Can probiotics be taken together with antibiotics?

May 14, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Chao
Introduction
Probiotics should not be taken together with antibiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can alter microbial composition and regulate the body's immune function. After use, they can produce digestive enzymes, increase the height of villi on the small intestine surface, and enhance the absorption of nutrients. Antibiotics are active metabolic products produced by microorganisms that can interfere with cell development.

Generally, probiotics should not be taken together with antibiotics. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can alter the composition of microbial flora and regulate the body's immune function. After use, they can produce digestive enzymes, increase the height of villi on the small intestinal surface, and enhance the absorption of nutrients. Antibiotics are biologically active metabolic products produced by microorganisms that interfere with cellular development and inhibit bacterial synthesis, thereby exerting bactericidal or bacteriostatic effects. If probiotics are taken together with antibiotics, the ingested probiotics may be killed by the antibiotics, rendering them ineffective in regulating microbial balance and potentially affecting the efficacy of the antibiotic treatment. Therefore, these two should not be taken simultaneously. It is recommended to take probiotics and antibiotics at separate times, with an interval between doses.

For individuals with weakened immunity, children, and patients with tumors, probiotics may be used under medical supervision to maintain the body's microbial ecological balance. Self-administration should be avoided to prevent excessive intake, which could disrupt the intestinal environment and increase the burden on the body.

Related Articles

View All