Are There Side-Effects of Taking Probiotics Daily?

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4 min read

Check out this answer from Consensus:

Daily probiotic consumption is generally safe for most individuals, with rare but serious infections occurring mainly in vulnerable populations. Common side effects are typically mild and gastrointestinal in nature. Probiotics can be beneficial in reducing side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and they may also offer additional health benefits such as reducing inflammation and improving metabolic health in diabetic patients. However, the effectiveness and safety can vary depending on the specific strains used and the individual’s health condition.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host. They are widely used for various health conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, inflammatory diseases, and as adjuncts in cancer therapy. However, the safety and potential side effects of daily probiotic consumption remain a topic of interest and concern.

Key Insights

  • General Safety and Rare Infections:
    • Probiotics are generally safe for the majority of the population, with rare cases of bacteremia or fungemia primarily occurring in critically ill or immunocompromised individuals .
  • Gastrointestinal Side Effects:
    • Common gastrointestinal side effects include bloating, gas, and abdominal pain, which are usually mild and dose-dependent. Severe gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and gastroesophageal reflux are more likely with high doses or in individuals with pre-existing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome .
  • Impact on Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy Side Effects:
    • Probiotics can reduce gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, thereby improving their quality of life .
  • Inflammatory and Metabolic Effects:
    • In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, long-term probiotic supplementation has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve metabolic parameters, suggesting additional health benefits beyond gut health.
  • Specific Strains and Effectiveness:
    • Certain strains of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, have been found to be particularly effective in reducing side effects and improving health outcomes in various clinical settings .

 

Are there side-effects of taking probiotics daily?

Candice Quin has answered Uncertain

An expert from University of British Columbia in Gastroenterology

While probiotics are a multi billion-dollar industry, there is little evidence to show that supplementing infants provides any health benefits. We conducted an observational study where 35 of 86 participating mothers self-administered probiotics during breastfeeding, as well as directly to their infants. The primary objective was to determine if probiotic exposure influenced the infants’ fecal microbiome with the secondary objective to assess associated changes to the mothers’ breast milk immunity and infant health. Analysis of infant fecal microbiome throughout the first 6 months of life revealed that probiotics were associated with higher abundances of Bifidobacterium at week 1 only. Short-chain fatty acid production and predicted metagenomic functions of the microbial communities were not altered. While probiotics did not alter breast milk immune markers, fecal sIgA responses were higher among probiotic supplemented infants. Surprisingly, this was not associated with better health outcomes, as the probiotic cohort had higher incidences of mucosal-associated illnesses as toddlers. This retrospective clinical comparison suggests that probiotic exposure during infancy has limited effects on gut microbial composition yet is associated with increased infection later in life. These correlative findings caution against probiotic supplementation during infancy until rigorous controlled follow-up studies determining their safety and efficacy have occurred.

 

Are there side-effects of taking probiotics daily?

Arthur C Ouwehand has answered Unlikely

An expert from DuPont Nutrition and Health in Microbiology

Probiotics and in particular those belonging to the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have an exceptionally good safety record. For the general population there is no indication for risks of the consumption of probiotics. However, in the case of patients with serious underlying conditions such as immune compromised patients, terminally ill cancer patients, etc. there is a small risk for infection, by probiotics. The challenge often being that the identification of a Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium as an infectious agent is difficult as it is so rare and unlikely. Once recognised, it is easily treated.

 

 

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