Probiotics: Do they offer health benefits?

The term "probiotics" refers to dietary supplements or foods that contain beneficial, or "good," bacteria normally found in your body. Although you don't need probiotics to be healthy, these microorganisms may assist with digestion or help protect against some harmful bacteria.

There is growing public and scientific interest in probiotics. Researchers are studying whether probiotics taken as foods or supplements can help treat or prevent illness, such as:

• Vaginal yeast infections
• Diarrhea following treatment with certain antibiotics

In addition, recent research suggests a number of new potential uses for probiotics. One study in Sweden found that a group of employees who were given probiotics missed less work due to illness than did employees who were not given probiotics. Other studies have found probiotics to be helpful in managing the signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Some of the probiotics currently being studied include:

• Enterococcus
• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Saccharomyces boulardii
• Bifidobacterium

As with any dietary or herbal supplement, consult your doctor before starting any new treatment.