Alternative Health Blog

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-design study involving 45 adults with symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving treatment with pharmacological anti-arthritic medications, results indicate that adjuvant supplementation with lactic acid-producing bacteria (LAB) probiotics may exert beneficial effects. The subjects were randomized to receive LAB probiotic preparation, Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086, or placebo daily for a period of 60 days. Subjects in the probiotic-supplemented group reported improvement in the Patient Pain Assessment score and Pain Scale, and greater improvement in patient global assessment and self-assessed disability, and ability to walk 2 miles, reach, and participate in daily activities, compared to subjects in the placebo group. Thus, the authors conclude, "Results of this pilot study suggest that adjunctive treatment with Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 LAB probiotic appeared to be safe and effective for patient s suffering from RA. Because of the low study population size, larger trials are needed to verify these results."   Reference: "Bacillus coagulans: a viable adjunct therapy for relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis according to a randomized, controlled trial," Mandel DR, Holmes J, et al, BMC Complement Altern Med, 2010 Jan 12; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: David R. Mandel, MD, Inc., Mayfield Village, OH 44143, USA. E-mail: david@dmandelmd.com ).