Role of Probiotics in Reducing GERD

Abstract

Probiotic is little known for its benefits on upper gastrointestinal health. The objective of this systematic
review was to examine the efficacy of probiotics in alleviating the frequency and severity of symptoms in
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the general adult population.. In total, 13 prospective studies
that were published in 12 articles were included in the analysis and scored per the Jadad scale as high- (five
studies), medium- (two), and low- (six) quality. One article reported on two probiotic groups; thus, 14
comparisons were included in the selected studies, of which 11 (79%) reported positive benefits of probiotics
on symptoms of GERD. Five out of 11 positive outcomes (45%) noted benefits on reflux symptoms: three
noted reduced regurgitation; improvements in reflux or heartburn were seen in one study; five (45%) saw
improvements in dyspepsia symptoms; and nine (81%) saw improvements in other upper gastrointestinal
symptoms, such as nausea (three studies), abdominal pain (five), and gas-related symptoms (four), such as
belching, gurgling, and burping. In conclusion, probiotic use can be beneficial for GERD symptoms, such
as regurgitation and heartburn.