Probiotic supplementation during antibiotic treatment is unjustified in maintaining the gut microbiome diversity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Study answer

What this study found

Probiotic supplementation during antibiotic therapy did not significantly preserve gut microbiome diversity. Across Shannon, Chao1, and observed OTUs indices, pooled differences were not statistically significant (Shannon MD 0.23, 95% CI −0.06 to 0.51; Chao1 MD 11.59, 95% CI −18.42 to 41.60; Observed OTUs MD 17.15, 95% CI −9.43 to 43.73). Most other indices showed no clear difference; taxa shifts tended to resemble baseline in both groups, with restoration toward baseline after 3–8 weeks. Conclusion: routine probiotic use during antibiotic therapy is not supported for maintaining gut…

Study & population

Randomized controlled trials enrolling adults, adolescents, and neonates undergoing antibiotic therapy with concurrent probiotic supplementation, compared with antibiotic therapy alone.

Intervention

Oral probiotic supplementation during antibiotic therapy.

Key limitation

Small number of eligible studies with limited sample sizes; high heterogeneity in antibiotic regimens, probiotic strains/doses, and indications; several outcomes not amenable to meta-analysis due to reporting differences; baseline group differences in some trials; overall certainty of evidence rated low.

View full study detailsView sourceOpen PDF

Original abstract