Are probiotics safe to consume on a regular basis?

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.

Do you have enough healthy bacteria?

In a world where we’re bombarded with information on how to kill infectious bacteria and are regularly prescribed antibiotics, most people wouldn’t think that our body actually needs bacteria to live. Yet, the human body contains over 400 different species of healthy bacteria — or probiotics — that are essential for numerous biological processes.¹ Unfortunately, maintaining a naturally healthy balance of these so-called friendly bacteria can be challenging. But with a few smart choices, you can help overcome these challenges to effectively deliver these healthy bacteria to your intestines where they do their handy work. Read on to learn more.

Bacteria with benefits

Probiotics, which literally means “for life” is a term used to signify the health promoting properties of friendly bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, which naturally inhabit the human gastrointestinal system. Lactobacilli organisms reside mainly in the small intestine, while Bifidobacteria prefer the large intestine or colon.

Probiotics enhance our health in three key ways. First, they help create substances that fuel and reinforce the gastrointestinal tract. Second, probiotics assist in the generation and absorption of certain vitamins. Finally, they help maintain a healthy immune system.^2†

Why supplement with probiotics?

Probiotic bacteria are in a dynamic state where their levels fluctuate with the changing environment.³ For example, the foods we eat can either increase or decrease specific types of bacteria in our intestines. And, as we age, the levels of Bifidobacteria in the colon tend to decline.⁴ Fortunately, supplementingcan help restore levels of these bacteria so important for gastrointestinal and immune health your diet with probiotics .^1,3,5†

Choose your probiotic carefully

The better a probiotic can survive high temperatures, oxygen, moisture, stomach acid and other environmental influences, the more effective it will be.⁶ So it’s important to look for a supplement designed to protect probiotics against these damaging factors.

One such supplement is Natrol® Biobeads® Acidophilus Complex, which uses a patented encapsulation process to wrap the probiotics in a triple shell beadlet. This shell creates a protective shield against damaging influences. The encapsulation technology also helps ensure the stability of the probiotic bacteria throughout a product’s shelf-life, which can be difficult given the relative sensitivity of probiotics.

To help improve the colonization of probiotics in both the small and large intestine, look for a supplement that contains both Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria organisms (see Table 1).

Finally, shape the habit of supplementing with probiotics every day. This will help ensure you’re fueling your body with a regular intake of beneficial bacteria needed for optimal health.^1,2,3,8†

Table 1. Comparison of Functions of Select Probiotics
Function	Probiotic
	L. acidophilus	B. bifidum	B. longum	L. rhamnosus
Survives stomach acids	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*	Yes
Colonizes small intestine	Yes	No	No	Yes
Colonizes colon	No	Yes	Yes	No
Supports immunity	Yes	Yes	Not determined	Yes
Antioxidant	Yes	Not determined	Yes	Not determined
Gastrointestinal support	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
L indicates the genus Lactobacillius; B, the genus Bifidobacterium. * To some degree.

References

1. Rolfe RD. The role of probiotic cultures in the control of gastrointestinal health. J Nutr. 2000;130:396S-402S
2. Thompson Healthcare. Probiotics Monograph. Available at: http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/pro_0034.shtml. Accessed on August 27, 2007.
3. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Probiotics. Available at: www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed on April 11, 2007.
4. Reuter G. The Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium microflora of the human intestine: composition and succession. Curr Issues Intest Microbiol. 2001;2:43-53.
5. De Simone C, Ciardi A, Grassi A, et al. Effect of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus on gut mucosa and peripheral blood B lymphocytes. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 1992;14:331-340.
6. Bezkorovainy A. Probiotics: determinants of survival and growth in the gut. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001; 73: 399S-405S.
7. Sunohara et al. Process for producing capsule and capsule obtained thereby. Patent Number 5,478,570. December 26, 1995.
8. Reid G, Jass J, Sebulsky MT, McCormick JK. Potential uses of probiotics in clinical practice. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2003;16:658-672.

^†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.