Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections. While they can be very effective in eradicating harmful bacteria, they can also disrupt the balance of good bacteria in the gut. This is where probiotics come in – live microorganisms that can help restore this balance. However, not all probiotics are created equal, and it’s important to choose the right ones during antibiotic treatment.
There will always be a few bacteria that are resistant to an antibiotic that you take. After you’ve finished your course, any bacteria that remains are those that are resistant to the drug. They are now allowed to grow freely and you’re no longer protected by your microbiome’s good bacteria. The more you take antibiotics, the stronger those resistant bacteria get.
Which probiotics should you choose?
When selecting probiotics to take alongside antibiotics, it’s important to look for strains that have been clinically studied for their effectiveness. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species are two common types that have shown promising results in supporting gut health during antibiotic therapy. Additionally, look for a high CFU (colony-forming units) count to ensure that you are getting a sufficient dose of beneficial bacteria.
Twenty-three probiotics studies assessed adverse outcomes, and none was found. As the field of microbial research continues to expand, we expect the future of medicine will include targeted probiotic prescriptions in lieu of antibiotics, and that antibiotics will be reserved for specific or emergency scenarios. And remember, the more you focus on whole, plant-based foods, the better. Studies show that this type of diet can have a relatively quick effect on your gut microorganisms (in as little as 24 hours).
How many probiotics should you take?
In fact, research from 2022 found that consuming soluble fiber daily may help reduce ARGs in your gut. All 11 studies involving antibiotics as a stand-alone intervention reported changes in gut microbiota composition and a decline in the microbiota diversity, i.e., the total number of types of microbial species present in the gut. Among the studies involving the co-administration of probiotics with antibiotics, the antibiotic treatment ranged from 3 to 14 days, with most studies including a 7-day treatment period. Studies also suggest that probiotic microorganisms can suppress the growth of pathogenic or harmful bacteria, produce metabolites that alter gut microbiota composition, modulate the human immune system, and protect gut barrier integrity.
In general, differences in the inclusion criteria, in the methods used to conduct the meta-analysis and in the criteria used to formulate recommendations will result in different evidence-based advice. Ideally, any alternative probiotic strains taken should also have research demonstrating their efficacy during antibiotic therapy. If you are taking a probiotic from a different supplier, it is best to ask that supplier directly about the length of time to leave between taking their product and taking your antibiotics. As a general rule, many companies tend to recommend waiting 1 or 2 hours after taking antibiotics before taking their probiotics. After this length of time, sufficient levels of the beneficial bacteria are able to reach the gut alive.
Based on the effectiveness of probiotic strains included in this review in preventing AAD and on the number of studies supporting it, we defined three categories of recommendations. We screened the list of products available in the Netherlands and selected products that satisfied the criteria above and that contained the relevant strain(s) at a daily dose at least equal to the lowest dose showing an effect in the included studies. For dairy products, we only recommended those that had been specifically included in a clinical trial. Since probiotics are considered food supplements, health insurance will not cover the cost (which will likely be more than $20 per month; ). No single probiotic strain has high-quality evidence; however, most of the RCTs included in the meta-analysis used combinations of Lactobacillus species, which are usually found in over-the-counter antidiarrheal probiotic supplements. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) there is not enough information to confidently judge the safety of probiotic-based interventions [21].
The number of probiotics you should take during antibiotic treatment can vary depending on the specific strain and your individual needs. In general, it’s recommended to take at least 10 billion CFUs per day, divided into multiple doses. Some healthcare providers may recommend higher doses for more severe cases or longer courses of antibiotics. It’s best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the optimal dosage for your situation.
For example, red wine contains antioxidant polyphenols, which are not digested by human cells but are digested by gut bacteria. Fermented foods are produced by microbes and include yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, kombucha and kimchi, among others. Inner Health has a range of probiotics with science-backed formulas to assist with restoration during and following antibiotic use. MV and GV reports non-financial support from Metagenics Europe, during the conduct of the study and an employee of Metagenics Europe, distributor of Bactiol duo used in this trial. PC is inventor on patent applications dealing with the use of A.muciniphila and its components in the treatment of obesity and related disorders and co-founder of A-Mansia biotech SA.
