Probiotic Supplements: Are They Right for You?

 Probiotic Supplements: Are They Right for You?

Probiotic supplements line store shelves, but should you be using them?

 

Recent research has shifted the understanding of these supplements. Once considered a reliable way to introduce beneficial bacteria into our bodies, experts are now questioning their effectiveness.

 

Dr. Aditya Sreenivasan, a gastroenterologist at Lenox Hill Hospital, emphasizes that probiotics are not one-size-fits-all. "Each probiotic targets specific needs, especially for those experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms due to microbiome imbalances," he explains. Unfortunately, there's no current test to determine exactly what your gut might need, making it a "trial and error situation."

 

He typically doesn’t advise people to stop taking probiotics if they feel some benefit, but he’s also cautious about recommending them. "If someone finds relief from symptoms, that’s great. Probiotics can be reasonable for significant issues like IBS that don’t respond to dietary changes. However, they can be costly, and many end up wasting their money."

 

Dr. Shilpa Ravella, a transplant gastroenterologist at Columbia University, acknowledges that some patients swear by probiotics but believes they are most effective for specific conditions when guided by a doctor. "Probiotics can be beneficial for inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea," she notes.

 

However, caution is warranted. While generally safe, individuals with certain health issues—such as being immunocompromised, or having Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis—should use probiotics carefully, according to Sreenivasan.

 

It’s important to note that the FDA does not regulate probiotic capsules as drugs, so they don't need to prove their safety and effectiveness. They only need to meet the standard of being "generally recognized as safe."

 

For those without significant symptoms, Ravella recommends focusing on a diet rich in whole, plant-based foods to support gut health rather than turning to supplements. Consulting a gastroenterologist can provide personalized advice on whether a probiotic might be beneficial for your specific condition.