GI Health
|
August 7, 2024

Probiotics: How Soon Can You Expect to See Benefits?

Written By
Dr. Kristofer Stauffer PharmD
Medically Reviewed by
Updated On
January 14, 2025

Probiotics have become incredibly popular as people look for ways to support their gut health and overall well-being, with the use of pre-, pro-, and synbiotics more than tripling over the last 25 years. These beneficial bacteria are known for their potential to enhance digestion, support the immune system, and even positively affect mental health. However, you might wonder: How soon can you expect to see benefits from taking probiotics? The aim of this article is to review common probiotics, how they work, their effects, and how quickly you might notice benefits.

[signup]

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in appropriate amounts, may provide health benefits. Often referred to as "good" or "friendly" bacteria, they play a role in maintaining a balanced gut microbiome, which is important for digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health.

Different Strains of Probiotics and Their Specific Benefits

Probiotics come in various strains, each offering unique potential benefits. Some of the more common ones are listed below:

  • Lactobacillus spp: Found in yogurt and fermented foods, Lactobacillus strains may help with digestion and support gut health. Some studies suggest they may help manage symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and vaginal health as well. 
  • Bifidobacterium spp: Present in some dairy products, Bifidobacterium strains help to digest fiber and other complex carbohydrates that humans cannot digest naturally. Studies have shown that patients with certain gastrointestinal conditions, such as celiac, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and H. pylori-related gastric issues, have lower levels of Bifidobacterium than healthy individuals.
  • Saccharomyces boulardii: A yeast-based probiotic that may support gut function during antibiotic use and help maintain a balanced gut flora.
  • Streptococcus thermophilus: This strain may aid in lactose digestion and support immune function.
  • Lactococcus lactis: Shown to help inhibit the spread of certain bacteria and may help modulate the immune system with its anti-inflammatory properties.

How Probiotics Work

Probiotics work by helping to balance the bacteria in our digestive system, which can support the body's natural defenses. They may strengthen the gut lining, making it harder for unwanted substances to pass through. They also support our immune system by interacting with cells and substances that manage inflammation and overall health. 

Additionally, probiotics can produce substances that support digestion and overall gut health, and they even have the potential to influence our mood and mental well-being through their interaction with the gut-brain axis (The gut-brain axis is a two-way communication system between the gut and the brain that uses nerves, hormones, and the immune system to control digestion, mood, and overall health).23-25

Imagine your gut as a garden where probiotics act as skilled gardeners, introducing good bacteria to fill spaces that harmful bacteria might occupy. Probiotics enrich the gut environment like compost nourishes plants, and they out-compete harmful bacteria for nutrients and space. This makes your gut more resilient, aiding recovery from disruptions like antibiotics or infections. Taking probiotics is like hiring expert gardeners to maintain a balanced ecosystem in your gut.

Factors Influencing Probiotic Effectiveness

Different probiotic strains have distinct mechanisms of action and timelines for effectiveness. For instance, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG may help manage diarrhea symptoms within a few days, while Bifidobacterium infantis can take weeks or longer to support gut health.

Examples of Common Probiotic Strains and Their Expected Benefits

  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG: Known for rapid support in managing acute diarrhea. Studies have shown it can be detected in stool samples within 24 hours of ingestion and may have a beneficial effect lasting more than a week after stopping therapy.
  • Lactobacillus acidophilus: May help balance gut flora and support lactose intolerance symptoms within a few days of administration.
  • Lactobacillus reuteri may help reduce colic in infants and support dental health by managing oral bacteria. These effects may start quickly after ingestion and become evident within a few weeks.
  • Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12: May help improve digestion and immune response. It’s levels are detectable within a few days of administration and may have prolonged effects over several weeks.
  • Bifidobacterium infantis: Known for its potential benefits on gut health and immune function in infants, it may start working rapidly and has been shown to have a significant reduction in GI inflammation within one to two months.
  • Saccharomyces boulardii: May be effective in managing antibiotic-associated diarrhea, with noticeable benefits beginning shortly after administration and supporting balance in the gut flora within days.

