Side Effect of Probiotics
As a nutritionist I love foods that improve our health. Especially whole, natural foods free of preservatives, growth hormones, and pesticides. I look for foods and nutrients that work with the body's natural physiology, hormone system and immune system rather than blocking or interrupting it (like a typical drug approach). My first impression about packaged probiotics was one of skepticism and concern. The concept of probiotics is to infect (colonize) the body with helpful bacteria. What happens if something goes wrong? Bacteria - good or bad - are live creatures that could theoretically cause harm. Is there a chance for harmful side effects of probiotics?
THE BIGGEST CONCERN WITH MOST PROBIOTIC PRODUCTS IS NOT SIDE EFFECTS, IT IS WHETHER THEY ARE HAVING ANY EFFECT AT ALL.
The more you learn about probiotics, the less you have to fear and the more you hope they are actually doing anything at all. Most probiotic products don't actually survive the time on the shelf and the passage through the digestive tract. They actually die before getting a chance to help (or hurt) and are therefore not harmful or helpful anymore than regular food, such as a banana. The majority of low-end probiotic-fortified supplements and powders on the market fall into this category - or at least do not have any credible proof that the bacteria are actually colonizing into the digestive tract and conferring a benefit to the person. Therefore the bacteria in the product cannot cause you any harm.
Some live microorganisms have a long history of use as probiotics without causing illness in people. It is important to understand that each strain of probiotic bacteria is different and will therefore confer differing health benefits and side effects. The same strains will perform differently in different preparations. Use of probiotics is a science and the side effects of one product have nothing to do with those of another. Some probiotics' safety has not been thoroughly studied scientifically, however. More information is especially needed on how safe they are for young children, elderly people, and people with compromised immune systems such as AIDS patients. Looking for "side effects of probiotics" is similar to looking for "side effects of drugs" - each drug must be studied individually just as each strain and preparation of a probiotic product must be scientifically analyzed for efficacy and safety on its own.
Probiotics' side effects, if they occur, tend to be mild and digestive such as gas or bloating (although some probiotics are specifically observed to reduce upset stomachs). Probiotics might theoretically cause infections that need to be treated with antibiotics, especially in people with underlying health conditions. Conversely, those who take antibiotics may need to take a probiotic to restore their good bacteria since the antibiotic will destroy them. Probiotics could also cause unhealthy metabolic activities, too much stimulation of the immune system, or gene transfer (insertion of genetic material into a cell). However, such effects are theoretical and overwhelming research has not suggested this to be the case. Most probiotics are widely considered to be as safe as eating yogurt.
Probiotics as a medical research subject is in its infancy and is one of the hottest and most exciting areas of human health and nutrition.
If you would like to research in more detail, please see FAQ references for specific studies. Many of these studies (and further research) can be found on PubMed.
| *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. |