Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms (in most cases, bacteria) that are similar to beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut. They are also called "friendly bacteria" or "good bacteria." Probiotics are available to consumers mainly in the form of dietary supplements and foods.

Featured:

Oral Probiotics: An Introduction

Probiotic dietary supplements and foods, including their uses for health purposes, scientific evidence regarding their use, and side effects and risks.

For Consumers

For Health Professionals

NCCAM Clinical Digest

Clinical Digest: Spotlight on a Modality: Oral Probiotics
Clinical Digest: Hepatitis C and Dietary Supplements
Clinical Digest: Seasonal Allergies and Complementary Health Practices
Clinical Digest: Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Complementary Health Practices

Clinical Practice Guidelines

Probiotics and Children (Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition) [119KB PDF]

Scientific Literature

Systematic Reviews/Reviews/Meta-analysis (PubMed®)
Randomized Controlled Trials (PubMed®)

Probiotics

For Consumers

General Information

Research Spotlights

Safety Information

For Health Professionals

NCCAM Clinical Digest

Clinical Practice Guidelines

Scientific Literature