Dangers in Probiotics
Probiotics are often discussed in terms of their ability to do good things for a person's health. They may be helpful for everything from treating diarrhea and yeast infections to preventing inflammation and eczema. Amidst all the talk about the good of probiotics, however, they may cause minor side effects.
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Definition
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Probiotics are microbes---organisms too small to see without a microscope---that resemble bacteria naturally found in a person's digestive system. They are frequently referred to as good or friendly bacteria, as they do not cause harm. Some people consume probiotics, which are alive at the time of consumption, in dietary supplements and in food. They are said to aid digestion and provide some protection from bacteria that cause harm.
Foods
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There are many foods that contain probiotics, including fermented products, yogurts, juices, sauerkraut, some varieties of pickles, some soft cheeses and some chocolates. They are also found in both fermented and unfermented milk.
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Side Effects
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According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), live microbes have been used for many years without proving to be dangerous, though they haven't been studied enough to guarantee safety. However, side effects are usually mild and may include gas, diarrhea and bloating. As with any food or supplement, probiotics may cause allergic reactions in some people. According to drugs.com, reports of problems caused by probiotics have been isolated, but people with serious gastrointestinal damage and those with compromised immune systems should be cautious about taking them as supplements.
Regulation
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Supplements that contain probiotics are not regulated in the same manner as medications. Instead, they are regulated as foods. According to WebMD, this means they can be sold with less or even no testing and research into their potential dangers. Additionally, supplement quality may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, depending on the process used in production and the ingredients added.
Recommendation
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Discuss probiotics with your doctor before you use them, as she may be able to give you advice that pertains to your specific heath status. Additionally, she may help you decide whether to use probiotics to prevent certain illnesses in lieu of or in conjunction with conventional measures.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of nutmeg) (megan soh
