Chapter 40 - Probiotics for the Treatment of Liver Disease

Abstract

Due to the growing understanding of the role of bacterial microbiota in liver disease, there has been considerable interest in using probiotics in the treatment of various liver conditions like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and the complications of cirrhosis. Although many studies show favorable results, in general, the trials are small and differ on type of bacteria used, duration of treatment, and outcomes measured. Despite the lack of uniformity between studies, NAFLD and hepatic encephalopathy, especially with VSL#3, appear to have the most promise.