Evidence supporting the use of: Pediococcus acidilactici
For the health condition: Antibiotics (side effects of)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Pediococcus acidilactici is a lactic acid bacterium often included in probiotic formulations, with some scientific evidence to support its use in mitigating the side effects of antibiotics, particularly antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). Antibiotics can disrupt the natural gut microbiota, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and discomfort. Probiotics, including P. acidilactici, are thought to help restore the balance of gut flora by colonizing the intestine and outcompeting pathogenic bacteria.

Several in vitro and animal studies demonstrate that P. acidilactici can survive gastrointestinal transit, adhere to intestinal epithelial cells, and inhibit the growth of common pathogens. Some human clinical trials on probiotics containing P. acidilactici—often in combination with other beneficial microbes like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species—suggest a reduction in the incidence and severity of antibiotic-associated diarrhea compared to placebo. However, studies specifically isolating the effects of P. acidilactici, as opposed to multi-strain formulations, are limited. The overall evidence for P. acidilactici's effectiveness in supporting gut health during antibiotic use is encouraging but not robust, and more high-quality, strain-specific clinical trials are needed to confirm its benefits and establish optimal dosing.

In summary, while there is a scientific rationale and some preliminary evidence for the use of P. acidilactici to support gut health during and after antibiotic treatment, the current level of evidence is moderate and not definitive.

More about Pediococcus acidilactici
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Products containing Pediococcus acidilactici

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