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Side Effects of Kyo-Dophilus Probiotics

There are 500 different species of helpful microorganisms in the human digestive system that are important for healthy digestion, and act as a counterbalance to unhealthy bacteria, helping to alleviate chronic intestinal diseases and diarrhea. Discovered by Russian Nobel prize winner Elie Metchnikoff in the early 20th century, probiotics are today clinically grown and distributed by different companies as a digestive aid. Kyo-Dophilus Probiotics are made by Kyolic and consist of anywhere from three to nine species of live microorganisms that are considered beneficial. Although they are usually beneficial, in some cases, such as for critically ill patients, children under six months of age, and those with a lowered immune systems probiotics can have negative side effects.

  1. Harmful to the Critically Ill

    • Kyo-Dolphilus Probiotics can be harmful to some critically ill patients. While most critically ill patients benefit from probiotic therapy, it is wise to be cautious and consult your doctor. According to a double-blind placebo-controlled study done in February 2008 by the Norwegian doctor M.G. Besselink, some critically ill patients, especially those suffering from an acute pancreatitis, can actually decrease their chances of survival by taking probiotics.

    Allergies in Children

    • Infants are often given probiotics to supplement their diets or to replenish digestive bacteria after antibiotics have stripped a baby's gut of both good and bad bacteria. In a study done by Dr. Susan Prescott at the University of Western Australia, children under six months of age were given probiotics to prevent allergies, but the opposite happened and the children instead became more likely to develop a sensivity to allergens. This could have something to do with children under six months having a limited immune system.

    Harmful for Lowered Immune Systems

    • There have been many cases of lactobacillus septicaemia caused by patients with a lowered immune system taking probiotics. Anybody who is ill can have a lowered immune system; therefore anybody can potentially contract this illness if they consume too many probiotics when sick. If you take probiotics on a regular basis for irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis, then you may want to consider cutting off or at least lowering the dosage when you are sick.

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