Improvement after a supplement is not the same as a comparative result
Start with the comparison. A before-and-after change alone cannot isolate the contribution of an ingredient.
Probiotics
Immune and respiratory health
Human studies reported a change with no confirmed comparison group in Incidence of oral and respiratory tract infections.
Scope not specified · Human studies · Includes patient groups · comparator not confirmed
Publications for this result: 1
Other outcomes and study details
Distinct publications linked to this topic: 5
- Route, form, dose, or population details are incomplete, so the findings cannot be confirmed as directly comparable.
What has been studied?
Distinct human comparison papers: 0
Incidence of oral and respiratory tract infections
Other human research, including observational studies and reviews
- A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.Patient group
Measurement and study conditions
- Controlled human study
- Randomized trial
- Unknown intervention
- Patient group
- Outcome role not specified
- Timepoint: unspecified
- Study comparison: unspecified
meningitis and bacteremia
Other human research, including observational studies and reviews
- An association was observed. This does not establish that the ingredient caused the change.Patient group
Measurement and study conditions
- Observational study
- Observational study
- Unknown intervention
- Patient group
- Secondary outcome
- Comparison unclear
- Timepoint: 10 to 22 days of antimicrobial treatment
- Study comparison: Selected case series of infection after probiotic use; no control group
This result is held for interpretation. That does not mean research found no effect.
Outcome groups needing additional review (2)
- immunity in older adults · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Evidence criteria check: 1
- incidence of reinfections · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Evidence criteria check: 1
One paper can appear under multiple measured outcomes or review reasons, so these counts should not be added together.
Research topics to explore
Research topics to explore
Review findings reported in each research area.
Topics with more linked papers appear first.
- View results
Glucose and metabolic health
Related papers 9 · human comparison papers 4
- Body weight · No clear difference between groups · Some studies used more than one ingredient · Some studies included patients or people with a deficiency
- fasting plasma glucose · Improvement reported · Some studies included patients or people with a deficiency
More outcome groups: 10
- View results
Digestion and gut health
Related papers 7 · comparison findings need further review
- Bifidobacterium-dominated preterm microbiota · Interpretation held
- bloating · Interpretation held
More outcome groups: 1
- View selected result
Immune and respiratory health
Related papers 5 · comparison findings need further review
- View results
Blood lipids
Related papers 2 · comparison findings need further review
- Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol · Some studies included patients or people with a deficiency · Comparison details unconfirmed
- View results
Blood pressure and vascular health
Related papers 2 · comparison findings need further review
- diastolic BP · Comparison details unconfirmed
- systolic · Comparison details unconfirmed
- View results
Cognition
Related papers 2 · human comparison papers 1
- WCST · Improvement reported · Some studies used more than one ingredient
- learning and memory ability · Interpretation held
- View results
Exercise performance
Related papers 2 · human comparison papers 1
- run time to fatigue · Improvement reported · Some studies used more than one ingredient
- Muscle strength · Some studies included patients or people with a deficiency · Comparison details unconfirmed
- View results
Nutrient status
Related papers 1 · comparison findings need further review
- Hemoglobin A1c · Some studies included patients or people with a deficiency
- View results
Skin, hair, and nails
Related papers 1 · comparison findings need further review
- View results
Stress and mood
Related papers 1 · comparison findings need further review
- Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale · Interpretation held
Data coverage and detailed study classifications
Paper counts are separated by research topic below. One paper may contribute to multiple findings.
Analysis status: Public-ready
Ingredient analysis date:
How the grade was determined: B
The 60.0 evidence score includes 1 independent human studies and 1 clinical studies in the representative benefit area. The B tier remains conservative because of limited repetition across independent human clinical studies, too few clinical findings with an explicit effect direction.
The grade is based mainly on the research area with the most evidence. It does not mean the same result was found in other areas.
Papers linked to this ingredient overall: 110
Papers linked to this topic 5 · distinct papers 5 · comparison findings need further review · papers needing additional review 3
Ingredient-wide papers, topic-linked papers, and sources in outcome groups use different scopes. Adding source counts may count the same paper more than once.
