Microbiota under the microscope of a gastroenterologist. In what situations should you reach for probiotics? Review article
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Published:
Nov 30, 2025
Keywords:
probiotics, gut-brain axis, microbiota
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Abstract
Our knowledge of probiotics remains insufficient, despite new research and recommendations for their use. The pharmaceutical market offers a wide range of products with varying indications and compositions, making it often difficult to choose the right one. The following article provides a synthesized overview of the effects probiotics have on the body, as well as suggestions that can help guide the selection of the right product, leading to better therapeutic outcomes.
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Waśko-Czopnik, D. (2025). Microbiota under the microscope of a gastroenterologist. In what situations should you reach for probiotics?. Medycyna Faktow (J EBM), 18(3(68), 411-416. https://doi.org/10.24292/01.MF.0325.12
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References
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2. Lozupone CA, Stombaugh JI, Gordon JI et al. Diversity, stability and resilience of the human gut microbiota. Nature. 2012; 489: 220-30.
3. Hill C, Guarner F, Reid G et al. Expert consensus document: The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014; 11: 506-14.
4. Floch MH, Walker WA, Sanders ME et al. Recommendations for Probiotic Use – 2015 Update: Proceedings and Consensus Opinion. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2015; 49(Suppl 1): S69-73. http://doi.org/ 10.1097/MCG.0000000000000420.
5. Boyle RJ, Robins-Browne RM, Tang ML. Probiotic use in clinical practice: what are the risks? Am J Clin Nutr. 2006; 83(6): 1256-64. http://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/83.6.1256.
6. Leis R, de Castro MJ, de Lamas C et al. Effects of Prebiotic and Probiotic Supplementation on Lactase Deficiency and Lactose Intolerance: A Systematic Review of Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2020; 12(5): 1487. http://doi.org/10.3390/nu12051487.
7. Toscano M, De Grandi R, Stronati L et al. Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Bifidobacterium longum BB536 on the healthy gut microbiota composition at phyla and species level: A preliminary study. World J Gastroenterol. 2017; 23(15): 2696-704. http://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v23.i15.2696.
8. Guo Q, Goldenberg JZ, Humphrey C et al. Probiotics for the prevention of pediatric antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019; 4: CD004827. http://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004827.pub5.
9. Whelan K, Quigley EM. Probiotics in the management of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2013; 29: 184-9. http://doi.org/10.1097/MOG.0b013e32835d7bba .
10. Nelios G, Santarmaki V, Pavlatou C et al. New Wild-Type Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Strains as Candidates to Manage Type 1 Diabetes. Microorganisms. 2022; 10(2): 272. http://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10020272.
11. Cionci NB, Baffoni L, Gaggia F et al. Therapeutic Microbiology: The Role of Bifidobacterium breve as Food Supplement for the Prevention/Treatment of Paediatric Diseases. Nutrients. 2018; 10(11): 1723.
12. Kędzia A. Działanie probiotyków na organizm człowieka. Cz. II. Zastosowanie probiotyków w leczeniu i profilaktyce chorób. Postępy Fitoterapii. 2009; 1: 50-7.
13. Szajewska H, Kołodziej M. Systematic review with meta-analysis: Saccharomyces boulardii in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2015; 42(7): 793-801.
14. Szajewska H, Kołodziej M. Systematic review with metaanalysis: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in children and adults. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2015; 42(10): 1149-57.
15. Sapilak BJ. Zasady terapii i racjonalny dobór probiotyku – na przykładzie preparatów synbiotycznych Asecurin. Medycyna Faktów 2022 (Suppl 1): 1-4.
16. Albrecht P, Kotowska M. Antibiotic therapy of gastrointestinal infections. Przewodnik Lekarza/Guide for GPs. 2007; 2: 133-8.