Gut Health & Digestive
Probiotics (Lactobacillus / Bifidobacterium)
Also known as: Lactobacillus acidophilus · Bifidobacterium longum · Saccharomyces boulardii
Live beneficial bacteria that colonise the gut temporarily, modulate microbiome composition, reinforce the gut barrier, and train the mucosal immune system. Strain specificity matters enormously.
Effective Dose
5–50 billion CFU / day
per clinical evidence
Evidence Level
Strong
Gut Health & Digestive
Mechanism
Gut microbiota modulation — competition, epithelial barrier, immune education
primary action
Best For
Gut health
Immune function, Antibiotic recovery, IBS, Mental health
This profile is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications.
What Is Probiotics (Lactobacillus / Bifidobacterium)?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, confer health benefits on the host. The gut microbiome consists of ~38 trillion bacteria and profoundly influences digestion, immunity, mental health (gut-brain axis), metabolic function, and inflammation. Probiotic strains are highly specific — Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG does not do the same things as L. acidophilus NCFM.
How It Works: The Science
Probiotics colonise transiently, competing with pathogens (competitive exclusion), producing bacteriocins and lactic acid (lowering pH, inhibiting pathogens), reinforcing tight junction proteins (gut barrier integrity), and stimulating pattern recognition receptors on dendritic cells and enterocytes (immune education — promoting regulatory T-cells and Th1/Th2 balance).
Primary Mechanism
Gut microbiota modulation — competition, epithelial barrier, immune education
Evidence-Based Benefits
Dosage Guide
Effective Dose
5–50 billion CFU / day
5–50 billion CFU/day. Strain matters more than CFU count. Refrigerated multi-strain products are preferable. Take with or just before a meal (stomach acid protection). Continue for at least 4 weeks for gut benefits.
Safety Profile & Side Effects
Extremely safe in healthy individuals. Avoid in severe immunocompromise (rare risk of bacteraemia). Probiotic-induced sepsis in critically ill patients is a theoretical concern — not applicable to healthy supplement users.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Take It
Anyone on or after a course of antibiotics, those with IBS or IBD, frequent travellers ('traveller's diarrhoea' prevention), athletes with GI issues during training, and those wanting immune and mental health support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Ingredients
Medical Disclaimer
Ingredient profiles are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications. Full disclaimer →