Probiotic Warnings for Health, Contraindications and Cautions

Probiotic supplements are generally safe when used by healthy adults, but health warnings do apply for those with immune suppressive conditions or on immune suppressive medications.

Probiotics are the good bacteria that are naturally present in the gastrointestinal tract, mouth and urogenital tract. They play an important role in digestion, aid the immune system and prevent the spread of bad bacteria that can result in infections or diseases.

The use of probiotic supplements can help to improve the balance of good to bad bacteria in the gut and alleviate symptoms of intestinal dysbiosis. However, dangerous side effects have been reported in some cases.

Before using probiotic supplements, read the warnings on the product to determine if you have any contraindications for use. Probiotics may also interact with some medications. Check with your doctor to find out if it is safe for you to use this product.

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

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Probiotics Health Warning

There are over 400 different strains of probiotic bacteria that are found naturally in the human gastrointestinal tract. These bacteria confer a health benefit on the host, by breaking down food, improving nutrient absorption and supporting immune function.

They also help to prevent pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria from colonizing the gut and spreading to other parts of the body. Many species do this by producing Lactic Acid, which lowers the pH balance of the intestines and makes the environment inhospitable to other types of bacteria.

However, not everyone should use probiotics. While these bacterial microorganisms can be beneficial when they are found in the intestines, they may cause health problems if they translocate to other parts of the body.

This is extremely rare in individuals with a healthy immune system. However, there is a warning against the use of probiotics for anyone who has compromised immunity, due to disease, a recent medical procedure or due to the use of immunosuppressant drugs.

If you have a compromised immune system, there is a concern that the probiotic bacteria may migrate to other parts of the body, like the lungs, and cause an infection.

Probiotics from the Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, Enterococcus, and Bifidobacterium families have been isolated at infection sites in humans.

Who Should Not Use Probiotics?

Immunocompromised individuals who are warned not to use probiotics include patients with HIV infection or AIDS, organ transplants, sickle cell disease, congenital immune deficiencies, chronic inflammatory conditions, those with cancer or undergoing chemotherapy, cochlear implants, or cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

A number of additional health conditions can cause deficiencies in immune functioning. Check with your doctor to learn about all of the health warnings that apply to probiotics use.

Probiotics should also not be used by anyone taking an immunosuppressant drug. These are medications that temporarily suppress immune function to alleviate a specific health condition. Some examples are corticosteroids such as prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, SangCya), azathioprine (Imuran) or monoclonal antibodies.

People with Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS), open surgical wounds, those with central venous catheters, and those with pancreatitis or melaena should also not take probiotics unless under the supervision of a doctor.

Probiotics should also be used with caution in infants, young children and in pregnant or nursing women. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in June 2006 stated certain patient groups such as neonates that are born prematurely should only use probiotics with caution.

Some strains have been researched as safe for pregnant mothers and babies, but you should speak to your doctor before using any of these products to determine appropriate dosages and usage.

Reports of Probiotic Dangers

Researchers are not sure what causes probiotic bacteria to translocate to other parts of the body in some individuals. Age and underlying conditions are thought to be a factor. According to several analyses, it is very difficult to induce these bacteria to translocate in healthy individuals.

But we know this risk is possible because probiotic organisms have been detected at infection sites in humans. There have been reported cases of the probiotic genus Lactobacillus causing infection in those with impaired immune systems. People with short bowel syndrome are among those more prone to developing Lactobacillus infections.

The probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Baker’s Yeast) is sometimes used to treat gastroenteritis. There have been cases of fungemia caused by S. cerevisiae (and its subspecies S. boulardii ) in patients who had a central venous catheter (CVC).

Other probiotic supplements have been linked to infections, including specific strains from the Bifidobacterium, Bacillus, or Lactobacillus species. However, it is important to remember that many of these strains are considered Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, and the overall risk of infection from taking probiotics is very low for healthy individuals.

Probiotics Side Effects & Interactions Warning

Probiotics are generally well tolerated, but some individuals may experience short-term side effects when first using these supplements. There have been reported cases of temporary bloating and intestinal gas with the use of probiotics.

People with lactose intolerance may also need to avoid taking milk based probiotics. There are vegan and vegetarian probiotic supplements available that have not been cultured on dairy-based mediums.

Antibiotic medications will interact with probiotic supplements. This is because the antibiotic agents cannot distinguish between good and bad bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. They will eliminate both types of bacterial microorganisms.

For this reason, many doctors recommend using probiotics after antibiotic therapy to prevent Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea. However, it is advised to take probiotic products two hours before or after antibiotics to prevent interactions.

Those taking medication to prevent rejection following an organ transplant should also avoid probiotics. If you are unsure whether thee supplements are safe for you, consult with your doctor to learn more about probiotics warnings and appropriate use.

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