Probiotics "after meals" vs "on an empty stomach"

Probiotics are not that weak. Whether it's regular foods like yogurt or powdered and capsule dietary supplements, it's okay to take them on an empty stomach in the morning. Dr. Oh In-seok, president of the General Medicine Research Association and pharmacist at Suji Sol Pharmacy, said, "Probiotics fundamentally possess acid resistance and bile resistance," and added, "Some weaker probiotics may be killed by stomach acid, but most survive and reach the intestines regardless of when or in what form they are taken." This means it doesn't matter much whether you take them before or after a meal.

Having more beneficial bacteria in the gut than harmful bacteria strengthens immunity, reducing the likelihood of inflammation or infectious diseases. There is also research indicating that patients with intestinal disorders such as diarrhea, constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome have 40% fewer beneficial bacteria in their gut compared to healthy individuals.

These days, with many high-content nutritional supplements, people sometimes overconsume nutrients while taking health functional foods. Probiotics do not pose such a risk. Pharmacist Oh In-seok said, "For people with severe inflammation or wounds in the digestive organs such as the colon, there is a rare risk of sepsis when taking probiotics, but if this is not the case, taking probiotics according to the instructions on the health functional food label does not cause problems due to probiotic overgrowth."

There is no need to give up probiotics just because you experience diarrhea after eating. After taking probiotics, changes in the gut microbiota or a temporary increase in gut microbial density can sometimes cause diarrhea. Of course, if these symptoms persist over time, you should stop taking them. Pharmacist Oh In-seok said, "The probiotic you are currently taking may not suit you, causing ongoing diarrhea," and added, "In such cases, you should consult with a pharmacist to try different strains and find the one that suits you."

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Hmm.. Even if the number of probiotics decreases when taken on an empty stomach, most of them still reach the intestines.

I'm glad to hear there's not much of a difference ^^