Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins. 2025 Aug 27. doi: 10.1007/s12602-025-10719-8. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the probiotic on the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) during the postpartum period (primary outcome) and quality of life, breastfeeding performance, infant growth, and adverse effects (secondary outcomes). This double-blind, randomized, controlled trial was conducted in Tabriz-Iran. A total of 234 eligible women were randomly assigned to either the probiotic group or the placebo group using block randomization. The intervention group received a 500-mg capsule containing 2 × 109 CFU of Lactobacillus acidophilus once daily for 8 weeks, while the control group received a 500-mg capsule containing regular corn starch with the same dosing schedule. A urine culture test was performed 8 weeks after the start of the intervention to assess the incidence of UTI. Quality of life was evaluated before and after the intervention. Other outcomes, including breastfeeding performance and infant growth, were assessed at the end of the intervention. The incidence of UTIs in the probiotic group was significantly lower than in the placebo group at the 2-month follow-up after the intervention (adjusted odds ratio, 0.41; 95%confidence interval, 0.17 to 0.93; p = 0.033). A statistically significant difference between groups was noted in the overall quality of life score (p = 0.003) and the mental health domain (p = 0.004). There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding the mean breastfeeding performance score (p = 0.335) and infant growth (p = 0.493). Our results supported the hypothesis that probiotics can effectively reduce the incidence of UTIs. Further studies are recommended to reach definitive conclusions.Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20120718010324N81. Date of registration: 1 March 2024; URL: https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/user/trial/73821/view ; Date of first registration: 1 March 2024.
PMID:40864416 | DOI:10.1007/s12602-025-10719-8
