Probiotics are generally considered safe. However, there are some risks linked to the supplements. These risks are increased if you have a medical condition that weakens your immune system, have recently had surgery or have other serious medical conditions.
“The supplements can be costly, and there isn't enough evidence to prove a benefit or confirm lack of harm.” Probiotics are microscopic organisms — including certain bacteria and yeast — that live in the digestive tract and are also found in a variety of foods and dietary supplements.
Some medications that may interact with certain probiotics include: antibiotics, antifungals (such as clotrimazole, ketoconazole, griseofulvin, nystatin).
Some reports have linked probiotics to serious infections and other side effects. The people most likely to have trouble are those with immune system problems, people who've had surgery, and others who are critically ill. Don't take probiotics if you have any of those issues.
Probiotic consumption significantly changed systolic BP by −3.56 mm Hg (95% confidence interval, −6.46 to −0.66) and diastolic BP by −2.38 mm Hg (95% confidence interval, −2.38 to −0.93) compared with control groups.
Before using probiotics, we recommend carefully weighing the possible benefits against the potential risks. While many probiotics are probably safe for most healthy people, risk of side effects might outweigh any benefit for patients with certain conditions.
Regularly taking probiotics has generally been shown to be safe, according to the NIH, especially Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The most common side effect is gas. Some cases of infections have resulted in severe illness in immunocompromised or severely ill patients after taking probiotics.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient that can be taken at the same time as probiotics. Some research notes positive effects of intentionally pairing them, both for enhanced vitamin D absorption as well as for improved lactate utilization in athletes.
If there is a disturbance in the gut, this cause the increased growth of more pathogenic (i.e., “bad”) bacteria over “good” bacteria, which results in generation of uremic toxins. Using probiotics (“good bacteria”) for removal of uremic toxins from the colon could help to maintain healthy kidney function.
However, people who are very ill and people who have a weak immune system should be cautious about eating or drinking probiotic products or taking probiotic supplements. Common side effects of consuming probiotics might include gas and bloating.
I frequently recommend a well-studied Lactobacillus-containing probiotic — such as Culturelle, DanActive, or BioGaia — to patients who have experienced this in the past. I also found this strategy to be effective for my own children. Infectious gastroenteritis.
Skin problems. In rare cases, probiotics may cause skin rashes or itchiness. Authors of a 2018 review found that two study participants who took probiotics to treat IBS reported an itchy rash as a side effect.
Research shows the best time to take a probiotic is first thing in the morning before eating breakfast or before going to sleep at night. Probiotics are most effective when taken on an empty stomach.
Certain medications (bile acid sequestrants such as cholestyramine/colestipol, mineral oil, orlistat) can decrease the absorption of vitamin D. Take your doses of these medications as far as possible from your doses of vitamin D (at least 2 hours apart, longer if possible).
Vitamins D, E and K
“Studies have shown that a person's absorption of Vitamin K may be reduced when other fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin E and Vitamin D are taken together,” says Dr. Chris Airey, M.D. “It's advised that you take these vitamins at least 2 hours apart to maximize your absorption.”
The bottom line is that probiotics may be one of the best supplements on the market to address the health and wellness of an elderly person's digestive issues. While new research is always needed to further prove those benefits, doctors will continue to advise their elderly patients of the benefits of probiotics.
For chronic conditions or general immune health, it may be most beneficial to take probiotics for weeks or months at a time. Most people can tolerate probiotics well, and they can help restore or balance the healthy gut microbiome.
How long after probiotic can I drink coffee? You can drink coffee immediately after taking a probiotic supplement. In fact, drinking coffee may help increase the number of beneficial bacteria in your gut. However, you should avoid drinking caffeinated beverages if you are taking antibiotics.
Probiotics can be beneficial for both adults and kids. If your child has an illness that requires an antibiotic medication for treatment, taking a probiotic can help shorten symptoms. Probiotics can also be used to help relieve constipation, acid reflux, diarrhea, gas and eczema in children.
Depending on how sensitive you are, many people feel a difference after a few days. More fundamental effects of the probiotics such as improvements to mood, weight loss or a reduction in inflammation of your gut barrier might set in after 4-8 weeks.