A recent study found that taking probiotics while taking antibiotics could mitigate the side effects commonly associated with antibiotics.

The Cochrane Collaboration explains that antibiotics are some of the most commonly prescribed medications.  Unfortunately, the way antibiotics work jeopardizes the balance of organisms that is normal in the human intestines. Without the balance, there are a number of adverse events, the most common of which is diarrhea.

There are, however, more serious side effects. Disturbing the balance in the intestines can also pave the way for the growth of more dangerous organisms.  In particular, Clostridium difficile, or C. difficile, can result in infection, colitis, and even death.  The study focused on cases of diarrhea associated with C. difficile.

The study was a review of data from 23 clinical trials involving 4,213 patients.  In these trials, patients taking antibiotics for a variety of reasons were given probiotics or a placebo.  The authors concluded that, when probiotics were taken in conjunction with antibiotics, the risk of developing C. difficile-associated diarrhea decreased by 64 percent.  They also found results suggesting that numerous side effects of antibiotics, including nausea, fever, and abdominal cramping, were reduced when taking probiotics.

The National Institutes of Health describe probiotics as live microorganisms that are similar to or the same as the microorganisms that naturally occur in the body.  They have become popular as oral supplements, ingredients in food products, and creams.  While the FDA has yet to approve any health claims associated with probiotics, a number of studies have lauded the benefits.

A review of studies published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that randomized, double-blind studies demonstrated the effectiveness of probiotics in treating a range of other digestion-related issues, including allergy to cow milk, urinary tract infection, and irritable bowel syndrome.  This review also supports the findings of the recent study, showing a reduction in diarrhea, including diarrhea associated with C. difficile.

The potential benefits of probiotics extend beyond digestion.  A recent study found that regular consumption of yogurt containing probiotics was linked to altered brain activity in women.  The change in brain activity showed reduction of activities in areas associated with pain and emotion and an increase in activity in areas associated with decision-making, leading some to conclude that probiotics could help treat depression and improve reasoning.  The researchers are cautiously optimistic, stating that more research needs to be done to understand the relationship before stating that probiotics are beneficial to brain activity.