Side Effects of Too Much Probiotics

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, probiotics are live microorganisms such as bacteria that can be beneficial to human beings when orally consumed. Probiotics are available in supplement form and can also be found in foods such as yogurt, juices or even in cereals. Like all supplements, if probiotics are ingested in extremely high doses, they can cause side effects.

Benefits

• Probiotics can improve the health of the intestinal system by adding good bacteria. Probiotics may also improve an individual's immune system.

Digestive Side Effects

• When taken in large quantities, probiotics may have some mild digestive side effects. These side effects include gas and bloating.

Infection Risk

• Anyone who is consuming probiotics is introducing bacteria into his system, so there is a slight risk of infection. People with compromised immune systems are most at risk of developing an infection caused by the consumption of large quantities of probiotics.

Immune System Effects

• Probiotics in moderate doses can help the immune system function well. When taken excessively, probiotics can cause the immune system to become too active and to kill good cells along with the bad.

Drug Interactions

• Probiotics taken in excess may interfere with certain medications. An individual taking any kind of medication should speak with his or her physician before taking probiotics.