Introduction
Probiotics are living microorganisms that when administered in sufficient amount to transfer health benefits to the host. In the recent past, research and clinical applications of probiotics have increased. Today, it is widely used as alternative treatment for gastroenteritis, antibiotic-associated diarrhea in adults and colic in children (McGuire & Tawia, 2014) and urinary tract infection in women (Chisholm, 2015). Experts, however, have warned that such effects in human could be limited because of few studies.
Results from a single study on efficacy of probiotics should not be generalized because probiotics are strain specific (McGuire & Tawia, 2014).
Levels of action of probiotic bacteria
It is believed that mechanisms of the actions of probiotics remain significantly unknown (McGuire & Tawia, 2014). However, three possible levels of actions of probiotic bacteria have been identified. Bacteria may act through enzymes and acids; work with gut mucus; and by signaling to the host beyond the gut to other organs and the systemic immune system (McGuire & Tawia, 2014).
Evidence-based practice
Evidence-based approaches are vital in healthcare and patient treatment. However, the case of probiotics show that limited evidence is available. As a result, health decisions on probiotics are based on anecdotal information, pathophysiology and the expert opinion of leaders in the field (McGuire & Tawia, 2014). This is a major challenge for wide application of probiotic supplements. Hence, there is a need for sufficient, good-quality evidence to change practice.
Increasing Knowledge About
Probiotics
In the recent past, scientists have focused on further studies to understand new opportunities presented by probiotics bacteria and yeasts through new powerful technologies.
Treatment for certain conditions, such as urinary tract infections in women, has shown antibiotic resistance and recurrence (Chisholm, 2015). In addition, the need to find safe and effective alternatives for recurrent conditions have facilitated studies in probiotics while chronic diseases such as obesity have also ensured new studies on disruptive effects of gut bacteria (Burton-Shepherd, 2015).
Any safety concerns
Given the emerging usages of probiotics supplements, safety concerns have been raised. According to Floch (2014), probiotics are not suitable for individuals with severe autoimmune diseases, such as severe HIV infection, immunocompromised hosts and in patients with prosthetic vascular grafts or heart valves (Iapichino & Spanu, 2013). Cases of superinfections in individuals with low immunity have been reported. Besides, there are no direct demonstrations of outcomes on human and it is advised not to generalized or transfer results.
The yogurt factor
Some yogurts actually contain bifidobacteria regarded as probiotics (Floch, 2014). However, few anecdotal studies have demonstrated the role of yogurt as a dietary probiotic. Nevertheless, yogurt cultures have traditionally been consumed in India and China because of their health benefits. Western society has not adequately performed studies on the value of yogurt, but yogurt is generally considered as safe and sold over-the-counter in health food stores.
Potential impact on eating habits
An increase on probiotics knowledge will lead to increased consumption and therefore affects normal eating habits (Floch, 2014). It has been noted that a significant quantity of probiotic products is purchased globally. Besides, a good number is consumed in China, Japan, Korea, and Europe. They are generally considered safe for public consumption and therefore no good clinical trials are available to ascertain their effectiveness.
The need for further studies
The need for further studies is necessary to ascertain efficacy of probiotic supplements (Emmanuel, 2013). Currently, available evidence suggests that findings should not be generalized or transferred because probiotic strains are specific. In addition, more evidence-based findings are required to support their widespread usages.
New studies will provide sufficient, consistent and high quality scientific evidence and offer opportunities to ensure that they act as alternative treatments.
Implications
Conducted studies have demonstrated that the use of probiotic supplements is most likely to be effective (McGuire & Tawia, 2014). Such supplements may be alternatives because they do not cause any resistance to antibiotics. Given health benefits of probiotic supplements, physicians should consider them as alternatives to current interventions. However, limited evidence-based findings have restricted their applications and further, comprehensive research is necessary. It is therefore recommended that probiotics should be used on a case-by-case basis (Chisholm, 2015).
References
Burton-Shepherd, A. (2015). Prebiotics and probiotics as novel therapeutic agents for obesity. Nurse Prescribing, 13(3), 136-139.
Chisholm, A. H. (2015). Probiotics in preventing recurrent urinary tract infections in women: A literature review. Urologic Nursing, 35(1), 18-21, 29.
Emmanuel, A. (2013). The benefits of probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome. Gastrointestinal Nursing, 11(4), 21-24.
Floch, M. H. (2014). Probiotics and Prebiotics. Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 10(10), 680-681.
Iapichino, G., & Spanu, P. (2013). Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics in critical illness. Nutritional Therapy & Metabolism, 31(4), 156-161.
McGuire, E., & Tawia, S. (2014). Probiotics are the new black. Breastfeeding Review, 22(3), 33-41.