Probiotics can both restore and establish the microbiome after disruption by antibiotics. When the microbiome is compromised by antibiotic therapy, resulting in conditions such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea, probiotics can rebalance the intestinal microflora and restore a healthy, diverse microbiome. Probiotics also can help establish the first microbiome during the birthing process, when antibiotic prophylaxis during vaginal birth and Cesarean section disrupts the neonatal microbiome. In this case, probiotics essentially kick-start a healthy neonatal microbiome.

Nigel Plummer, PhD
Researcher: Seroyal / Genestra Brands