Microbiome
Probiotics
In plain language
Good bacteria supplements for gut health. Whether they actually help depends heavily on which exact strain is used.
Is it an approved medication?
No — not an approved medication
No - sold as a food supplement, not a medication
How strong is the evidence?
Depends entirely on the strain - some strains have solid evidence, most sold products don't specify well enough to know
The main thing to know
Don't assume all probiotic products are interchangeable - the specific strain matters a lot.
Mechanism
Live microorganisms that modulate gut microbiota composition, barrier function, and immune signaling; effects are strain-specific.
Potential benefits
- Reduced antibiotic-associated diarrhea
- Some benefit in IBS symptom relief
Regulatory status
Dietary supplement; specific strains may carry different regulatory/clinical claims