Probiotics; with Special Emphasis on their Role in the Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Probiotics are live microorganisms; and when administered in adequate amounts; bestow beneficial effects on the host. The therapeutic and preventative application of probiotics in several disorders is receiving increasing attention; and this is especially true when gastrointestinal microbiota is thought to be involved in their pathogenesis; as in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Given the increasingly widespread use of probiotics; a thorough understanding of their risks and benefits is important. The purpose of this review is to update healthcare professionals on current probiotic information; and provide an overview of probiotic treatment approaches; with special emphasis on IBS