Probiotics

What it is

Probiotics are live microorganisms — mostly bacteria, sometimes yeasts — that confer a health benefit when taken in adequate amounts. They work by competing with harmful microbes, producing short-chain fatty acids, lowering colonic pH, and reinforcing the gut barrier, with effects that depend heavily on the specific strain.

Benefits

Specific strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii cut the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea by about 51% at roughly 10–20 billion CFU/day; multi-strain products modestly ease IBS symptoms.

When to take it

Taken daily, ideally started within the first two days of an antibiotic course when used to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea; choose products that list viable CFU at expiration and follow storage instructions.

Side effects

Generally safe in healthy people, with mild gas or bloating that usually resolves. Immunocompromised, critically ill, and preterm-infant populations should avoid most products — invasive infections including bacteremia and fungemia have been reported, with an FDA warning for preterm infants.

Sources

• Probiotics — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (Health Professional Fact Sheet)
• Probiotics for the Prevention of Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea in Adults: A Meta-Analysis

Products containing Probiotics

No products in our database contain this ingredient yet.