- immunity in older adults: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- Incidence of oral and respiratory tract infections: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- incidence of reinfections: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- meningitis and bacteremia: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
Glucose and metabolic health
What the research found
Body weight
No clear difference in this measurement was found between the compared groups.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · Patient group
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
fasting plasma glucose
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Unknown intervention · Patient group
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · Patient group
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
HbA1c
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · Patient group
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
HOMA-IR
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Unknown intervention · Patient group
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
quantitative insulin sensitivity check index
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Unknown intervention · Patient group
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
serum insulin concentrations
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Unknown intervention · Patient group
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
fasting serum insulin
A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
Meta-analysis · Unknown intervention · Patient group
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
FPG
A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
Meta-analysis · Unknown intervention · Patient group
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Hemoglobin A1C
A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
Meta-analysis · Unknown intervention · Patient group
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
HOMA-IR
A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
Meta-analysis · Unknown intervention · Patient group
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Insulin
A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
Meta-analysis · Unknown intervention · Patient group
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
QUICKI
A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
Meta-analysis · Unknown intervention · Patient group
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Body weight
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Review · Ingredient combination · Patient group
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Animal study · indirect · Ingredient combination · Unspecified population
This finding comes from animal or cell research. It does not establish the same effect in people.
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Meta-analysis · Ingredient combination · Patient group
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Digestion and gut health
What the research found
Bifidobacterium-dominated preterm microbiota
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Observational study · Ingredient combination · Patient group
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
bloating
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · Patient group
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
mature, term-like microbiome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · Patient group
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Other evidence · Ingredient combination · Patient group
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Review · Ingredient combination · Patient group
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Review · Unknown intervention · Unspecified population
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
2 papers · 2 measured outcomes
2 papers held from direction counts
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Immune and respiratory health
What the research found
meningitis and bacteremia
An association was observed. This does not establish that the ingredient caused the change.
Observational study · Unknown intervention · Patient group
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Incidence of oral and respiratory tract infections
A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
Controlled study in people · Unknown intervention · Patient group
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
immunity in older adults
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Review · Ingredient combination · Patient group
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
incidence of reinfections
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Review · Ingredient combination · Patient group
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Meta-analysis · Single ingredient · Patient group
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Blood lipids
What the research found
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
Meta-analysis · Single ingredient · Patient group
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Meta-analysis · Unknown intervention · Patient group
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Blood pressure and vascular health
What the research found
diastolic BP
A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
Meta-analysis · Unknown intervention · General population
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
systolic
A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
Meta-analysis · Unknown intervention · General population
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Meta-analysis · Single ingredient · Patient group
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Cognition
What the research found
WCST
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · General population
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
learning and memory ability
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Animal study · indirect · Unknown intervention · General population
This finding comes from animal or cell research. It does not establish the same effect in people.
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Exercise performance
What the research found
run time to fatigue
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · Unspecified population
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Muscle strength
A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
Meta-analysis · Single ingredient · Patient group
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Nutrient status
What the research found
Hemoglobin A1c
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Meta-analysis · Unknown intervention · Patient group
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Skin, hair, and nails
What the research found
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Review · Unknown intervention · Patient group
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Stress and mood
What the research found
Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · Patient group
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
How to read research findings
How should I read research findings?
Research guidesNo clear difference and an uninterpretable result are different
A reported null comparison contains a result. An abstract without an interpretable comparison leaves a question unresolved.
Paper counts and study counts are different
Count original research separately from research that reanalyzes it. Publication volume is neither replication nor a quality rating.
Side effects and combination findings
Findings from this ingredient alone are shown separately from those involving another supplement or medication.
Caution findings
1
Findings from individual and combined use, plus reviewed cautions
Key precautions
No reviewed caution rules are available yet. Reported caution findings are shown below.
Review 1 combination findings and 0 findings that outperformed an ingredient alone.
These findings were reported in studies. They do not predict an individual's experience.
Findings to review with care
Side effects reported for the ingredient alone are separated from findings involving another supplement or medication.
Side effects reported with this ingredient alone
Symptoms or adverse events reported in studies without another active ingredient.
side effect incidence1 papers
Probiotic supplementation during H. pylori antibiotic therapy may reduce overall side effect incidence compared to control (RR 0.735, 95% CI 0.598–0.902), though this benefit was only confirmed in non‑blinded trials.Human studies · Meta-analysisReported improvements with combinations
Combination findings are grouped by how the study compared them. This is not a recommendation to combine ingredients.
Combinations with reported improvement
The combination showed improvement, but each ingredient's contribution is unclear.
셀레늄Co-supplementation with probiotics and selenium resulted in significant improvements in mental health, hormonal profiles, and oxidative stress markers compared to placebo.