Volume 29, Issue 159, May 2025

The Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in the Management of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth - A review

Kinga Świtała^1♦, Patrycja Pysz², Marek Borecki³, Karolina Jałocha⁴, Justyna Kuciel⁵, Maria Mroczka⁶, Agnieszka Czernecka⁷, Dominik Tomczak⁸, Roksana Hrapkowicz⁹, Kinga Erazmus¹⁰

¹V Military Hospital with Polyclinic, Wrocławska 1-3, 30-901 Kraków, Poland
²V Military Hospital with Polyclinic, Wrocławska 1-3, 30-901 Kraków, Poland
³Karol Marcinkowski University Hospital, Zyty 26, 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland
⁴Karol Marcinkowski University Hospital, Zyty 26, 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland
⁵Chrzanów District Hospital, Topolowa 16, 32-500 Chrzanów, Poland
⁶V Military Hospital with Polyclinic, Wrocławska 1-3, 30-901 Kraków, Poland
⁷Hospital of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, Kronikarza Galla 25, 30-053 Kraków, Poland
⁸Chrzanów District Hospital, Topolowa 16, 32-500 Chrzanów, Poland
⁹Ludwik Rydygier Specialist Hospital, Os. Złotej Jesieni 1, 31-820 Kraków, Poland
¹⁰Ludwik Rydygier Specialist Hospital, Os. Złotej Jesieni 1, 31-820 Kraków, Poland

^♦Corresponding author
Kinga Świtała, V Military Hospital with Polyclinic, Wrocławska 1-3, 30-901 Kraków, Poland

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is defined as an excessive growth of bacteria in the small intestine. This condition impairs nutrient absorption and is associated with nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms. The aim: This publication reviews the current literature on the diagnosis and treatment of SIBO, particularly concerning the significance of probiotics and prebiotics. Results: Evidence suggests that certain probiotic strains, such as Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, enhance the efficacy of antibiotics and contribute to long-term remission, but not all studies confirm the positive effects of probiotics. Prebiotics and fiber should be cautiously introduced, as they may worsen symptoms. Conclusions: Personalised therapeutic management is crucial for improving outcomes and minimizing symptom recurrence.

Keywords: SIBO, prebiotics, probiotics, treatment, diagnosis

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e76ms3573

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v29i158.e76ms3573

Published: 30 May 2025