Consuming probiotic supplements is of no benefit to healthy people and can, infact, harm a person with compromised immune systems, warns a leading microbiologist.
According to Michael Wilson, Professor of Microbiology at University College London, there were some cases when topping up on "good bacteria" could help recovery from illness, but understanding of the supplements is "shaky".
Probiotic Supplements Have No Impact on Eczema, They can Cause Gut Problems
Contrary to previous reports, scientists now say that the 'friendly' bacteria found in yoghurt and health drinks have no effect on eczema. If anything they may occasionally cause gut problems.
Contrary to previous reports, scientists now say that the 'friendly' bacteria found in yoghurt and health drinks have no effect on eczema. If anything they may occasionally cause gut problems.
"They are regarded as food supplements not medicinal products - anyone can get a suspension of bacteria and market it as a probiotic," said Wilson, speaking at the Cheltenham Science Festival.
"With medicinal treatments, the pharmaceutical industry makes sure the things they produce are safe," he added.
Hay Fever may Be Prevented by Probiotic Bacteria
Scientists at the Institute of Food Research say that probiotic bacteria in a daily drink may beneficially modify the immune system's response to grass pollen, a common cause of seasonal hay fever.
Scientists at the Institute of Food Research say that probiotic bacteria in a daily drink may beneficially modify the immune system's response to grass pollen, a common cause of seasonal hay fever.
"No bacterium is totally innocuous. If you are healthy there is probably no harm in taking probiotics, but there is also no benefit. But to increase the bacterial burden if you are immuno-compromised is asking for trouble," he said.
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Patients Receiving Antibiotics Should Take Probiotic Drink Daily: Experts
Patients receiving antibiotics, particularly those being treated in hospitals, should take a daily probiotic drink in order to beat infections.
Patients receiving antibiotics, particularly those being treated in hospitals, should take a daily probiotic drink in order to beat infections.
SRM
Probiotic Bacteria may Provide Cheaper Cure for Diarrhoea in Infants
A collaborative study by researcher from Sweden and Switzerland has demonstrated that with the addition of probiotic bacteria
A collaborative study by researcher from Sweden and Switzerland has demonstrated that with the addition of probiotic bacteria
