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When taken by mouth: Probiotics are LIKELY SAFE for most adults when taken appropriately. Lactobacillus probiotics appear to be safe when taken for up to 9 months. Bifidobacteria probiotics appear to be safe when taken for up to 12 months. Saccharomyces boulardii probiotics appear to be safe when taken for up to 15 months. Side effects are usually mild and most often include gas or bloating. There isn't enough reliable information to know if other probiotic species are safe or what the side effects might be.
When inserted into the vagina: Probiotics containing lactobacillus are LIKELY SAFE when used appropriately, short-term. There isn't enough reliable information to know if other probiotic species are safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Children: Probiotics products containing bifidobacteria or lactobacillus are
LIKELY SAFE in children. Bifidobacteria probiotics are safe in children when used for up to 12 months. Lactobacillus GG, a specific strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, has been used safely for up to 15 months in children. Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus johnsonii, and Lactobacillus reuteri have been safely used for up to 12 weeks in children. Probiotics containing Saccharomyces boulardii are
POSSIBLY SAFE when used orally and appropriately in children. There isn't enough reliable information to know if other probiotic species are safe for children.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Probiotics containing certain lactobacillus or bifidobacteria species are
POSSIBLY SAFE when used orally and appropriately when pregnant or breast-feeding. Lactobacillus GG, a specific strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, has been safely used during pregnancy and in nursing women for up to 6 months. The combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus or Lactobacillus paracasei with Bifidobacterium longum has been used with apparent safety during pregnancy and lactation.
There isn't enough reliable information to know if other probiotic species are safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Central lines: Infections of the blood have been reported in people who have central lines and take probiotics containing either lactobacillus or Saccharomyces boulardii. In many cases, infections were caused when the catheter became contaminated by the air or surfaces or hands that had touched the probiotics. If you have a central line, talk with your healthcare provider before taking probiotics.
Digestive system problems: Infections of the blood have been reported in a small number of people with digestive system conditions such as short bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, or intestinal obstruction (after abdominal surgery) who were taking probiotics containing lactobacillus or bifidobacterium probiotics. If you have any of these conditions, talk with your healthcare provider before taking probiotics.
Weakened immune system: Probiotics have caused infections of the blood in a small number of people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, or people who are taking medications to prevent transplant rejection. The actual number of cases of probiotic-related infections is hard to determine. The concern seems to be greatest for people who are very sick or who have weakened immune systems. If you have a weakened immune system, talk with your healthcare provider before taking probiotics.
Damaged heart valves: Probiotic preparations containing lactobacillus can cause an infection in the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valve. This is extremely rare, but people with damaged heart valves might be more likely to develop this type of infection. The risk is especially high if lactobacillus is taken before dental procedures or surgical procedures. People with damaged heart valves should stop taking probiotics before dental procedures or surgical procedures.
Yeast allergy: People with yeast allergy can be allergic to probiotic products containing Saccharomyces boulardii and should avoid these products if possible.
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