American Gastroenterological Association releases new guidelines on probiotics for digestive conditions

New clinical guidelines released by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) do not recommend the use of probiotics for most digestive conditions including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and C. difficile infection.

The guidelines were published in the journal Gastroenterology.

“Patients taking probiotics for Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis or IBS should consider stopping,” says guideline panel chair Grace L. Su from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in a press release. “The supplements can be costly and there isn’t enough evidence to prove a benefit or confirm lack of harm. Talk with your doctor.”

The guidelines also suggest that clinical trials should be conducted to further investigate these recommendations.

Read the full press release and guidelines here.