When do you really need probiotic supplements and, crucially, when don’t you? Experts explain

Interest in probiotics has been increasing in communities, as the value of good gut Ballesteros becomes more commonly known. On social media, they are often promoted as foods that provide ‘good bacteria’ to support digestion, immunity and emotional well-being. However, experts say probiotics are not suitable for everyone, and their benefits too, vary based on individual health needs.

Understanding probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms, mainly bacteria and some yeasts, that help maintain balance within the gut.

The digestive system contains trillions of microbes, many of which play important roles in breaking down food, helping the body absorb nutrients and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. When this balance is disturbed — mainly due to illness, infection, poor diet or certain medications — probiotics may help restore it.

Pandurangan Basumani, senior consultant Interventional Gastroenterologist and director, Kauvery Institute of Digestive Sciences,Chennai, explains: “Introducing beneficial bacteria helps suppress harmful microbes and supports the growth of good bacteria.” Probiotics also help in digesting lactose and contribute to the production of vitamins such as vitamin B12 and vitamin K.

Arulprakash S., clinical lead and senior consultant in medical gastroenterology and hepatology at SRM Prime Hospital, Chennai, says that a balanced gut microbiome supports digestion, nutrient absorption and immune defence. “Nearly 70% of immune function is linked to the gut, which explains why maintaining gut microbial balance has an impact beyond digestion,” he says. He also notes that probiotics help prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, particularly after surviving an infection or antibiotic use.

Vishnu Abishek Raju, senior consultant in medical gastroenterology and advanced therapeutic endoscopy at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, adds that probiotics help in reducing inflammatory responses linked to infections and autoimmune disorders. He explains that disturbances in the microbiome can weaken the gut lining and trigger systemic inflammation.

Dr. Basumani emphaises that probiotics are also effective in treating infectious diarrhoea in children, diarrhoea associated with antibiotic use, and travel-related diarrhoea. He notes that certain probiotic strains can relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and help prevent Clostridioides difficile infection in elderly individuals. Dr. Raju adds that these help maintain gut lining stability and may support treatment in inflammatory bowel diseases. In some cases, they are prescribed alongside antibiotics to help eradicate Helicobacter pylori infections.

Does everyone need probiotics?

It is important to understand that probiotics are effective only when consumed in the right amounts and in the right situations. Doctors normally suggest probiotics only in situations such as digestive problems or after taking antibiotics. For most people, long-term gut health mainly depends on eating a balanced diet, staying active, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Experts also highlight the importance of prebiotic foods, which help good bacteria grow. These include onions, bananas, garlic, and whole grains. Nuts, cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli, and green leafy vegetables also help maintain a healthy and diverse gut microbiome.

Arulprakash S., clinical lead and senior consultant in medical gastroenterology and hepatology at SRM Prime Hospital, Chennai, says that a balanced gut microbiome supports digestion, nutrient absorption and immune defence. “Nearly 70% of immune function is linked to the gut, which explains why maintaining gut microbial balance has an impact beyond digestion,” he says.

Experts also say there is no strong scientific evidence supporting probiotic use for controlling diabetes, obesity, hypertension, arthritis, skin disorders or mood disorders. They also warn that commercial food trends often exaggerate probiotic benefits. While research is ongoing about probiotics’ role in mental health, weight control and immunity enhancement, results, at present, are inconclusive.

When to take supplements

The key takeaway here, say experts, is to continue including natural probiotic foods in your diet and consult a healthcare professional to know if you need supplements.

Supplements should ideally be used only in specific clinical situations. They are useful during or after antibiotic therapy, in recurrent gut infections and in select cases of irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease, usually under medical supervision and for limited periods. Probiotics may also help people living with lactose intolerance or certain digestive disorders.

Probiotic selection often depends on the patient’s underlying medical condition and associated comorbidities, particularly in chronic gut motility disorders. Doctors may advise checking the live microorganism count, product reliability and strain specificity under supervision of a healthcare professional.

Meanwhile, probiotics should be avoided in individuals living with acute pancreatitis, as there is a risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream. These are also not recommended for severely immunocompromised individuals, including organ transplant recipients.

Experts emphasise that unnecessary, unsupervised and prolonged intake of these may disrupt natural gut microbial balance and cause bloating or digestive discomfort.

Published – February 14, 2026 02:40 pm IST