Safety of Probiotic Bacteria

Probiotics are live microorganisms, conferring a health benefit on the host when administered in a sufficient amount. Generally, Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, and Saccharomyces are recognized as “Generally Regarded As Safe by the WHO.” However, further caution is needed to administer probiotics to patients with compromised immune systems, leaky gut, or critical illnesses. Different strains of probiotics have different safety profiles, which should be taken into account, and generalizations in relation to all probiotics should be avoided. Particularly, the safety of probiotics in an at-risk population should be categorized as strain-by-strain basis, dose and interaction with other strains and pathologic conditions.