Who Should Not Take Probiotics?

Although probiotics can generally be taken safely in almost any circumstance and by all ages, there are a small number of situations in which people should not take probiotics without a discussion with a doctor first as they may be contraindicated with a medical condition or certain drugs.

However, if you’re interested in taking probiotics, and you have a healthy immune system, they shouldn't cause any unpleasant long-term side effects.

Why Do People Take Probiotics?

Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that naturally live in our gut but can also be found in certain foods such as probiotic yogurt, kefir, and kimchi, as well as probiotic supplements.

These friendly bacteria help to keep our gut working properly by digesting our food, absorbing nutrients, and regulating inflammation.

But there are also other bacteria present in the gut that can be harmful to our health.

If it gets to a stage where there are more of the harmful bacteria in our gut than beneficial bacteria, also known as dysbiosis, we can experience digestive problems such as bloating and constipation as well as more serious issues like inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

We naturally have probiotics living in our digestive system but consuming probiotics is a great way to further increase the number of these beneficial bacteria in our gut.

This can lead to a decrease in the number of harmful bacteria, leading to improvements in digestion and overall health too. (Source)

There has been a lot of research done on probiotics, but there is still much to be learned about their benefits to our health.

There is also research to show that probiotics may play a role in alleviating. (Source)

• Traveller’s diarrhea
• Antibiotic-associated diarrhea
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis

Are Probiotics Safe?

While yogurt and other probiotic products have existed for thousands of years, the market for probiotic supplements and commercially produced probiotic foods is rapidly growing.

A review of probiotic research found that many studies report little to no information about the safety of probiotic products and so it can’t be concluded definitively that probiotic interventions are safe. (Source)

However, due to an extensive history of apparently safe use, probiotics are generally considered safe. (Source)

It is also important to note that probiotic foods and supplements are not considered a medical product, so they don’t always go through the same kind of rigorous testing that medicines do.

This means you can’t always be sure of their quality or authenticity.

There have been some probiotic products that have been reported to contain microorganisms other than those listed on the label.

In some instances, these contaminants may pose serious health risks.

Always read the label of any probiotic products you buy, and if you are unsure of any ingredients, be sure to do some extra research of your own.

Contraindications Of Probiotics

A contraindication is anything (including a symptom or medical condition) that is a reason for a person to not receive a particular treatment or procedure because it may be harmful. (Source)

In relation to probiotics, research has shown they may not be safe for:

Those With A Severe Illness Or Weakened Immune System

The risk of harmful effects from probiotics is greater in people with severe illnesses or compromised immune systems.

There have been reports of people with such conditions experiencing bacterial infections linked to their probiotic use. (Source)

For this reason, professional guidance is imperative if you are taking probiotics when you are severely ill or immunocompromised.

Those With Allergies

If you’re going to change up your diet or start taking a supplement in an effort to consume more probiotics, it is important that the foods or supplements are safe for you to consume.

If you have an allergy to soy, dairy, eggs, or gluten or any severe allergy, make sure you check that the ingredients in the probiotic product you’re taking are safe for you.

Interactions Of Probiotics With Other Medications

Currently, there are no known contraindications of probiotics with medical drugs or other supplements.

However, there are some interactions to consider when taking the following:

Antibiotics

It is often recommended to take a probiotic alongside antibiotics.

If you want to do this, it is best to leave 1-2 hours after taking your antibiotic before you take your probiotic, unless you have a probiotic supplement that is specifically formulated to be taken with antibiotics.

This may also be a consideration when taking a probiotic alongside any supplements that have an antimicrobial action.

Antifungal Products

If you are taking a probiotic yeast alongside any medication or supplements that are antifungal, you will want to leave 1-2 hours after taking your antifungal before taking your probiotic.

Immunosuppressant Medication Or Steroids

The risk of harmful effects from probiotics may be increased in people taking immunosuppressant medication or steroid medication such as predniSONE.

If you are on these types of medications you need to speak to your doctor before taking probiotics. (Source)

Side Effects Of Probiotics

When first incorporating a new probiotic into your diet, it can be common to experience some digestive issues.

For some, taking a new probiotic can cause gas, bloating, or diarrhea as your gut adapts to the new bacteria.

These side effects usually clear up within a few days or weeks but if symptoms persist, consult your doctor or pharmacist who may recommend switching to a different probiotic that might suit you better.

While side effects outside of this are generally rare, there are some that have been recorded.

These include:

• Increased risk of infection

  As mentioned earlier, there is a risk of infection associated with probiotic use in people with severe illnesses or compromised immune systems.

  This hasn’t been observed in healthy people.

• Allergic reaction

  Again, those with an allergy or intolerance for gluten, soy, eggs, dairy, or lactose may need to exercise caution when choosing probiotics.

  Always check ingredients lists to ensure that there is no risk of an allergic reaction.

• Skin rash

  One probiotic trial conducted in 2018 reported an itchy rash as a side effect in two participants. (Source)

• Antibiotic resistance

  Rarely, probiotic bacteria can contain antibiotic-resistant genes.

  These antibiotic resistance genes can be passed from the probiotic bacteria to other strains of bacteria in the digestive tract, including the harmful strains that cause infections.

  To reduce the risk of consuming antibiotic-resistant bacteria, always source probiotics from trusted, reputable manufacturers.

Takeaway

Probiotics are generally safe, and any side effects are usually mild and short-lived.

However, if a symptom is causing concern, consider reducing the dosage, trying a different strain of probiotics, or stopping use altogether.

Probiotic effects should subside fairly quickly once usage is stopped.

Consult a doctor if you are concerned or if you have 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.