Best time to take probiotics
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Optimal Timing for Probiotic Intake: Insights from Research
Probiotic Survival and Meal Timing
Best Time to Take Probiotics with Meals
Research indicates that the timing of probiotic intake relative to meals significantly impacts the survival of probiotic bacteria during gastrointestinal transit. A study using an in vitro model of the human upper gastrointestinal tract found that probiotics taken with a meal or 30 minutes before a meal had the highest survival rates. Specifically, the study examined a commercial multi-strain probiotic, ProtecFlor®, and found that the bacteria survived best when consumed with a meal containing some fats, such as cooked oatmeal with milk. In contrast, probiotics taken 30 minutes after a meal did not survive in high numbers.
Impact of Meal Composition on Probiotic Efficacy
The same study highlighted that the buffering capacity of the meal plays a crucial role in the survival of probiotics. Meals with higher fat content, such as milk with 1% milk fat and oatmeal-milk gruel, were more effective in preserving probiotic viability compared to apple juice or spring water. Interestingly, the protein content of the meal was less important than the fat content for the survival of the bacteria. However, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii was not affected by the timing of the meal or the meal's buffering capacity.
Probiotics and Antibiotic Use
Timing Relative to Antibiotic Administration
For hospitalized adults taking antibiotics, the timing of probiotic administration is critical in preventing Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). A systematic review and meta-regression analysis of 19 studies involving 6,261 subjects found that probiotics were significantly more effective in reducing the risk of CDI when administered closer to the first antibiotic dose. Probiotics given within two days of starting antibiotics reduced the risk of CDI by more than 50%, whereas the efficacy decreased with each day of delay in starting probiotics.
Clinical Implications
The findings suggest that for optimal efficacy in preventing CDI, probiotics should be administered as soon as possible after the initiation of antibiotic therapy. This timely administration can significantly lower the incidence of CDI without increasing the risk of adverse events.
Conclusion
In summary, the best time to take probiotics depends on the context of their use. For general probiotic supplementation, taking probiotics with a meal or 30 minutes before a meal, particularly one containing fats, enhances bacterial survival. For preventing antibiotic-associated infections like CDI, probiotics should be taken as close to the first antibiotic dose as possible. These insights can help consumers and healthcare providers optimize the benefits of probiotic supplementation.
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