Scientific Evidence and an Expected Timeline for Probiotic Benefits

Numerous clinical studies have explored the potential benefits of probiotics, with varying timelines for different health outcomes. Research indicates that while some benefits may be seen within days, others, such as reduced inflammation and improved metabolic health, may take months.

Short-Term Effects

Many people notice improvements in digestion and regularity of bowel movements within a few days to weeks of starting probiotics. These early changes may result from the probiotics' ability to quickly modulate gut flora.

Initial Changes That Can Be Noticed Within a Few Days to Weeks

Changes may include:

  • Improved Bowel Movements: Regularity and consistency often improve quickly.
  • Reduced Gas and Bloating: Many individuals experience less discomfort and bloating within days.
  • Relief from Diarrhea: Probiotics may help manage acute diarrhea, with effects noticeable within a week.

Medium-Term Effects

With consistent use, probiotics may enhance immune function, increase energy levels, and improve mood. These benefits typically become noticeable over several weeks to a few months as the gut microbiome achieves a healthier balance.

Improvements Over Several Weeks to a Few Months

  • Enhanced Immune Response: Regular probiotic use may lead to fewer colds and infections.38,39
  • Better Energy Levels: Improved digestion and nutrient absorption can increase overall energy.40,41
  • Mood Improvement: The gut-brain axis plays a role in mood regulation, and probiotics may positively affect mental health.

Long-Term Effects

Consistent use of probiotics over several months may support long-term gut health and the management of chronic conditions. This sustained approach supports the maintenance of a balanced microbiome and long-lasting health benefits.

Long-Lasting Benefits for Gut Health and Chronic Conditions After Consistent Use for Several Months

It is important to emphasize setting realistic expectations for probiotic use. While some individuals may experience rapid improvements, others may need several months of consistent use to notice significant changes. Personalized approaches based on individual health status are recommended.

 It is important to remember the importance of strain specificity and individualized approaches, as well as the need to combine probiotics with dietary and lifestyle changes for optimal results.

Supporting Probiotics with Diet and Lifestyle

Individual Differences

Probiotic effectiveness varies among individuals due to factors such as age, diet, lifestyle, and overall health. Older adults or those with compromised health may experience different results compared to younger, healthier individuals. Additionally, each person’s gut microbiome is unique, influencing how probiotics colonize and exert their effects. A diverse and balanced microbiome can enhance probiotic benefits, while an imbalanced microbiome may require longer for noticeable improvements. 

Healthy lifestyle habits, such as managing stress, regular sleep, and engaging in regular exercise, support overall gut health and complement the benefits of probiotics. Similarly, factors such as antibiotic use, dietary habits, and pre-existing health conditions significantly shape an individual's gut microbiome.37-39, 53-55

The effectiveness of probiotics depends on consuming an adequate dose, typically measured in colony-forming units (CFUs). High-quality probiotics with sufficient CFUs ensure the delivery of enough beneficial bacteria to the gut. Fortunately, there are more ways than ever to ensure you are able to get access to the probiotics that could help out your natural flora.

Sources of Probiotics

Sources include:

  • Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut.
  • Probiotic foods such as garlic, onions, and bananas.
  • Supplements.

Incorporating prebiotic foods like garlic, onions, and bananas can enhance probiotic effectiveness by providing nourishment for beneficial bacteria. Another way to incorporate probiotics is through supplements. Supplements often provide higher doses and specific strains, compared with foods that offer additional nutrients that support overall health. 

For optimal benefits, it is important to take probiotics regularly and consistently. Sporadic use may not yield significant results. Understanding that probiotic benefits vary among individuals and may take time helps set realistic expectations and encourages patience. Consulting healthcare providers ensures the selection of appropriate probiotic strains and dosages tailored to individual health needs.

Lab Tests and Biomarkers to Monitor

Gut Health Indicators

  • Stool Tests for Assessing Changes in Gut Microbiome Composition: Stool tests can evaluate changes in the gut microbiome, providing insights into how probiotics influence bacterial diversity and abundance.
  • Markers of Inflammation and Gut Permeability: Monitoring markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and zonulin can help assess the impact of probiotics on inflammation and gut permeability.

Immune Function Tests

  • Tests for Immune Markers: Blood/saliva tests measuring cytokines and immunoglobulins can indicate changes in immune function resulting from probiotic use.
  • Assessment of Overall Immune Response: Regular monitoring of immune markers helps evaluate the broader impact of probiotics on the immune system.

Metabolic Health Markers

  • Blood Glucose and Insulin Levels: Probiotics may influence metabolic health, so tracking blood glucose and insulin levels can help gauge their effectiveness.
  • Lipid Profiles and Other Metabolic Parameters: Assessing lipid profiles and other metabolic markers can provide a comprehensive view of how probiotics affect overall metabolic health.

[signup]

Key Takeaways:

  • Understanding Probiotics and Their Benefits: Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in appropriate amounts, may help maintain a balanced gut microbiome; important for digestion, nutrient absorption, immune support, and overall health.
  • Different Strains and Their Specific Benefits: Various strains like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces boulardii offer unique potential benefits such as supporting gut health, improving lactose digestion, supporting immune function, and managing inflammation.
  • Mechanisms of Action: Probiotics work in many ways to help balance gut bacteria, strengthen the gut lining, support the immune system, and interact with the gut-brain axis to influence mood and mental well-being.
  • Factors Influencing Effectiveness: The effectiveness of probiotics varies based on the strain, individual factors like age, diet, and health status, and the consistency of use. A diverse and balanced microbiome enhances their benefits.
  • Expected Timeline for Benefits: Short-term benefits (days to weeks) may include improved digestion and regularity. Medium-term benefits (weeks to months) may include enhanced immune function and mood. Long-term benefits (several months) may include sustained gut health and management of chronic conditions.‍
  • Supporting Probiotics with Diet and Lifestyle: Incorporating prebiotic foods and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, such as managing stress and regular exercise, enhances probiotic effectiveness. Consulting healthcare providers ensures personalized and effective probiotic use with tests available to measure effectiveness.
The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.

Learn more

No items found.

Lab Tests in This Article

Zonulin by Diagnostic Solutions
Stool
This stand-alone test measures zonulin, a protein that modulates the permeability of tight junctions between cells of the wall of the digestive tract. It is used to help diagnose intestinal permeability/leaky gut.

References

  1. Cloyd J. What’s the Difference Between Prebiotics vs. Probiotics vs. Postbiotics? Rupa Health. Published April 19, 2023. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/whats-the-difference-between-prebiotics-vs-probiotics-vs-postbiotics
  2. O’Connor LE, Gahche JJ, Herrick KA, Davis CD, Potischman N, Vargas AJ. Nonfood Prebiotic, Probiotic, and Synbiotic Use Has Increased in US Adults and Children From 1999 to 2018. Gastroenterology. 2021;161(2):476-486.e3. doi:https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2021.04.037
  3. Maria Rosa Machado CRS. Current Developments in Probiotics. Journal of Microbial & Biochemical Technology. 2015;07(01). doi:https://doi.org/10.4172/1948-5948.1000175
  4. Ansari F, Pourjafar H, Tabrizi A, Homayouni A. The Effects of Probiotics and Prebiotics on Mental Disorders: A Review on Depression, Anxiety, Alzheimer, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. 2020;21(7):555-565. doi:https://doi.org/10.2174/1389201021666200107113812
  5. Maholy N. The Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Gut Health: An Integrative Perspective. Rupa Health. Published June 29, 2023. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-role-of-probiotics-and-prebiotics-in-gut-health-an-integrative-perspective
  1. Cloyd J. Unlocking the Secrets of Lactobacillus: A Comprehensive Guide to Testing Patient Levels and Deciphering High and Low Levels. Rupa Health. Published May 10, 2023. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/lactobacillus-101-how-to-test-your-patients-levels-and-understand-high-and-low-levels
  2. Sadrin S, Sennoune S, Gout B, et al. A 2-strain mixture of Lactobacillus acidophilus in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. Digestive and Liver Disease. 2020;52(5):534-540. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dld.2019.12.009
  3. Ravel J, Gajer P, Abdo Z, et al. Vaginal microbiome of reproductive-age women. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2010;108(Supplement_1):4680-4687. doi:https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1002611107
  4. Cloyd J. Understanding the Gut Bacteria Bifidobacterium: A Comprehensive Guide to Health Benefits, Testing Patient Levels, and Supplementing. Rupa Health. Published May 11, 2023. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/bifidobacterium-spp-101
  5. Collado MC, Donat E, Ribes-Koninckx C, Calabuig M, Sanz Y. Imbalances in faecal and duodenal Bifidobacterium species composition in active and non-active coeliac disease. BMC Microbiology. 2008;8(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2180-8-232
  6. Devi TB, Devadas K, George M, et al. Low Bifidobacterium Abundance in the Lower Gut Microbiota Is Associated With Helicobacter pylori-Related Gastric Ulcer and Gastric Cancer. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2021;12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2021.631140
  7. Khakham C. Saccharomyces Boulardii 101: A Comprehensive Overview of This Important Yeast. Rupa Health. Published September 26, 2023. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/saccharomyces-boulardii-101-a-comprehensive-overview-of-this-important-yeast
  8. Kelesidis T, Pothoulakis C. Efficacy and safety of the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii for the prevention and therapy of gastrointestinal disorders. Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology. 2012;5(2):111-125. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1756283X11428502
  9. McFarland LV. A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Saccharomyces boulardii in Combination With Standard Antibiotics for Clostridium difficile Disease. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association. 1994;271(24):1913. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.1994.03510480037031
  10. Collignon A, Sandré C, Barc MC . Saccharomyces boulardii modulates dendritic cell properties and intestinal microbiota disruption after antibiotic treatment. Gastroentérologie Clinique et Biologique. 2010;34:S71-S78. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s0399-8320(10)70024-5
  11. Sharma R, Bhaskar B, S. Sanodiya B, et al. Probiotic Efficacy and Potential of Streptococcus thermophilus modulating human health: A synoptic review. IOSR Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences. 2014;9(3):52-58. doi:https://doi.org/10.9790/3008-09325258
  12. Dargahi N, Johnson J, Apostolopoulos V. Streptococcus thermophilus alters the expression of genes associated with innate and adaptive immunity in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Ashour HM, ed. PLOS ONE. 2020;15(2):e0228531. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0228531
  13. Tarrah A, Castilhos J de, Rossi RC, et al. In vitro Probiotic Potential and Anti-cancer Activity of Newly Isolated Folate-Producing Streptococcus thermophilus Strains. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2018;9. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2018.02214
  14. Nakamura S, Kudo S, Morimoto YV. A lactose fermentation product produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, acetate, inhibits the motility of flagellated pathogenic bacteria. Microbiology. 2015;161(4):701-707. doi:https://doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.000031
  15. Latif A, Aamir Shehzad, Niazi S, et al. Probiotics: mechanism of action, health benefits and their application in food industries. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2023;14. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1216674
  1. Yoshimura H. A Root Cause Medicine Approach to Chronic Inflammation. Rupa Health. Published October 10, 2023. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-root-cause-medicine-approach-to-chronic-inflammation
  1. Blake K. Did You Know That Chronic Inflammation Has An Impact on Your Mental Health? Find Out How Testing Can Help Uncover and Reduce Inflammation. Rupa Health. Published October 20, 2023. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/did-you-know-that-chronic-inflammation-has-an-impact-on-your-mental-health-find-out-how-testing-can-help-uncover-and-reduce-inflammation
  1. Kosaka A, Yan H, Ohashi S, et al. Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris FC triggers IFN-γ production from NK and T cells via IL-12 and IL-18. International immunopharmacology. 2012;14(4):729-733. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2012.10.007
  2. Bermudez-Brito M, Plaza-Díaz J, Muñoz-Quezada S, Gómez-Llorente C, Gil A. Probiotic Mechanisms of Action. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism. 2012;61(2):160-174. doi:https://doi.org/10.1159/000342079
  3. Maholy N. A Functional Medicine Treatment Protocol for Metabolic Syndrome: Testing, Nutrition, and Supplements. Rupa Health. Published May 23, 2023. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-treatment-protocol-for-metabolic-syndrome-testing-nutrition-and-supplements
  1. Cloyd K. Cardiovascular Disease and Metabolic Syndrome: Addressing Root Causes with Functional Medicine. Rupa Health. Published December 7, 2023. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/cardiovascular-disease-and-metabolic-syndrome-addressing-root-causes-with-functional-medicine
  1. Orbeta R. 10 Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors You May Not Know About. Rupa Health. Published June 6, 2022. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/what-causes-type-2-diabetes
  1. Hemaiswarya S, Raja R, Ravikumar R, Carvalho IS. Mechanism of action of probiotics. Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology. 2013;56(1):113-119. doi:https://doi.org/10.1590/s1516-89132013000100015
  2. Vanderpool C, Yan F, Polk BD. Mechanisms of probiotic action: Implications for therapeutic applications in inflammatory bowel diseases. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. 2008;14(11):1585-1596. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/ibd.20525
  3. Kandasamy M, Selvakumari Jayasurya A, Moochhala S, Huat Bay B, Kun Lee Y, Mahendran R. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG secreting an antigen and Interleukin-2 translocates across the gastrointestinal tract and induces an antigen specific immune response. Microbiology and Immunology. 2011;55(10):704-714. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1348-0421.2011.00370.x
  4. Alander M, Satokari R, Korpela R, et al. Persistence of Colonization of Human Colonic Mucosa by a Probiotic Strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosusGG, after Oral Consumption. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 1999;65(1):351-354. doi:https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.65.1.351-354.1999
  5. Oh S, Kim SH, Worobo RW. Characterization and Purification of a Bacteriocin Produced by a Potential Probiotic Culture, Lactobacillus acidophilus 30SC. Journal of Dairy Science. 2000;83(12):2747-2752. doi:https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(00)75169-1
  6. Yang KM, Kim JS, Kim HS, et al. Lactobacillus reuteri AN417 cell-free culture supernatant as a novel antibacterial agent targeting oral pathogenic bacteria. Scientific Reports. 2021;11(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-80921-x
  7. Romani Vestman N, Chen T, Lif Holgerson P, Öhman C, Johansson I. Oral Microbiota Shift after 12-Week Supplementation with Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and PTA 5289; A Randomized Control Trial. PLoS ONE. 2015;10(5). doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0125812
  8. Eskesen D, Jespersen L, Michelsen B, Whorwell PJ, Müller-Lissner S, Morberg CM. Effect of the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12®, on defecation frequency in healthy subjects with low defecation frequency and abdominal discomfort: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. British Journal of Nutrition. 2015;114(10):1638-1646. doi:https://doi.org/10.1017/s0007114515003347
  9. Taipale T, Pienihäkkinen K, Isolauri E, et al. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 in reducing the risk of infections in infancy. The British Journal of Nutrition. 2011;105(3):409-416. doi:https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114510003685
  10. Castagliuolo I, Riegler MF, Valenick L, LaMont JT, Pothoulakis C. Saccharomyces boulardii Protease Inhibits the Effects of Clostridium difficile Toxins A and B in Human Colonic Mucosa. Kozel TR, ed. Infection and Immunity. 1999;67(1):302-307. doi:https://doi.org/10.1128/iai.67.1.302-307.1999
  11. Wu X, Vallance BA, Boyer L, et al. Saccharomyces boulardiiamelioratesCitrobacter rodentium-induced colitis through actions on bacterial virulence factors. American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology. 2008;294(1):G295-G306. doi:https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpgi.00173.2007
  12. Smilowitz JT, Moya J, Breck MA, et al. Safety and tolerability of Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis EVC001 supplementation in healthy term breastfed infants: a phase I clinical trial. BMC Pediatrics. 2017;17(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-017-0886-9
  13. Henrick B, Chew S, Mitchell R, et al. Restoring Bifidobacterium Infantis EVC001 to the Infant Gut Microbiome Significantly Reduces Intestinal Inflammation (OR12-01-19). Current Developments in Nutrition. 2019;3(Suppl 1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzz049.OR12-01-19
  14. Marco ML, Tachon S. Environmental factors influencing the efficacy of probiotic bacteria. Current Opinion in Biotechnology. 2013;24(2):207-213. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copbio.2012.10.002
