Remedy · supplement
Probiotics
Also: live cultures, gut bacteria
Live microorganisms whose benefit in IBS is strain-specific.
Evidence by condition
Each grade reflects the research for Probiotics and that condition specifically.
- BCommon cold
A 2022 Cochrane review found probiotics reduce the chance of catching an upper respiratory infection (RR 0.76) and cut antibiotic use, though certainty is low-to-moderate and no specific strain can be recommended.
1 citation
- Probiotics for preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections Systematic review 2022 · n=6,950 · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · PMID 36001877 · DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD006895.pub4
- Probiotics for preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections
- CIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Some specific strains improve symptoms, but "probiotics" as a class are not reliably effective.
1 citation
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome MedlinePlus · accessed 2026-06-21
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome