the effectiveness of probiotics in preventing
or treating AAD is also increasing.
6,7 Previous reviews have been nonsystematic,
have focused on specific
patient populations or probiotic genera,
and have not included the latest
clinical trials.1,8 A 2006 meta-analysis9
on probiotic use for AAD included 25
RCTs and a 2006 review10 included 16
relevant RCTs. Both studies suggested
that probiotic use was associated with
reduced risk of AAD. Yet, more than 30
additional RCTs on the topic have been
published in the international literature
since. A recent Cochrane review
on pediatric AAD suggested a protective
association of probiotic use in preventing
AAD in children. Most studies
of probiotics include adult
participants, which suggests the evidence
in adult AAD prevention should
also be revisited.11