  15. Nami Y, Haghshenas B, Abdullah N, et al. Probiotics or antibiotics: future challenges in medicine. Journal of Medical Microbiology. 2015;64(Pt 2):137-146. doi:https://doi.org/10.1099/jmm.0.078923-0
  16. Ganji-Arjenaki M, Rafieian-Kopaei M. Probiotics are a good choice in remission of inflammatory bowel diseases: A meta analysis and systematic review. Journal of Cellular Physiology. 2017;233(3):2091-2103. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/jcp.25911
  17. National Institutes of Health. Probiotics. Nih.gov. Published 2017. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-HealthProfessional/
  1. Greenan S. 5 Probiotic-Rich Foods To Eat Instead Of Taking Supplements. Rupa Health. Published December 8, 2021. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-different-types-of-probiotics-health-benefits
  2. Plummer SF, Garaiova I, Sarvotham T, et al. Effects of probiotics on the composition of the intestinal microbiota following antibiotic therapy. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents. 2005;26(1):69-74. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2005.04.004
  3. Sanders ME, Merenstein DJ, Reid G, Gibson GR, Rastall RA. Probiotics and prebiotics in intestinal health and disease: from biology to the clinic. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2019;16(10). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-019-0173-3
  4. Kong C, Gao R, Yan X, Huang L, Qin H. Probiotics improve gut microbiota dysbiosis in obese mice fed a high-fat or high-sucrose diet. Nutrition. 2019;60:175-184. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2018.10.002
  5. LeBlanc JG, Chain F, Martín R, Bermúdez-Humarán LG, Courau S, Langella P. Beneficial effects on host energy metabolism of short-chain fatty acids and vitamins produced by commensal and probiotic bacteria. Microbial Cell Factories. 2017;16(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12934-017-0691-z
  6. Kazemi A, Noorbala AA, Azam K, Eskandari MH, Djafarian K. Effect of probiotic and prebiotic vs placebo on psychological outcomes in patients with major depressive disorder: A randomized clinical trial. Clinical Nutrition. 2019;38(2):522-528. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2018.04.010
  7. Coman MM, Miorelli L, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV, et al. Effects of probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IMC 510 supplementation on metabolic factors in otherwise healthy overweight and obese individuals. Journal of Applied Microbiology. 2022;133(3):1956-1968. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.15703
  8. Plaza-Diaz J, Ruiz-Ojeda FJ, Gil-Campos M, Gil A. Mechanisms of Action of Probiotics. Advances in Nutrition. 2019;10(1):S49-S66. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmy063
  9. Cloyd J. The Importance of Comprehensive Stool Testing in Functional Medicine. Rupa Health. Published July 3, 2023. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-importance-of-comprehensive-stool-testing-in-functional-medicine
  10. Henry E. Stool Testing 101: A Complete Guide to the Top 4 Gut Health Tests. www.rupahealth.com. Published July 12, 2021. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/stool-testing-101-a-complete-guide-to-the-top-4-microbiome-tests
  11. Cloyd J. How to Interpret Your CRP Blood Test. Rupa Health. Published December 11, 2023. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-interpret-your-crp-blood-test
  12. Cloyd J. Is There a Leaky Gut Test?: How Functional Medicine Can Help Detect and Resolve This Condition. Rupa Health. Published December 4, 2023. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/is-there-a-leaky-gut-test-how-functional-medicine-can-help-detect-and-resolve-this-condition
  13. Nikkhah A. Lifestyle Optimization: Today’s Foremost Probiotic. Journal of Probiotics & Health. 2015;03(02). doi:https://doi.org/10.4172/2329-8901.1000e119
  14. Redondo-Useros N, Nova E, González-Zancada N, Díaz LE, Gómez-Martínez S, Marcos A. Microbiota and Lifestyle: A Special Focus on Diet. Nutrients. 2020;12(6):1776. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061776
  15. Piccioni A, Covino M, Candelli M, et al. How Do Diet Patterns, Single Foods, Prebiotics and Probiotics Impact Gut Microbiota? Microbiology Research. 2023;14(1):390-408. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres14010030
  16. Kresge K. IBS vs IBD: Know the symptoms. Rupa Health. Published October 31, 2022. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/ibs-vs-ibd-know-the-symptoms
  1. Malani S. Inflammatory Markers 101: How To Interpret. Rupa Health. Published February 22, 2023. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/inflammatory-markers-101-what-do-they-mean
  1. Cloyd J. How to Interpret Your Basic Metabolic Panel Results. Rupa Health. Published March 14, 2024. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-interpret-your-basic-metabolic-panel-results
  1. Cloyd K. How to interpret your lipid panel results. Rupa Health. Published December 19, 2023. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-interpret-your-lipid-panel-results
  1. Cloyd J. How to Use the Metabolomix+ in Practice for Best Patient Outcome. Rupa Health. Published February 21, 2023. Accessed June 28, 2024. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-use-the-metabolomix-in-practice-for-best-patient-outcome
Kristofer Stauffer
Author
Dr. Kristofer Stauffer PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist, Medical Writer
Medically Reviewed by
Order from 30+ labs in 20 seconds (DUTCH, Mosaic, Genova & More!)
We make ordering quick and painless — and best of all, it's free for practitioners.
Sign up free
Browse the lab catalog

