Are There Any Side Effect To Taking Probiotics?

Probiotics, also known as "friendly bacteria," provide a host of health benefits. They can keep your intestines healthy and help to treat conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, boost your immune system and help you fight food allergies or skin conditions such as eczema. However, there are a few side effects you can develop when taking probiotics.

Digestive Gas

The most common side effect of taking probiotics is an increase in digestive gas. Although this is not usually dangerous, it can cause discomfort and pain. It's usually due to your body getting used to taking probiotics. As such, introduce probiotics into your diet gradually to avoid getting gassy. In other words, start off with the minimum amount recommended on the label or by your doctor, and work your way up to the maximum amount.

Infection

Some people, such as those who have an immunosuppressive condition, might develop a dangerous infection from being exposed to a particular species or strain of probiotic. In one known case, this infection has been fatal, according to NYU Langone Medical Center. Risk factors for becoming immunosuppressed include having HIV or cancer, taking corticosteroids, being malnourished or having had your spleen removed. If you're immunosuppressed, speak to your doctor before taking probiotics.

Allergic Reactions

More than 12 million Americans suffer from a food allergy, according to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. A food allergy can cause symptoms such as itching, nausea, difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis, which can be lethal. In December 2010, Health Canada issued a warning about probiotic pills or powders from four different brands containing traces of soy or milk. These products were labeled as not containing milk or soy, so simply checking labels may not protect you. Watch out for any food allergy-related symptoms if you are taking probiotic pills or powders.

How to Take Probiotics

The amount of probiotics you should take varies depending on your purpose for taking them and the type of probiotic you're taking. In general, typical daily doses range between 1 billion and 10 billion live organisms, which you take in three or four divided doses, according to registered dietitian Leslie Beck in her book "The Complete A-Z Nutrition Encyclopedia." Starting at the lower dose might help you recover more quickly from any side effects. To get the maximum benefits of probiotics, take them on a full stomach, which is less acidic and allows more of the organisms to survive.