Probiotics are a popular health trend, but the big question remains: How long does it take for them to work?
The short answer: It varies. The results depend on several factors like what you’re taking probiotics for, the specific strain, and your personal health condition. While some people may notice improvements in just a few days, others may have to wait a few months.
RELATED:Probiotics vs Prebiotics: Which Is Best for Your Gut?
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms — mainly bacteria and yeast — that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. Popular strains include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These good bacteria support gut health, immune function, and more.
How Long Until You Feel the Benefits?
Here’s how long you can expect to wait based on what you’re treating:
- Diarrhea: If you’re using probiotics to fight infectious diarrhea, results can come as quickly as 2 days. A 2010 review of 63 studies found that probiotics, when combined with rehydration treatment, reduce the duration and frequency of diarrhea.
- Gut Health: When it comes to improving your gut and immune health, results can take longer. A 2018 study found that participants who took Lactobacillus sp. for 12 weeks experienced fewer cold symptoms and better immune function compared to the placebo group.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Probiotics like Saccharomyces boulardii have shown improvement in IBS symptoms in 4 weeks. A 2011 study found this specific strain was more effective than a placebo.
- Bloating: If bloating is your main issue, you might see results in 21 days. A 2014 study showed that taking a combination of probiotics helped with bloating, with significant improvements after a few weeks.
4 Reasons Why Probiotics May Not Work for You
While probiotics can be helpful, they don’t always work for everyone. Here are some reasons why you may not see results:
- Not Following Instructions: Always read the label and follow the directions carefully, including whether to take it with food and the dosage.
- Improper Storage: Probiotics are delicate. Some need refrigeration to keep their live cultures intact. Improper storage may lead to ineffective products.
- Low-Quality Products: Not all probiotic supplements are created equal. Some may not contain enough live cultures or the right strains to make a difference.
- Wrong Strain: Probiotics are not one-size-fits-all. Research which strains are best for your specific health condition. Your doctor can help you with this.
Why Take Probiotics?
People take probiotics for different reasons. Some want better gut health, while others need relief from specific symptoms like IBS or diarrhea. It’s essential to choose a probiotic that targets your exact needs. For example, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are commonly used for IBS, diarrhea, and even skin conditions like eczema.
A 2019 review of 45 studies showed probiotics are helpful for general gut, immune, and vaginal health.
RELATED:Why You Should Add Fermented Foods to Your Diet
5 Tips for Best Probiotic Results
To get the most from your probiotic, follow these tips:
- Choose a Quality Product: Pick a probiotic with live cultures. The higher the CFUs (colony-forming units), the better.
- Take It As Directed: Follow the timing and dosage instructions on the label.
- Mind the Expiration Date: Probiotics lose potency over time. Make sure your product is within its shelf life.
- Store It Correctly: Refrigerate probiotics if needed and avoid leaving them out at room temperature.
- Watch Added Ingredients: Some products may contain extra ingredients that can interfere with your medications or cause adverse reactions.
Final Thoughts: Probiotics Are Not a Magic Bullet
While probiotics have their benefits, they’re not guaranteed to work for everyone. In some cases, they may even cause side effects. A 2018 review pointed out that negative effects of probiotics are often not adequately reported in studies.
The best way to know if probiotics are right for you is to talk to your doctor. They can guide you in choosing the right strain and supplement for your needs.
4 sources
- Allen SJ, et al. (2010). Probiotics for treating acute infectious diarrhoea (review).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6532699/pdf/CD003048.pdf - Bafeta A, et. al. (2018). Harms reporting in randomized controlled trials of interventions aimed at modifying microbiota: A systematic review. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7326/M18-0343 - Choi CH, et al. (2011). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial of Saccharomyces boulardii in irritable bowel syndrome: Effect on quality of life. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1097/MCG.0b013e318204593e - Ringel-Kulka T, et al. (2014) Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM affects colonic mucosal opioid receptor expression in patients with functional abdominal pain ‐ a randomised clinical study.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/apt.12800
