Probiotics is a term used to describe supplements that contain microorganisms that are similar to the bacteria normally found in the human body. Probiotics can be used to treat many different conditions, particularly problems with the digestive tract. The dosage of a probiotic supplement depends on why you are taking it. Talk to your doctor before taking probiotics or any other supplement.
Pediatric Doses
Probiotics can treat a variety of health problems in children; the doses are typically measured in terms of "live organisms" or "colony forming units" or CFUs. One of the more commonly used strains of probiotics is Lactobacillus GG. Recommended doses include 5 billion to 10 billion CFUs of Lactobacillus GG to treat viral diarrhea in children and 6 billion to prevent diarrhea. For children suffering from diarrhea due to antibiotics, the dosage is 20 billion live organisms of Lactobacillus GG, according to MedlinePlus. Lactobacillus bacteria in doses of 5 billion twice a day can also be given to prevent respiratory infections.
Adult Doses
Probiotics also can treat problems in adults. Adults can take 2 billion organisms of Lactobacillus GG each day to prevent "traveler's diarrhea." A special mixture of different probiotic bacteria, known as VSL#3, has also been used to treat irritable bowel syndrome in doses of 450 billion organisms two times per day. To prevent the common cold, use doses of 1 billion organisms; consume 10 billion to 20 billion organisms of Lactobacillus GG to treat diarrhea due to chemotherapy.
Dosage Variation
One of the problems with taking probiotics is that as dietary supplements, they are not as carefully regulated as they would be if they were classified as medications. This means that there is more likely to be variation between the levels of probiotic bacteria in different kinds of supplements; it also means that the amount of organisms listed on the label of a supplement may differ from its actual content. Some probiotic supplements need to be kept under certain conditions, because heat, light or other things can kill them.
Side Effects
Probiotic supplements can cause abdominal bloating, belching and flatulence, because the bacteria produce gas when they break down food in your intestines. If you experience severe problems related to gas, you may want to start with a lower dose of probiotics and then gradually increase your dose to allow your digestive tract to adjust to the increased levels of bacteria. Talk to your doctor before taking probiotic supplements.
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