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Probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that offer a health benefit to the host when consumed in adequate amounts, are increasingly recommended for treating or preventing a variety of gastrointestinal ailments. British investigators assessed whether a probiotic preparation would reduce the incidence of antibiotic-related diarrhea and Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea among 135 hospitalized patients receiving antibiotics.
The patients (mean age, 74) were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo (sterile) milkshake or a commercial yogurt drink containing three kinds of lactobacilli. The drinks were administered twice daily during the antibiotic course and for a week thereafter. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea occurred in 12% of …