Probiotics are beneficial bacteria, one of the many microorganisms in your gut, that may help improve your health by balancing the bacteria in your bowels. Healthy adults have about 100 trillion microorganisms (including bacteria) in their bowels. Probiotics help bring the “good” bacteria to a level in balance with the “bad” bacteria in your gut.
You can consume probiotics through products like yogurt and fermented foods, or you can take them as supplements. The most common types you can buy are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. As with all medications and supplements, some people do experience side effects when they take probiotic supplements, but they are rare. Learn more about probiotics, some risks that might be associated with taking them, probiotic side effects, and the recommended intake.
Probiotics Benefits
We all have bacteria in our intestinal tract. But sometimes the bad bacteria outgrow the good bacteria and take over, making us sick or causing discomfort. This is where probiotics may come in. There are several reasons why you may take probiotic supplements, but the two most common reasons are to counteract antibiotic side effects like diarrhea and to reduce uncomfortable gastric issues, such as bloating and gas. They also play a role in:
- Digesting food
- Creating vitamins
- Absorbing medications
There are some conditions that might respond to probiotics as well, helping reduce symptoms. They include:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Eczema
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Lactose intolerance
- Urinary tract infections
- Yeast infections (particularly when taking antibiotics)
Probiotics Supplement Risks
Before taking probiotics, it’s wise to consider some of the risks associated with them. First, and maybe most important, probiotics sold as supplements don’t fall under the category of medicine, so the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them. Any claims the probiotic manufacturer makes have not been verified. Talk with your pharmacist before choosing a brand. Pharmacists can help you choose one that is best for your situation. Tell your doctor that you started taking a probiotic supplement.
First check with your healthcare provider before starting a probiotic supplement if you have a weakened immune system, you’ve had recent surgery, or you are recovering from a serious illness.
Although they are rare, some probiotic side effects could include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Increase of acne
- Rashes on your skin
Probiotics Recommended Intake
Probiotic supplements are available in different forms: capsules, powders and liquids. The amount of probiotics in each supplement is measured in CFU, or colony-forming units. Probiotic products can range from 1 to 50 billion CFU per dose, but there are no definite studies as to how much probiotics you can take or how often. Higher CFUs do not represent a better or more effective product. If you want to take a probiotic to care for an immediate issue, like diarrhea caused by antibiotics, taking the probiotics daily may be helpful.
The World Gastroenterology Organisation advises providers and patients to select a probiotic that contains the bacteria strain(s) shown in people to be beneficial for the intended need, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. casei for antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
