Adjunctive probiotic therapy sustains symptom relief in gastroesophageal reflux disease through gut microbiome-metabolome remodeling.

ABSTRACT: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are standard therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but long-term use causes dysbiosis, gastrointestinal side effects, and symptom relapse after discontinuation. Probiotics may offer adjunctive benefits by modulating the gut ecosystem. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a multi-strain probiotic (Lihuo) with rabeprazole in GERD and its impact on gut microbiota and metabolome. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 120 GERD patients assigned to receive rabeprazole with either Lihuo (n = 64) or placebo (n = 56) for 8 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of probiotic or placebo alone. The primary outcome was change in the Reflux Disease Questionnaire (RDQ) score. Secondary outcomes included Gastrointestinal

SUBMITTER: Li Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12911400 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature