Side Effects of Culturelle

Culturelle is the brand name of a dietary supplement in which the active ingredient is lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. This "good" bacteria has the unique ability to survive the inhospitable environment of the stomach with its harsh acid, and make its way to the intestines, where it is able to flourish. With more than 250 clinical studies--more than 150 conducted since 1985--Culturelle's strain of lactobacillus is said to be one of the most studied bacterial strains in the world.

Dairy

• Culturelle uses a strain of lactobacillus that is cultured in whey-based media. When the lactobacillus is ready for harvesting, it is first washed and then freeze-dried. The resulting product has been tested for casein (a dairy protein) and whey content. Culturelle contains less than 15 parts per million of each. While this level of dairy protein is extremely low, individuals who have known dairy allergies could be affected by ingesting Culturelle.

Effects

• Amerifit Nutrition notes that some people may experience such mild side effects as "mild bloating, gas or digestive gurgling" when they first begin taking Culturelle as a nutritional supplement. The company further notes that this is a rare occurrence that is due to the digestive system becoming accustomed to its new environment. These symptoms should disappear within a week. Independent studies indicate that less than 2 percent of those surveyed reported any side effects.

Allergic Reactions

• By definition, the bacteria in probiotic supplements, such as Culturelle, are beneficial to humans. However, persons with certain food allergies, including allergies to any lactobacillus strain such as lactobacillus acidophilus, should be aware of adverse reactions, which may include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If any of these symptoms or any other unexpected symptoms occur, stop taking Culturelle and contact your doctor immediately.

Warning

• The United States Food and Drug Administration does not regulate probiotic dietary supplements. No statement made by Culturelle's manufacturer has been evaluated by the FDA regarding its accuracy. The manufacturer states that Culturelle "is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."

History

• The lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strain of bacteria was discovered by Dr. Sherwood Gorbach and Dr. Barry Goldin of Tufts Univerity. The GG in the bacteria's name comes from these doctors. After studies showed this strain of bacteria was beneficial for the treatment of pseudomembranous colitis and atopic eczema in children, the American firm CAG Functional Foods, a division of ConAgra, began marketing its Culturelle brand of probiotic. The brand was acquired by Amerifit Nutrition Inc. in 2006.