Are probiotic supplements harmful? Know health and safety risks

Are probiotic supplements harmful? Know health and safety risks

7 minutes, 39 seconds Read

Introduction

Natasha Trenev, founder of Natren Probiotics and 750-year-old descent yogurt-maker of royalties, and I (natural intestinal health expert, Jini Patel Thompson), discuss claims and interpretations made in This video with Dr. Sean SpencerGastroenterologist.

Together we treat controversial statements about probiotic supplements that are harmful, possibly even fatal and today we unpack the wrong information and the lack of scientific understanding of probiotics.



Listen to your belly

Are probiotic supplements harmful? Know health and safety risks



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Podcast Show Notes

1. Fermented food and microbial diversity

We looked at the benefits of fermented food. These foods seemed to support the microbial diversity and lower the inflammation. There was a discussion about whether the benefits came from the bacteria, their metabolites or the fiber in the food.

Fermented food: Inputed vegetables, probiotic and fermentation

2. Probiotics in pill form

We doubted the effectiveness of probiotic supplements in pill form. It was suggested that these may not work as well as fermented foods, which naturally help improve microbiome and reduce inflammatory markers.

3. Clinical examinations and probiotic efficacy

The way clinical tests are designed has been raised. Many tests may not be led by people who understand how living bacteria function. It was noted that we still have no clear definition of what a healthy microbiome looks like.

4. Health implications and public awareness

Misin information about probiotics is a great concern. There is still a lack of information supported by science available to the public. We spoke about the need for better education about how probiotics work and their limits.

5. Probiotic production and market practices

Production practices were also discussed. Natasha described her method of freezing probiotics together with their natural metabolites. This approach is rare in industry, but can lead to better results.

Main takeaway restaurants

  • Fermented foods were found to support the microbial diversity and reduce inflammation, possibly because of the metabolites they contain.
  • Probiotic supplements in pill form turned out not to be as effective as naturally fermented foods.
  • Improved design of clinical test was considered necessary for a better understanding of the effects of probiotic health.
  • Clearly, science -based public education was considered essential to correct continuous incorrect information.
  • Advanced production techniques, such as freezing probiotics with their metabolites, were considered important to increase the effectiveness of the supplement.

Conclusion

This episode looked closely at how probiotics and fermented foods influence intestinal health. We have challenged a number of common ideas and have gaps on holes in science and industrial practices. More awareness and better standards are needed to get ahead.

What are probiotic supplements?

Probiotic supplements contain living micro -organisms. These are often mentioned Good bacteria or useful microbes. These supplements are intended to support digestion and overall human health.

Probiotics powder and pills in spoon. Concept of food supplement for skin beauty

Most probiotic products include trunks from Lactobacillus And Bifidobacterium. These probiotic tribes are intended to balance intestinal bacteria. It is also believed that they help prevent digestive problems and inflammatory bowel disorders.

Some supplements claim to help with weight loss, irritable bowel syndrome and regular bowel movements. However, the actual health benefits depend on the quality of the product and the condition of the person who uses it.

The problem with the most probiotic products

Lack of standards

The dietary supplement industry does not follow strict regulations. There are no clear standards for probiotic supplementation. Many products include several types in one capsule. These species can compete with each other. They can release natural antimicrobial agents to survive, which weakens the entire mix.

According to Natasha, even well -known probiotic products often do not meet scientific quality. Her probiotic labeling standard was read in the American congress record. Yet most companies ignore it. This leads to poor quality control and non -rewarded claims.

Probiotic capsules and transparent glass bottle on white background with blue reflection.

Living bacteria cannot survive

Living bacteria must survive storage, transport and digestion. Many supplements do not take care of it. The number of colony -forming units (CFUs) on the label only shows how many bacteria were present at the time of the package. By the time the capsule reaches the digestive tract, most can be dead.

These capsules must go through stomach acid and bile. Even useful bacteria cannot survive without protection. A product can mention 90 billion CFUs, but do not deliver a intestinal tract.

Risks and side effects

For people with health problems

The use of probiotics can cause problems in people with a weakened immune system. Early babies or people who use central venous catheters are, for example, confronted with higher risks. In such cases, living microorganisms can cause infections. Allergic reactions have also been reported.

For people with severe medical conditions, probiotic supplementation with caution must be approached. Healthcare providers must evaluate at least before they recommend a probiotic product.

Probiotics medical equipment eat healthy concept.

Misleading clinical investigations

Many clinical studies use stool samples to analyze intestinal microbiome. However, this only reflects bacteria in the colon. It does not show what happens in the small intestine, what the key is for digestion.

Some studies use mice to study probiotic effects. But the intestinal bacteria in mice are very different from people. Lab mice have poor health health. These differences make the results unreliable.

One study claimed that probiotics reduced the recovery of intestinal microbiome after the use of antibiotics. Nevertheless, it compared the results with faecal transplants using the patient’s own feces. This ignored whether their pre-antibiotic intestine was in the first place.

The role of fermented food

Some say that fermented foods are a better option. Fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi and sauerkraut contain probiotic bacteria. They can support digestion and immune function. But Natasha brought different concerns.

Many people ferment food at home without the right methods. Some simply add salt, no living cultures. There are no standards. Harmful bacteria or fungal infections can occur.

Woman who makes kombucha

Some fermented foods also contain bacteria such as Lactobacillus plantarum. This tension can harm bifidobacteriaThat are essential for the health of the intestine. So not all fermented foods offer the same beneficial effects.

Why most probiotics fail

Many probiotic products are made by external manufacturers. Brands do not always investigate, formulate or test their own products. This leads to poor quality control. Without a vertical integrated process, the survival of active cultures cannot be guaranteed.

Few companies retain the intrinsic Supernatant – Benarfic metabolites created during fermentation. Natasha’s company, Natren, is one of the few who freeze bacteria with these metabolites.

Who should use probiotics?

Healthy people

Healthy people can benefit from probiotics. But only if the probiotic tribes are well investigated and the product is of high quality. These people have less chance of experiencing side effects.

People with digestive problems

People with digestive problems can try probiotic supplements. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis or lactose intolerance can respond well to the right probiotics.

abdominal pain

Yet each individual has a unique composition of the intestinal bacteria. The same supplement can have different effects for different people.

Consult a healthcare provider

Before starting a daily probiotic supplement, talk to your doctor. This is especially important if you have health problems or other medicines. Only a health star can assess the safety of probiotics in your situation.

Summary and recommendations

  • Most probiotic supplements on the market lack quality control.
  • Labels can be misleading. CFU counts may not reflect living bacteria.
  • States in capsules with multiple species can cancel each other.
  • People with a weakened immune system must be careful.
  • Fool tests are not reliable indicators for the health of the intestine.
  • Fermented foods are not always safe or effective.
  • Only use products supported by science and ethical production.

Last thoughts

Probiotic supplements are not all the same. Many do not offer the health benefits they claim. Some can even be harmful. It is important to understand how probiotics work. Choose with care products made. Consult a healthcare provider to ensure that they are safe for you.

Intestinal health is essential for overall well -being. But restoring a healthy intestinal microbiome is complex. Use probiotics wisely and make informed choices.

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