Probiotics

In brief

Probiotics are live microorganisms (often Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, or Saccharomyces boulardii) that support gut flora balance and contribute to digestive health.
👉 Their effectiveness depends on the strain, dosage, and duration of use.

🟢 What it does (main evidence)

• Post-antibiotic diarrhea: strong evidence, especially with S. boulardii and L. rhamnosus GG.
• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome): moderate improvement in pain and bloating (strain-dependent).
• Intestinal infections / irregular transit: reduced recurrence risk in several trials.
• Gut immune health: some strains support healthy intestinal permeability and mucosal defenses.

🟡 What’s unclear

• Results are highly strain-specific — a “multi-strain” product isn’t automatically better.
• Effects may take 4–8 weeks to appear.
• Benefits often fade after discontinuation.

🔴 What it doesn’t do

• Does not “detoxify” the body.
• No proven effect on weight loss or chronic fatigue.
• Not a substitute for antibiotics or treatment for autoimmune diseases.

Dosage & usage (non-prescriptive)

• 5–20 billion CFU/day, 1–2 servings depending on tolerance.
• Trial period of 4–8 weeks before evaluation.
• Take away from antibiotics (≥ 2 h).
• Store cool and dry, per manufacturer guidance.

Safety

• Generally well tolerated.
• May cause temporary bloating during the first few days.
• Use caution with severe immunodeficiency, heart prosthesis, or systemic infection (rare but documented risk).

Risks & interactions

• May cause temporary bloating at first; use caution in immunocompromised individuals.
• Take 2h apart from antibiotics; some strains may interact with autoimmune conditions.

Quality tips

• Check:
  • Exact strain (e.g., Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG).
  • Viable count (CFU) at expiration date.
  • Storage conditions (refrigerated or shelf-stable).
• Prefer brands with COA / viability testing and transparent strain labeling.
• Avoid “detox” products lacking scientific evidence.

Sources

• Examine.com — Probiotics Overview
• NIH/ODS — Gut Health & Microbiome
• Health Canada — Natural Health Products: Digestive Category