An Evaluation of a Multi-strain Probiotic Supplement on General Wellness in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Dose-Response Study

Although many species of bacteria have been evaluated and marketed as probiotics, little work has examined the dose-response effects of probiotics on microbiota and host. A probiotic formulation, containing Lactobacillus helveticus R0052, Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011, Lactobacillus casei R0215, Pediococcus acidilactici R1001, Bifidobacterium breve R0070, Bifidobacterium longum BB536, Lactobacillus plantarum R1012 and Lactobacillus lactis ssp. lactis R1058, is currently marketed in the U.S. at 5 billion colony forming units (CFU)/capsule and 25 billion CFU/capsule doses. To determine the effects of the two doses of the multi-strain probiotic supplements on gastrointestinal function and general wellbeing, a six-week, randomized, double-blind, dose-response study was conducted with 69 healthy adults (18–50 years old). Participants were randomly assigned to receive the probiotic mix at 5 billion CFU, 25 billion CFU, or placebo for four weeks. Daily questionnaires were used to assess gastrointestinal symptoms...