Title: Probiotic Milk Products and Digestive Health | Dairy Nutrition
Headings: Probiotic Milk Products and Digestive Health
Probiotic Milk Products and Digestive Health
Highlights
The Evidence
Potential Mechanisms
Conclusion
References
Keywords

Content: 2,3
The Evidence
Helicobacter pylori Infection
A 2009 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluated the effect of fermented milk products enriched with probiotics on Helicobacter pylori infection. A total of 10 eligible studies, which included 963 adults and children, were assessed. It was found that fermented milk-based probiotic preparations reduce Helicobacter pylori infection rates by approximately 5% to 15%. 4
A prospective study published in 2012 examined the effect of probiotic-containing yogurt on systemic immunological response among 38 children with Helicobacter pylori infection. The study concluded that intestinal microbiota balance can be maintained and humoral and cellular immunity can be stimulated in children who regularly consume yogurt. 5
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
A review of 42 trials systematically examined the role of lactic acid bacteria, such as lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, enterococci, streptococci and bacilli, on irritable bowel syndrome. A majority of the clinical trials reviewed showed that lactic acid bacteria alleviate abdominal pain and discomfort. Both single- and multi-centre studies have shown that lactic acid bacteria may improve abdominal bloating and distension. Out of 24 trials, improvements in bowel habit satisfaction were found in 13 studies, and 16 trials reported improvements in symptom severity. 6
A 2013 randomized controlled trial investigated the efficacy of a probiotic yogurt in irritable bowel syndrome.