On the relationship between probiotics and antibiotics
Probiotics ("pro-bios", "by life") are active living bacteria characteristic of the human body (mostly lactic acid bacteria), which support health when taken in a certain dose.
Potential probiotic candidates are mostly selected from the normal microbial community of a healthy person. In addition to safety, this also ensures that the microbe is able to pass through the upper parts of the digestive tract in a viable state and reach the specific area of action of the specific probiotic. Several laboratory, experimental, clinical and technological requirements have been established internationally for the development of a microbe as a probiotic and for the scientific evaluation of its health effects.
Antibiotics ("anti-bios", "against life") are natural or synthetic molecules and preparations based on them, which have a detrimental effect on the life activity of bacteria (kill them or slow down their life activity).
It is certainly smart to boost the digestive microbiota with good bacteria after the end of antibiotic treatment in order to speed up the recovery of the microbial balance of the digestive tract after treatment. One option is to take food supplements containing probiotic bacteria.
Among other beneficial properties, probiotics have been documented to balance the gastrointestinal microbiota and prevent potentially dangerous diarrhea caused by antibiotic treatment. If possible, it is also useful to take probiotic good bacteria before starting antibiotic treatment.
Can taking probiotics and antibiotics at the same time interfere with the antibiotic treatment, for example prevent the absorption or metabolism of the antibiotics?
It is recommended not to administer probiotics and antibiotics at the same time, but to take probiotics a few hours after taking antibiotics. This gives the antibiotic time to be absorbed and helps prevent direct contact between the probiotic and the antibiotic in the digestive tract. No evidence has been found in research about the disturbing effects of probiotics in antibiotic treatment.
Estonian researchers at BioCC have developed Nordwise ® products of the series containing patented and clinically tested lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum TENSIA ® , Lactobacillus plantarum INDUCIA ® , Lactobacillus plantarum MCC1 ®
Each dietary supplement of the Nordwise ® series contains good bacteria inherent to the human body and has unique properties, contributing to normal heart function (Südamesøber ® TENSIA ® ), maintaining normal cholesterol levels (Südamesøber ® INDUCIA ® ), contributing to normal immune system function (IMMUMAR ® ) and normalizing digestive activity ( PlantaBif®).
All these dietary supplements developed in Estonia are perfect for use during and after antibiotic treatment, helping to protect and restore the normal intestinal microbiota; help to reduce the risk of food infections during travel; increase the body's resistance to intestinal infections and help protect the body from excessive oxidative stress during a stressful period.
PhD Medicine, Epp Songisepp