You might be familiar with the advantages of probiotics, perhaps recommended by your doctor for digestive issues. However, given the numerous types and billions of bacteria in these supplements, you may be concerned about the possibility of overdosing or experiencing side effects. Here’s a comprehensive guide on probiotic dosage.
Can You Overdose on Probiotics?
If concerns about probiotic overdosing arise, you can rest assured that it is unlikely to occur, according to Kien Vuu, MD, a board-certified radiologist and assistant clinical professor of health sciences at UCLA based in Los Angeles, California.
“In an otherwise healthy adult, it is unlikely one can overdose on probiotics to the degree that one suffers dangerous side effects or death,” Dr. Vuu explains.
While the likelihood of overdosing on probiotics is low, Dr. Vuu emphasizes the importance of adhering to the recommended dosage specified on the supplement label if you choose to take a probiotic supplement.
The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) notes that probiotic supplements typically contain 1 to 10 billion colony forming units (CFUs) per dose, with some products containing around 50 billion CFUs or more. It’s essential to note that higher CFU counts do not necessarily correlate with increased health benefits, as per the ODS.
Probiotic Safety Is Largely Unregulated
The question of whether one can overdose on probiotics requires more comprehensive research.
On one hand, the Cleveland Clinic notes that since the beneficial bacteria found in probiotics are naturally present in the body, probiotics are generally regarded as safe for use.
However, despite the general safety and tolerability of probiotics in healthy individuals, formal clinical trials examining the safety of probiotics are currently limited, according to Dr. Vuu. A review article from May 2015 in Clinical Infectious Diseases supports this view, stating that while probiotics have been used safely for many years, existing evidence does not definitively establish their safety, especially as interest in their potential to address certain health conditions grows.
It’s crucial to consider that the supplement industry, including probiotics, operates in a relatively unregulated market, Dr. Vuu emphasizes. Since probiotics are not classified as drugs, they are not required to undergo approval by the Food & Drug Administration. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with your doctor before incorporating probiotics into your routine, as recommended by the Cleveland Clinic.
Probiotic Side Effects
In addition to safety concerns, it’s crucial to be mindful of potential side effects associated with probiotics.
“When individuals initially incorporate probiotics into their routine, they may experience some gas as their gut undergoes changes in bacteria levels. These side effects are generally temporary and should diminish as the body adapts,” notes Dr. Vuu.
Despite the various health benefits probiotics may offer, they may not be suitable for everyone, as highlighted by the Cleveland Clinic. Individuals with a weakened immune system, serious illnesses, recent surgery, or other specific health conditions should exercise caution when considering probiotics.
People falling into these categories are more prone to “encounter adverse side effects such as systemic infection, severe allergic reactions, or undesired alterations in metabolism or the immune system,” warns Dr. Vuu. “It’s essential for individuals in these circumstances to consult their doctor before incorporating probiotics into their regimen.”
