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A person may experience gas and bloating when first using probiotics. |
Probiotics And Side Effects
Can
probiotics cause side effects?
Debra Rose Wilson
Probiotics are healthful
strains of live bacteria and yeast. Taking probiotics can provide a range of
benefits, but it can also cause side effects.
In this article, we
discuss what probiotics are, how they promote health, and how to take them
safely.
Trillions of bacteria and
other microorganisms live in the gut. Scientists refer to this community of
gut-dwelling organisms as the gut microbiota.
Research indicates that this microbiota
plays an important role in digestion and gut health, while supporting the
immune system, for example.
Some bacteria benefit
their human hosts, while other types cause harm. Disturbing the natural balance
of bacteria in the gut can lead to digestive problems, infections, and other
issues.
Studies suggest that consuming probiotics
can provide more healthful bacteria, which may help restore the balance of the
gut microbiota.
Some yogurts, supplements,
and fermented foods, including kefir, sauerkraut, and tempeh, contain
probiotics.
The most common probiotics that manufacturers
add to commercial products are species of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus bacteria.
A range of probiotic
supplements and yogurts are available to purchase online.
Research suggests that probiotics may
help manage gastrointestinal conditions, including irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Many people use
probiotics to help treat episodes of diarrhea and constipation.
There is also evidence that probiotics may help with:
·
eczema
·
obesity
·
nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
·
improving immune system function
Though taking probiotics
may provide various benefits, it can also cause side effects, including:
Digestive
symptoms
When first using
probiotics, some people experience gas, bloating, or diarrhea. Changes in the
gut microbiota can result in bacteria producing more gas than usual, which can
lead to bloating.
However, these side
effects usually clear up within a few days or weeks of taking the probiotics.
If the symptoms persist, speak with a doctor, who can explore the possible
causes.
In some cases, the doctor
may recommend switching to a different probiotic.
Skin
problems
In rare cases, probiotics
may cause skin rashes or itchiness.
Authors of a 2018 review found that two study
participants who took probiotics to treat IBS reported an itchy rash as a side
effect. This led one participant to drop out of the trial.
If a rash or severe
itching occurs, stop using the probiotic. Check the product’s labeling for any
possible allergens, and see a doctor if the rash is severe, persistent, or it
accompanies other concerning symptoms.
Once the rash has
cleared, a person can try a different product or strain of probiotic.
Allergy
risk
Anyone with an allergy or
intolerance for gluten, soy, eggs, dairy, or lactose may need to exercise
caution when choosing probiotics.
As with any supplement,
always check ingredients lists to ensure that there is no risk of an allergic
reaction. Some manufacturers offer allergen-free probiotics.
Anyone experiencing
symptoms of an allergic reaction should stop using the probiotic immediately.
Seek medical care if the reaction is severe.
Increased
risk of infection
Although probiotics are
generally safe to use, findings of a review from 2017 suggest that children
and adults with severe illnesses or compromised immune systems should avoid
using probiotics.
Some people with these
conditions have experienced bacterial or fungal infections as a result of
probiotic use.
If a person has a
condition that affects their immune system, they should speak with their doctor
before taking probiotics.
Also, anyone using
antifungal medication should wait until the infection has cleared up before
taking probiotics.
Small
intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
The small and large
intestines usually contain different types of bacteria. SIBO occurs when
bacteria from the large intestine start growing in the small intestine.
The large intestine
predominantly contains anaerobic bacteria, which do not require oxygen and live
by fermenting indigestible carbohydrates from
plant-based foods as they pass through the gut.
Symptoms of SIBO are
similar to those of IBS, including gas, bloating, and diarrhea. SIBO can also
cause brain fogginess and short-term memory problems.
Not everyone with IBS has
SIBO, but the overgrowth is more common in people with IBS. SIBO also
frequently develops in older females.
Experts do not fully
understand what causes the overgrowth, but it may result from reduced gut
motility, which slows the passage of food through the gut.
This can cause
fermentable carbohydrates to remain in the small intestine for longer.
Results of a 2018 study indicate a possible link
between SIBO and probiotic supplementation in people with brain fogginess.
The researchers found
that symptoms improved when participants stopped taking probiotics and started
taking antibiotics.
Anyone with SIBO symptoms
should consult a doctor.
Antibiotic
resistance
Rarely, probiotic
bacteria can contain antibiotic-resistant
genes. They can pass these genes on to other strains of bacteria, including the
harmful strains that cause infections.
However, manufacturers
systematically test commercial probiotics stains for the presence of antibiotic
resistance.
To reduce the risk of
consuming antibiotic-resistant bacteria, always source probiotics from trusted,
reputable manufacturers.
Little evidence suggests
that a person can overdose on probiotics. However, always read labeling
carefully and do not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended dosage.
The optimal dosage can
vary, depending on a person’s health and the type of probiotic product.
If a probiotic causes any
side effects or symptoms, consider reducing the dosage or refraining from
taking the product.
Probiotics are beneficial
strains of live bacteria or yeast. Regularly taking probiotics can help restore
the natural balance of the gut microbiota.
It may also help treat a
number of health conditions, including IBS and IBD.
Probiotics are generally
safe, and any side effects are usually mild and short-lived.
However, if a symptom is
causing concern, consider reducing the probiotic’s dosage, trying a different
strain, or stopping use altogether.
Consult a doctor about
any severe or persistent side effects.
Before using any
probiotic product, read the instructions carefully and do not exceed the
maximum dosage. People with allergies should also check labeling for potential
triggers.
Probiotics
are found in many common foods, and a variety of types of healthy bacteria are
available from the diet alone.
If you
are considering taking probiotic supplements, research your manufacturer.
The FDA
do not monitor supplements, so it is wisest to buy from a reputable drugstore
or health food chain. Always check expiry dates.
Check
the colony forming units (CFU) on the bottle to see the amount of bacteria in
the dose, and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for how much to take. Some
probiotic supplements require storage in a refrigerator.
Debra
Rose Wilson,
PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT
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