Is It Possible to Take Too Many Probiotics? (2024)

FAQs

Is It Possible to Take Too Many Probiotics? ›

It is possible to take too many probiotics, though a harmful overdose isn't likely. Common side effects of taking too many probiotics can include bloating, gas, and nausea. Those with a weakened immune system should consult a doctor before taking probiotics.

Overdosing – can you take too many probiotics? There is absolutely no harm in taking probiotics in the long term, and there is generally no harm in increasing one's dose of a probiotic supplement if you feel the need.

Stomach discomfort, bloating, gas or diarrhea. These symptoms can happen if you take too many probiotic supplements or don't eat enough fiber while taking them. If these problems persist, consult your doctor. Headache and dizziness from rapidly changing blood sugar levels.

Tamara Duker Freuman, a registered dietitian in New York, explains, “Different bacteria feed on different dietary compounds in the gut, and they produce gas as a byproduct.” An overload of probiotics may cause an interaction with the fiber, starch, and sugar in the gut, leading to gas, bloating, nausea, or diarrhea.

Probiotics are beneficial for gut health when consumed in moderation. Overdosing on probiotics can lead to negative symptoms, including flatulence, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and heightened allergies. Always consume probiotics in safe amounts from trusted brands to avoid overdose.

But, when it comes to pre-and probiotics, cardiologists are warning they aren't a treatment for elevated blood pressure, cholesterol, or other heart health markers. The health benefits of probiotics are also strain-specific, so taking any probiotic off the shelf won't guarantee results.

Gut bacteria greatly influence which nutrients your body absorbs, as well as the amount of calories received. Too much gut bacteria can create fat deposits in the liver, which in turn can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Microbial communities work with our body to prevent infection.

While there's little specific research on the safety of probiotics, they appear to be safe for healthy people to take. They have a long history of widespread and regular use among the public. There's a small risk of adverse side effects for people with weaker immune systems.

Although probiotics are not laxatives, they may help you to poop more regularly if you have constipation or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Probiotics are generally considered safe, but your body might experience some temporary side effects while it gets used to the new bacteria, including bloating and flatulence.

Is it okay to double up on probiotics? ›

It's absolutely OK to take multiple probiotic supplements at the same time, says Singh.

Probiotics can cause allergic reactions in certain people, but this is rare. One study found that a strain of bacteria called L. acidophilus LAVRI-A1 was linked with allergic reactions in infants younger than 12 months. And multiple studies have noted allergic reactions to a bacterial strain called L.

When too many bacteria, or the wrong kind, populate the small intestine, it can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as gas and diarrhea. It can also inhibit your ability to digest and absorb nutrients from food.

You might have stomach upset, gas, diarrhea, or bloating. Those symptoms usually go away after your body gets used to them. If you have an immune system problem or another serious health condition, you may have a greater chance of issues. Some reports have linked probiotics to serious infections and other side effects.

There is no "right dose" of probiotics

Most probiotics on the market have this amount, though you may see products that claim to have up to 50 billion CFU. However, there's no concrete research that says what the most effective dosage is, says Farhadi.

While some studies have shown that specific species can improve motility and reduce hydrogen in the breath, others have shown that probiotics may cause SIBO. If a person has low motility and takes probiotics, it is possible that they may make an overgrowth more likely or worsen an existing one.

Probiotic doses are measured by colony-forming units (CFUs), and they range from 1 billion to 100 billion CFUs. Perlmutter considers 100 billion to be the highest daily dosage anybody needs to take — and most people need much less than that.

How much you need varies with different types and what you want to treat. There's no general rule to follow. Most doses range from 1 to 10 billion CFUs that you take once or twice a day. If you don't get enough CFUs, you might not get the results you want.

For some conditions, like diarrhea or IBS, taking a dose twice a day may be recommended, but it is dependent on the specific probiotic supplement. You may want to talk to your healthcare professional before starting a probiotic supplement to discuss how often you should take it.