The side effects of probiotics are not yet well documented, due to the many variables affecting the studies in question.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are a group of bacteria / yeasts that manifest a positive action on the balance of intestinal bacterial flora; but which of the many probiotic strains is the most suitable for the regulation of "our" enteric colony?
Therapeutic effects
There are many studies concerning the therapeutic effects of probiotics; just think that typing "probiotic bacteria" (probiotic bacteria) in the field of research of Pubmed, the outcome includes about 6000 experiments for 300 pages of text; on the contrary, typing "side effects of probiotic bacteria" (side effects of probiotic bacteria) results are far from clarifying. This does not mean that the side effects of probiotics are irrelevant or absent, but simply that the researchers have not yet carried out sufficiently specific experiments in this regard.
However, from the research carried out on the generic effects of probiotics, various aspects have emerged that leave us perplexed about the lightness with which this therapy is administered.
Side effects
Intolerances and allergies
First of all, among the possible side effects of probiotics, we mention the intolerance or allergy reactions to metals or minerals contained in pharmaceutical products; the presence of these "contaminants" limits the therapeutic application of some products only to consumers who do not have correlated hypersensitivity.
In case of pancreatitis
For many, the administration of probiotics is considered a real "panacea" in the restoration of the immune system, to the point that it is also applied among hospital patients who are debilitated. Well, among the subjects who were given a restorative therapy based on probiotics, some patients suffering from pancreatitis have encountered significant side effects. Obviously, for a more realistic estimate it would be necessary to evaluate the percentage of occurrence of similar complications referred to a numerous and well-determined sample; however, pancreatitis is a pathology that is often fatal and therefore extremely difficult to treat; probably a specific study would excessively increase the risk of complications for the research sample.
In case of immunodeficiency
Another unfavorable condition for the administration of probiotic microorganisms is represented by immuno-deficiency, plausibly induced by chemo-therapy or by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Subjects with a significantly debilitated immune system risk contracting the most serious side effects of probiotics: septicemia . Septicemia means the spread of a pathogen in the bloodstream and the consequent systemic infection. In the immune-suppressed, probiotics can cross the intestinal mucosa and enter the bloodstream also causing irreversible damage or death.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Less specific, but certainly more widespread, is the specific symptomatology related to the digestive tract . The side effects of probiotics often relate to an adverse and unexpected reaction of the intestine; among the most widespread symptoms are: abdominal cramps, meteorism, flatulence and diarrhea. These reactions lead us to reflect on the importance of identifying a specific bacterial strain to be used in probiotic supplementation .
Constipation
If it is true that probiotics can reduce the symptoms of constipation by promoting fecal hydration and maintaining a more effective intestinal transit, it is not uncommon for this characteristic to negatively affect the overall hydration of the consumer. Often, faeces increase excessively in consistency due to: 1) poor fluid intake 2) greater water-fecal reabsorption (aggravated by insufficient water-soluble dietary fiber) by the mucosa of the large intestine; the intestine of a dehydrated person reacts by increasing fecal reabsorption, but the action of probiotics on stool is exactly the opposite. In the case of constipation induced by dehydration, the laxative action of probiotics could aggravate its extent. Before starting the integration with probiotics it is advisable to make sure that the subject is well hydrated.
Importance of correct conservation
Recall that probiotics are live microorganisms, therefore inadequate preservation (or lack of detailed indications) and poor accuracy in the evaluation of shelf life negatively affect the hygienic safety of the product.
Conclusions
Bacteria and yeasts used as probiotics are microorganisms that possess a high evolutionary potential; unfortunately, it is not always possible to evaluate all the mutations of the bacterial strain in vitro and even less if these can negatively affect the side effects of probiotics.
Probiotics are microorganisms potentially useful for the improvement of different body functions, but their administration must be established by the doctor only after a specific diagnosis and the evaluation of the possible side effects induced by the therapy.
