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- ''The Lancet''; Probiotic Prophylaxis Predicted Severe Acute Pancreatitis: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial; M.G. Besselink, et al.; February 2008
- ''The Lancet''; Probiotic Prophylaxis Predicted Severe Acute Pancreatitis: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial; M.G. Besselink, et al.; February 2008
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Friendly bacteria that naturally reside in the body promote digestive health, boost the immune system and provide other benefits. Several forms of these ‘’good’’ bacteria are readily available as nutritional supplements and using them might address specific health concerns, though not enough evidence exists in most cases to make any firm conclusions about their benefits. While generally safe for the average, healthy person to take, some concerns surround the use of probiotics in specific instances.
Side Effects
Probiotics generally do not cause any significant side effects. Taking them in larger amounts might produce digestive issues, such as gas and bloating, but they are usually temporary. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes a case report of one individual suffering a severe allergic reaction to prebiotics, a supplement similar to probiotics; this type of reaction is very rare, however 12.
- Probiotics generally do not cause any significant side effects.
- The University of Maryland Medical Center notes a case report of one individual suffering a severe allergic reaction to prebiotics, a supplement similar to probiotics; this type of reaction is very rare, however 1.
Concerns for Individuals with Compromised Immune Systems
Side Effects of Kyo-Dophilus Probiotics
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While probiotics might offer certain benefits for the immune system, they might actually do harm in individuals with compromised immunity. In this case, probiotics might actually cause infections. If you take drugs that weaken the immune system, such as chemotherapy agents or immunosuppressants, or have conditions that suppress your immune function, such as HIV, using probiotics, might do more harm than good.
The University of Michigan Health System notes nine case reports of individuals who had compromised immune function, contracting a severe fungal infection after using the probiotic S. boulardii 1.
- While probiotics might offer certain benefits for the immune system, they might actually do harm in individuals with compromised immunity.
- If you take drugs that weaken the immune system, such as chemotherapy agents or immunosuppressants, or have conditions that suppress your immune function, such as HIV, using probiotics, might do more harm than good.
Concerns for Critically Ill Patients
A Dutch study, published in the February 2008 issue of ‘’The Lancet,’ wanted to test the effects of probiotics in preventing infections in patients with severe acute pancreatitis, a condition with a high risk of complications 3. The mortality rate was actually higher in the treatment group than the placebo group. In this instance, you should not use probiotic supplements. An article published in the London-based ‘’Sunday Times,’’ in November 2008 reports the results of this study led the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority to rule these supplements should not be used in any patients in intensive care 4. The results of this study raise concerns about the use of probiotic supplements in seriously ill individuals.
Individuals with Artificial Heart Valves
Should I Take a Probiotic Every Day?
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The University of Maryland Medical Center reports the probiotic lactobacillus acidophilus might cause a rare bacterial infection in patients with artificial heart valves 2. If this applies to you, definitely avoid this strain and check with your doctor before using any other type of probiotic.
Related Articles
References
- University of Michigan Health System: Probiotics
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- ''The Lancet''; Probiotic Prophylaxis Predicted Severe Acute Pancreatitis: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial; M.G. Besselink, et al.; February 2008
- ''The Sunday Times''; Probiotics Not So Friendly After All?; November 2008
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Probiotics: What you need to know. Updated August 2019.
- Su G, Ko C, Bercik, P, ET al. AGA clinical practice guidelines on the role of probiotics in the management of gastrointestinal disorders. Gastroenterology. June 9 2020. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.05.059
- Didari T, Mozaffari S, Nikfar S, Abdollahi M. Effectiveness of probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome: Updated systematic review with meta-analysis. World J Gastroenterol. 2015;21(10):3072-3084. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i10.3072
- Homayouni A, Bastani P, Somayeh Z, et al. Effects of probiotics on the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis: A review. Low Genit Tract Dis. 2014 Jan;18(1):79-86. doi:10.1097/LGT.0b013e31829156ec
- Falagas ME, Betsi GI, Athanasiou S. Probiotics for prevention of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: a review. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2006;58(2):266-72. doi:10.1093/jac/dkl246
- Floch MH, Walker WA, Madsen K, et al. Recommendations for probiotic use-2011 update. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2011;45 Suppl:S168-71. doi:10.1097/MCG.0b013e318230928b
- Doherty G, Bennett G, Patil S, Cheifetz A, Moss AC. Interventions for prevention of post-operative recurrence of Crohn's disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;(4):CD006873.doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006873.pub2
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Probiotics. Updated une 26, 2019.
- Cai, J.; Zhao, C.; Du, Y. et al. Comparative efficacy and tolerability of probiotics for antibiotic-associated diarrhea: Systematic review with network meta-analysis. United European Gastroenterol J. 2018 Mar; 6(2): 169-80. DOI: 10.1177/2050640617736987.
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Kelli Cooper has been a writer since 2009, specializing in health and fitness. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Rutgers University and is a certified personal trainer with the American Council on Exercise.