Who should not use probiotics?

1. Groups of people who need to be cautious when using probiotics.

Many people choose to supplement with probiotics to maintain digestive function and improve their overall health.

Although probiotics have been shown to be safe for health, people with serious immune system problems should exercise extreme caution when using them.

- Immunocompromised individuals : People with weakened immune systems, especially those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, may not be suitable candidates for probiotics.

- Premature babies : Premature babies have underdeveloped intestinal systems that may pose risks when using probiotics and are generally not recommended for them.

- Short bowel syndrome : Individuals with short bowel syndrome, in which a portion of intestinal tissue has been removed due to intestinal surgery or disease, may experience impaired absorption and effectiveness of probiotics, therefore caution should be exercised when using them.

- Elderly people : In fact, probiotics play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the elderly. There is a wealth of research in this area, and the scope of research is not limited to gut function but extends to immunity, cognition, depression, metabolism, muscle strength, and other aspects. However, if elderly people want to supplement with probiotics during acute or severe illness, it is best to consult a doctor first.

- Malignant tumors : People with malignant tumors, especially those undergoing cancer treatment, may have compromised immune systems, and probiotics can negatively impact immune function.

- Patients recovering from intestinal surgery : After intestinal surgery, the intestines need time to recover. The use of probiotics may increase the risk of infection, so they should not be used during the recovery period after surgery.

Taking probiotics increases the number of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, but for the groups of people mentioned above, if they want to supplement with probiotics, they should consult a doctor or nutritionist.

Not everyone is suitable to use probiotics.

2. Possible side effects of probiotics

Although probiotics are a popular supplement and beneficial for most people, they can sometimes cause side effects:

- Bloating and diarrhea : Some people may experience abdominal discomfort, bloating, or diarrhea after taking probiotics. These symptoms may be due to the probiotics restoring balance in the gut and are usually temporary.

- Allergic reactions : If you are allergic to certain foods or ingredients, you need to be careful when choosing probiotics, especially those in dairy products, which can cause allergic reactions.

- Interactions : Probiotics may interact with certain medications, affecting their absorption or effectiveness. While taking probiotics, it is advisable to consult a doctor about potential drug interactions.

In summary, most people can safely consume probiotics. However, in certain cases, they should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Additionally, choosing a high-quality, reputable probiotic product and adhering to the dosage recommendations on the product label can also help reduce the risk of side effects.

Pharmacist Nguyen Thi Men

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/ai-khong-nen-su-dung-men-vi-sinh-172240526192204004.htm