Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Clostridium butyricum is a probiotic bacterium that has been studied for its ability to prevent or mitigate antibiotic-associated side effects, particularly antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). There is scientific validation for its use, especially in East Asian countries such as Japan and China, where C. butyricum (notably the MIYAIRI 588 strain) has been included in various clinical protocols. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses suggest that supplementation with C. butyricum can help restore gut microbiota balance disrupted by antibiotics, reduce the incidence and severity of diarrhea, and potentially inhibit the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria such as Clostridioides difficile. The proposed mechanisms include competitive exclusion of pathogens, production of short-chain fatty acids (notably butyrate), and modulation of immune responses. While the evidence is generally positive, most studies involve relatively small sample sizes or are conducted in specific populations (e.g., children or hospitalized patients), and there is some variability in results. International guidelines (e.g., ESPGHAN) recognize the potential benefit of certain probiotics for AAD, though C. butyricum is not universally listed, as most Western guidelines focus on Lactobacillus or Saccharomyces species. Nevertheless, the use of C. butyricum as adjunctive therapy during or after antibiotic treatment is scientifically supported, with moderate evidence for efficacy in reducing side effects such as diarrhea.

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