Are probiotics safe to consume on a regular basis?

<Back  

The safety of probiotics is well documented. In addition to their long-term use in the food supply, published studies and extensive safety reviews on probiotics reveal a virtual absence of reported adverse events associated with the consumption of various probiotic strains. Read on to learn more about their history of use, documented safety and individuals who should be cautious when using probiotics.

History of safe use
Probiotics have a long history of safe use in the food supply. The use of microorganisms in food fermentation is one of the oldest methods for producing and preserving food. In fact, much of the world depends upon various fermented foods that are staples in the diet.1,2 Interestingly, soured milks and cultured dairy products, such as kefir, were often used therapeutically before the existence of probiotic microorganisms was recognized.1

Clinical research documents safety

There have been a variety of clinical studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of probiotics in infants, children, healthy adults, pregnant women and other populations.2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9† Extensive safety reviews on probiotics reveal a virtual absence of reported adverse events associated with the consumption of various probiotic strains. While there have been a few isolated reports linking probiotics with adverse effects, these incidents occurred in individuals with severe underlying conditions.4,10,11 In healthy individuals, the most common side effects are digestive upset such as bloating, flatulence or constipation.11

Some individuals should be cautious when using probiotics
Although some evidence suggests that probiotics are safe for consumption during pregnancy and lactation, pregnant women and nursing mothers should only use probiotic dietary supplements if recommended or approved by their physician. Individuals with compromised immune systems or people who have or suspect a medical condition should also consult their physician before taking probiotics supplements.



References

  1. Shortt C. The probiotic century: historical and current perspectives. Trends Food Sci Technol. 1999; 10:411-417.
  2. Saavedra JM, Abi-Hanna A, Moore N, Yolken RH. Long-term consumption of infant formulas containing live probiotic bacteria: tolerance and safety. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004;79:261-267. PMID: 14749232
  3. Sanders ME. Considerations for use of probiotic bacteria to modulate human health. J Nutr. 2000; 130:384S-390S. PMID: 10721912
  4. Elmer GW. Probiotics: living drugs. Am J Health-Syst Pharm. 2001;58:1101-1109. PMID: 11449853
  5. Salminen S, Wright AV, Morelli L, et al. Demonstration of safety of probiotics: a review. Int J Food Microbiol. 1998;44:93-106. PMID: 9849787
  6. O'Brien J, Crittenden R, Ouwehand AC, Salminen S. Safety evaluation of probiotics. Trends Food Sci Technol. 1999; 10:418-424.
  7. Rautava S, Kalliomaki M, Isolauri E. Probiotics during pregnancy and breast-feeding might confer immunomodulatory protection against atopic disease in the infant. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2002;109:119-121. PMID: 11799376
  8. Rinne M, Kalliomaki M, Arvilommi H, Salminen S, Isolauri E. Effect of probiotics and breastfeeding on the bifidobacterium and lactobacillus/enterococcus microbiota and humoral immune responses. J Pediatr. 2005;147:186-191. PMID: 16126047
  9. Nishijima K, Shukunami K, Kotsuji F. Probiotics affects vaginal flora in pregnant women, suggesting the possibility of preventing preterm labor. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2005;39:447-448. PMID: 15815217
  10. Tufts EBCAM. Safety of Probiotics. Available at: http://www.tufts.edu/med/ebcam/nutrition/safety.html.
  11. Thomson Healthcare. Probiotics Monograph. Available at: http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/pro_0034.shtml.