Probiotics- do they help with intenstenal problems?

Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.: Probiotics- do they help with intenstenal problems?
Does your question include a comparison of different health care approaches? (If no, your topic will still be considered.): yes
If yes, explain the specific technologies, devices, drugs, or interventions you would like to see compared:: Probiotics are they better than eating certain foods like yogurt that contain the same strain of live cultures?
What patients or group(s) of patients does your question apply to? (Please include specific details such as age range, gender, coexisting diagnoses, and indications for therapy.): Probiotics are supposed to help all ages, and genders.
Are there subgroups of patients that your question might apply to? (For example, an ethnic group, stage or severity of a disease.)
Describe the health-related benefits you are interested in. (For example, improvements in patient symptoms or problems from treatment or diagnosis.): Which probiotics are effective, are the refrigerated type better than a box sitting on a shelf- do they actually bring releif of gas, bloating and bowel problems?
Describe any health-related risks, side effects, or harms that you are concerned about.: Would long term use cause any side effects, do they interact with other medicines?

Does your question include a health care drug, intervention, device, or technology available (or likely to be available) in the U.S.?

yes

Which priority area(s) and population(s) does this topic apply to? (check all that apply)

Describe why this topic is important.: There is so much media hype and so many different types of probiotics to choose from- they all say they are the best- I would like guidelines to know which really are the best, what are maybe fillers/additives to look out for, should they be kept cold, room temp, or just not even take them?
What specifically motivated you to ask this question? (For example, you are developing a clinical guideline, working with a policy with large uncertainty about the appropriate approach, costly intervention, new research you have read, items in the media you may have seen, a clinical practice dilemma you know of, etc.)
Does your question represent uncertainty for clinicians and/or policy-makers? (For example, variations in clinical care, controversy in what constitutes appropriate clinical care, or a policy decision.)
If yes, please explain:

How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?: It will help to give people and educated decesion in choosing what is right for them.
Describe the timeframe in which an answer to your question is needed.
Describe any health disparities, inequities, or impact on vulnerable populations your question applies to.

Other Information About You: (optional)

Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate): It will help to give people and educated decesion in choosing what is right for them.

Are you making a suggestion as an individual or on behalf of an organization?: Individual

Please tell us how you heard about the Effective Health Care Program: Good Housekeeping magazine

Effective Health Care Program