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May 20, 2016.
Probiotics are used more and more to improve digestion, fight against allergies or aerophagia. But are they really effective? A team of Danish researchers comes to stir up trouble.
Can probiotics restore intestinal flora?
Probiotics are bacteria used to regain the natural balance of bacteria in the intestines and stomach. Very popular in recent years, they represent a market of nearly $ 30 billion. However, according to a study conducted by Danish researchers and published in the journal Genome Medicine, these probiotics would not be as effective as it is said to restore the intestinal flora.
To reach these conclusions, the researchers analyzed the results of 7 studies, conducted among people who did not have health concerns. 4 of these studies showed that probiotics had no more effects in the intestines than a simple placebo. As for the other 3, they revealed that the bacteria had a “certain” effect, but that it was difficult to clearly define the role they played.
No effect on healthy people
” Overall, this systematic review demonstrates thatthere is no convincing evidence of consistent effects of probiotics on the microbiota (all bacteria, yeasts, fungi or viruses living in a specific environment, editor’s note) in healthy adults ”, Explained researchers at the University of Copenhagen.
” While there is some evidence in old studies that intervention with probiotics may benefit people with gut microbiota imbalances, there is little evidence of an effect in healthy individuals “, Said Professor Oluf Pedersen, one of the authors of the study.
However, the results of this study are not precise enough to draw a definitive line on the effectiveness of probiotics for healthy people. More research will be needed to identify the true role of these bacteria and living yeasts in the intestines.
Read also: Probiotics: what are their benefits?