Antibiotic-associated diarrhea studies used specific strains at 10^9–10^10 CFU/day during antibiotics through one week after; strain-specific
Reviewed · Published
Lactic acid bacteria
A group of lactic-acid-producing bacteria whose effects must be judged strain by strain.
Established functions
- A group of lactic-acid-producing bacteria whose effects must be judged strain by strain.
Dietary sources
- yogurt
- fermented vegetables
Claims and evidence
Claims that Lactic acid bacteria alone prevents or treats disease, or invariably improves health without deficiency, are unsupported.
Japanese reference amounts
- Japanese adults (age and sex as specified): No Japanese DRI established
Amounts studied
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea studies used specific strains at 10^9–10^10 CFU/day during antibiotics through one week after; strain-specific
Tolerable upper limits
- No UL; infections have occurred in immunocompromised patients
Forms and bioavailability
Supplement forms: strain-identified live cultures, heat-killed preparations
- Check CFU guaranteed through expiry and storage; heat-killed and live products are not interchangeable.
Safety and interactions
Adverse effects
- gas
- bloating; rare bacteremia
Medicine and nutrient interactions
- separate live products from antibiotics
Contraindications and cautions
- Seek medical advice with severe immunosuppression or a central line.
Practical selection
- Compare Lactic acid bacteria amount per serving, form, allergens, and batch testing; prefer a single-ingredient product suited to the intended use.
Sources and review
- Probiotics and prebiotics global guidelineWorld Gastroenterology Organisation
Daiki Minaki (editorial and evidence review) ·