Probiotic Side Effects

Although, by definition, probiotic supplements are human friendly, some people may not be able to tolerate them. They may have food allergies, or their digestive tract may be sensitive to fermented foods, or the milk derivatives that are present in some probiotic supplements. Those that are lactose intolerant, or the vegetarians among us should choose a probiotic supplement that's rice-based.

The reliability of these products is up for debate, because as a dietary supplement they aren't regulated by the FDA. Also, many studies demonstrate the difficulty of keeping the beneficial bacteria alive as they pass through the body. One study found that one third of probiotic supplements contained no living microorganisms, and only thirteen percent contained all the bacteria species listed on the label. Here are some guidelines for judging the effectiveness of probiotic supplements:

- What is the number of viable organisms? Anything below 1 billion bacteria per gram isn't really enough to be therapeutic.
- What kind of organisms are present? Single-strain varieties are more useful than those with more than one strain of bacteria, because the different strains may compete with each other and be less effective as a result.
- What form is the supplement in? Powdered supplements are generally considered to be more effective than liquids. Powders that are encapsulated are the next best thing.
- How will it be stored? If it isn't refrigerated, it could lose its potency.

As for side effects, there aren't really that many. One of the few is a condition known as excessive drainage syndrome, which can entail diarrhea, headache, bloating, or even constipation. Another reported side effect is excess gas. These can usually be attributed to the cleansing of toxins from the body, and could last for a few days, but they usually go away.

If they are bothersome, practitioners recommend lowering your dosage, or getting a colonic irrigation before starting therapy. Of course, before you start any supplement, you should discuss its benefits and risks with your healthcare professional.