> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.foodconsumer.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Probiotics prevent deadly complications of liver disease - URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/probiotics_liver_disease_0630141036/ - Published: 2014-06-30T11:36:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-22T16:24:27.000Z - Description: A Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology study from Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital in New Delhi found probiotics prevented hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhosis patients without side effects. An editorialist says they look as effective as lactulose but better tolerated. - Author: Food Consumer - Tags: Supplements, Nutrition, #vivvo-import Contact: Rachel Steigerwald media@gastro.org 301-272-1603 American Gastroenterological Association Probiotics prevent deadly complications of liver disease Probiotics can prevent hepatic encephalopathy effectively in patients with cirrhosis of the liver, according to a study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Hepatic encephalopathy is a serious deteriorative condition of brain function that is found in patients suffering liver disease. "This rigorous new research finds that probiotics modify the gut microbiota to prevent hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis of the liver," said David W. Victor III, MD, an editorialist in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology on this research said "These results offer a safe, well-tolerated and perhaps cheaper alternative to current treatments." Scientists from Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital in New Delhi, India compared the outcomes of cirrhosis in patients receiving either probiotocs or placebo to see how probiotics may affect the risk of hepatic encephalopathy. Probiotic supplementation was not associated with any side effects and none of the patients required discontinuation of therapy. These results suggest that probiotics are similar in effectiveness to the current standard of care, lactulose, in the prevention of hepatic encephalopathy, yet they appear to be much better tolerated. The effectiveness of lactulose, a nonabsorbable disaccharide, is limited by side effects (diarrhea, bloating and gas) and a narrow therapeutic window. "By virtue of its size, study duration and design, as well as the thorough nature of the baseline and follow-up assessments, this study represents an important contribution to the hepatic encephalopathy literature," added Dr. Victor, a practicing hepatologist in the Methodist J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center at Houston Methodist Hospital, TX. Up to 45 percent of patients with cirrhosis develop hepatic encephalopathy, a loss of brain function that occurs when the liver is unable to remove toxins from the blood. Prognosis is poor, with a 58 percent mortality rate at one year, and a 77 percent mortality rate at three years. Research into safer and more effective treatments is essential for these patients. For more information on probiotics, read AGA's patient brochure. The microbial communities that reside in the human gut and their impact on human health and disease are one of the most exciting and promising areas of research today. The AGA Center for Gut Microbiome Research and Education is committed to advancing this research. ### About the AGA Institute The American Gastroenterological Association is the trusted voice of the GI community. Founded in 1897, the AGA has grown to include 17,000 members from around the globe who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Institute administers the practice, research and educational programs of the organization. About Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology The mission of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology is to provide readers with a broad spectrum of themes in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. This monthly peer-reviewed journal includes original articles as well as scholarly reviews, with the goal that all articles published will be immediately relevant to the practice of gastroenterology and hepatology. For more information, visit http://www.cghjournal.org. Like AGA and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology on Facebook. Join AGA on LinkedIn. Follow us on Twitter @AmerGastroAssn. Check out our videos on YouTube.