Latest Articles

View more on GI Health
FDA’s Red Dye No. 3 Ban: A Step Toward Cleaner and Safer Food StandardsFDA’s Red Dye No. 3 Ban: A Step Toward Cleaner and Safer Food Standards
FDA’s Red Dye No. 3 Ban: A Step Toward Cleaner and Safer Food Standards
Dr. Jessica Christie, ND, CNS
January 16, 2025
Dr. ,
January 16, 2025
Sebaceous Filaments Explained: Causes, Facts, and TreatmentsSebaceous Filaments Explained: Causes, Facts, and Treatments
Sebaceous Filaments Explained: Causes, Facts, and Treatments
,
January 14, 2025
Sarah Daglis
Sarah Daglis, ND
January 14, 2025
What Brown Discharge Before Period Means for Your HealthWhat Brown Discharge Before Period Means for Your Health
What Brown Discharge Before Period Means for Your Health
,
January 14, 2025
Ayesha Bryant
Ayesha Bryant, MSPH, MD
January 14, 2025
How to Identify and Treat a Stress-Induced RashHow to Identify and Treat a Stress-Induced Rash
How to Identify and Treat a Stress-Induced Rash
,
January 14, 2025
Ayesha Bryant
Ayesha Bryant, MSPH, MD
January 14, 2025
See all Articles
Subscribe to the magazine for expert-written articles straight to your inbox
Join the thousands of savvy readers who get root cause medicine articles written by doctors in their inbox every week!
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Are you a healthcare practitioner?
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Subscribe to the Magazine for free to keep reading!
Subscribe for free to keep reading, If you are already subscribed, enter your email address to log back in.
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Are you a healthcare practitioner?
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Hey practitioners! 👋 Join Dr. Chris Magryta and Dr. Erik Lundquist for a comprehensive 6-week course on evaluating functional medicine labs from two perspectives: adult and pediatric. In this course, you’ll explore the convergence of lab results across different diseases and age groups, understanding how human lab values vary on a continuum influenced by age, genetics, and time. Register Here! Register Here.

Register Here