Probiotic Side Effects – Are these Supplements Safe?

As the use of probiotic supplements has exploded recently, more and more consumers are asking about the possibility of probiotic side effects.

Healthy bacteria living naturally throughout the human microbiome are referred to as probiotic bacteria.

Healthy adults have hundreds of billions of these bacteria living within their microbiome. They are found primarily within the gastrointestinal system, vagina and mouth of mammals, including humans.

Although probiotics are considered generally safe for a majority of the population, there are certain individuals who should not take these supplements, as well as some rare occurrences of serious side effects.

Elderly individuals, children, infants and babies should also be careful in selecting the right dosages.

In addition, there are some helpful guidelines to aid consumers in deriving the healthy benefits these advantageous microorganisms offer.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

Top Probiotics Products* ❯

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Why People Take Probiotics

The first general theory about helpful gut bacteria was formulated by a scientist at the Pasteur Institute in the early 1900s. Elie Metchnikoff noticed that the Bulgarian peasants, whose diets consisted largely of a fermented milk product, lived especially long and healthy lives.

He eventually proposed the bacteria within our guts could be seeded with helpful lactic-acid producing bacteria which could prevent certain age-related diseases.

Today, there are many ongoing clinical studies to identify the exact effects these probiotic bacterial strains have on certain disorders and diseases.

While some probiotics are reported to aid in the reduction of cholesterol, blood pressure, reduction of flatulence and certain types of diarrhea, others are more geared toward reducing inflammation, restoring proper balance to the flora in the colon, or preventing vaginal yeast infections. Some probiotics have even been found effective for weight loss.

Knowing which probiotic to take for what symptom or outcome is important. Manufacturers often indicate the exact species and strain of bacteria contained in their products, as well as how many CFUs (Colony Forming Units) are expected to be viable at the time of ingestion.

Why Doctors Recommend Taking Probiotic Supplements

Doctors sometimes recommend probiotics when they prescribe antibiotics for their patients. Probiotics can usually be taken alongside antibiotics, and usually are continued for 2-4 weeks after the antibiotic treatment has been completed.

This adjunct therapy is used to restore the healthy balance of microflora in the GI tract, vagina and mouth which can become skewed during antibiotic therapy.

Although probiotics are useful and helpful to most people, there are some guidelines which should be followed to assure good outcomes. Some individuals may not be able to use these supplements without experiencing probiotic side effects.

Who Should Not Take Probiotics?

Although probiotics are considered safe for most healthy people, those whose immune systems have been compromised through the use of immunosuppressant drugs, or whose immune system has been weakened due to processes like HIV/AIDS, should not take probiotics.

Individuals with Short Bowel Syndrome and those with artificial heart valves should exercise extreme caution if considering adding probiotics to their regimen.

Pregnant or nursing mothers should talk with their physician before starting any new health regimen.

Long term effects on infants and young children have not been determined, therefore, long term use of probiotics is only advised if a pediatrician prescribes and monitors the child.

Probiotic Side Effects

Most people do not experience any side effects at all when taking probiotic supplements.

Those who do, often report mild abdominal discomfort or gas. Both of these effects generally subside with continued use.

However, there are a few cases of serious adverse effects which should be noted. One rare example is caused by transmigration of bacteria to other parts of the body. Though this occurs in extremely limited populations, individuals with artificial heart valves should not take probiotics because of the risk of this type of infection.

Although most children can take probiotics safely, they should only be given under the direction, and according the dose prescribed, by their pediatrician.

While the digestive tract of infants is largely composed of Bifidobacteria, parents should not supplement unless directed to do so by their doctor. The immune system of infants is typically extremely limited and builds slowly over time which may make them more susceptible to side effects of probiotics.

Probiotic Safety in Review

Supplements fall under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), but are not regulated in the USA like food products or pharmaceutical medications are monitored. This can make it difficult to know whether the probiotic purchased contains the actual strain listed on the label, or the number of viable cells it claims.

To ensure product efficacy and potency, it is important to buy only from reputable, knowledgeable manufacturers. Also, it is helpful to scrutinize customer reviews to verify that others are, in fact, deriving the desired benefits from the product.

Probiotics are considered safe to use for nearly everyone. Other than those individuals mentioned earlier in this article, the risk-benefit ratio conferred by these advantageous microorganisms easily outweighs prescription medications.

Probiotic supplements can be found in health food stores and online and are relatively quite affordable. Probiotic side effects, if any, are usually mild and dissipate within a short period of use for a majority of people.

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