According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, probiotics are used as natural supplements to treat a number of health problems. For example, they are often taken to help regain the balance of the intestinal flora, which is sometimes affected when you take antibiotics. While the benefits are often publicized, probiotics are not always a good choice.
Infection
According to dietitian Catherine Collins from London's St George's Hospital, probiotics can be dangerous for people with a weak immune system. When the immune system is compromised, any foreign organism introduced might be seen as a threat. As a result, the body will spend resources in fighting the "invasion." In some cases, it might result in something called lactobacillus septicemia, a life-threatening infection.
Digestive Problems
In most people, probiotics cause few to no side effects. However, they can cause bloating and other mild gastrointestinal issues. People with a healthy digestive system should be able to deal with those side effects, but those with a damaged GI tract can have more serious problems. While probiotics are often used to treat diarrhea, it can actually cause it in some people. If not addressed quickly, diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
Immune System Overstimulation
According to a 2006 study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," there's no way to know what could result from manipulating the intestinal flora and how this could affect the immune system. In fact, the study showed that taking probiotics might cause immune system overstimulation. This is a major risk in pregnant women. An overstimulated immune system can lead to inflammation of the brain and lead to Alzheimer's disease and other health issues.
References
- Daily Mail: So-Called 'Friendly' Bacteria May be Dangerous, According to New Research
- Drugs.com: Probiotics
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Introduction to Probiotics
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Probiotic Use in Clinical Practice: What Are the Risks?; Robert J Boyle, Roy M Robins-Browne and Mimi LK Tang; June 2006
- American Holistic Health Association (AHHA): The Immune System
