Should probiotics be taken with or without food?

Taking Probiotics: With or Without Food?

Probiotics should ideally be taken with a meal or 30 minutes before a meal containing some fat for optimal survival and effectiveness. 1

Why Timing Matters

The survival of probiotic bacteria during transit through the gastrointestinal tract is significantly affected by when they are consumed relative to meals:

• Best timing options:

  • With a meal
  • 30 minutes before a meal
  • Both options provide better buffering capacity against stomach acid

• Less effective timing:

  • 30 minutes after a meal
  • On an empty stomach
  • These conditions result in significantly lower bacterial survival rates

Food Composition Considerations

The type of food consumed with probiotics also matters:

• Best food options:

  • Foods containing fat (milk with 1% fat or higher)
  • Oatmeal with milk
  • Foods that provide buffering capacity against stomach acid

• Poor food options:

  • Apple juice
  • Spring water
  • Low-fat or non-fat foods

Research shows that the fat content of the meal appears to be more important for bacterial survival than the protein content 1. Fat likely helps protect probiotic bacteria from the harsh acidic environment of the stomach.

Probiotic Type Considerations

Different probiotic organisms may have different requirements:

• Bacterial probiotics (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) are more sensitive to stomach acid and benefit significantly from being taken with food 1

• Yeast probiotics (Saccharomyces boulardii) are less affected by meal timing and food composition 1

• Enteric-coated probiotics may be less dependent on food for survival, but following the general recommendation of taking with food is still prudent

Special Considerations

• For vulnerable populations: Probiotics should be used with caution in immunocompromised patients, those with damaged intestinal mucosa, critically ill patients, or those at risk of bacteremia 2

• For specific conditions: When using probiotics for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, follow the specific recommendations for the probiotic strain being used 3

Practical Recommendations

1. Take non-enteric coated bacterial probiotics with breakfast or lunch that contains some fat
2. If taking multiple doses per day, time them with meals
3. Avoid taking probiotics with just water or juice
4. For maximum effectiveness, do not take probiotics more than 30 minutes after finishing a meal

Following these guidelines will help ensure that the live beneficial microorganisms in probiotic supplements survive the journey through your digestive system to provide their intended health benefits.