of GI disorders. Probiotics appear to alter intestinal microflora and may exert their effect(s) by a variety of mechanisms. Many species of probiotics exist and it is generally accepted that all probiotics are not created equal. Efficacy may be due to a single strain or multiple strains or a combination of different probiotics. There is good evidence to support the efficacy of S. boulardii and LABs and the combination of the two for AAD, VSL#3 for pouchitis, and B. infantis 35624 for IBS. Probiotics decrease the duration of symptoms in acute infectious diarrhea. Probiotics, including E. coli Nissle 1917, LGG, and VSL#3 are as effective as standard therapy (mesalamine) in inducing or maintaining remission in UC or CD. When added to standard therapy, probiotics do not provide additional benefit compared with standard therapy alone. Most probiotics tested to date are not more effective than placebo in inducing or maintaining IBD remission.
Kelly
Believe deep down in your heart that you are destined to do great things~ Joe Paterno
That's interesting, Kelly. I continued to buy the S. boulardii my mother had been given after her (nth) hospitalization for C.diff., and I think it made a difference (it was her last trip to the emergency room and last hospital stay for any reason). I have been reluctant to try it, because I think it doesn't agree with me. But I was suspecting that at a time when nothing was agreeing with me.
I had given her a probiotic that did nothing, and also one that did seem to help when I felt as thought the S. boulardii had done its job. I switched her after about 3 months, when I thought the next generations of C. diff. bacteria had been outcompeted. I'm sure I based my ideas on something I read, but in truth it was kind of a stab in the dark.
I am not sure whether her C.diff arose after antibiotics - it certainly was hospital acquired. It's interesting that different strains are helpful in different cases, too.
It says that that only those 3 probiotics named, (E. coli Nissle 1917, LGG, and VSL#3), provided any benefits for Crohn's or UC, in their trials, and those 3 did as well as mesalamine. If mesalamine was used, though, taking a probiotic in addition, did not provide any additional benefit.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Someday, the medical community will know enough about probiotics to be able to use them effectively to treat digestive system issues, but that day appears to still be a long way in the future.
You're most welcome,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
From reading so many threads regarding many attempts at probiotics with mixed results at best, I thought I would post this study.
Probiotics, in theory, seem to make sense for MC'ers and many dollars have been spent on them. I have some sitting in my fridge as we speak but I don't think I'm going to add them to my bag of tricks.
Kelly
Believe deep down in your heart that you are destined to do great things~ Joe Paterno
Certain probiotic products may be beneficial for MC that is caused by SIBO, or some other bacterial issue, but the problem is that there are many other known causes for MC, for which probiotics may, or may not, be helpful. Thanks for the link. At least it shows that in certain situations, certain probiotics can indeed be helpful.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
