Should I take live cultures daily?

Why should I take Optibac friendly bacteria daily?

Due to modern lifestyle factors it is best to replenish our gut flora on an ongoing basis, and this is why many people choose to take their Optibac daily.

We do not produce friendly bacteria ourselves, so it is important to think about ways of topping up and nourishing the friendly bacteria in our guts regularly.

Friendly bacteria reaches the gut quickly but doesn't stay there for long^1,2, instead passing through and exerting health benefits as it goes. Even a maximum strength friendly bacteria supplement such as Optibac Every Day MAX constitutes just a tiny fraction of our microbiome, so is fine to take daily and long term.

There are some situations where certain strains are taken for a short time, such as when taking or recently finished taking antibiotics. Optibac For Those On Antibiotics can safely be taken alongside a course of antibiotics.

In general though, friendly bacteria supplements are best taken on an ongoing basis as part of a daily health regime. Find out more about taking live cultures daily, on the Probiotics Learning Lab.

Who should not take friendly bacteria daily?

Friendly bacteria are one of the safest natural supplements available. There are a few groups of people, however, who it is recommended do not take live cultures, unless under guidance from a doctor. 

This includes people with serious medical conditions, such as those those who are severely immunosuppressed, have pancreatitis, are in the ICU, have melaena, have a central venous catheter, infants with short bowel syndrome, or patients with open wounds following major surgery.

Please read the following FAQ for more information: I’m immunosuppressed. Are live cultures safe?

Live cultures can be taken daily alongside all natural remedies without any problem. The only consideration is if a supplement has antibacterial or anti-fungal properties, in which case we recommend that you take the live culture at least a couple of hours either side of the other supplement, so as not to damage the bacteria.

You may wish to read more about the best time to take live cultures.

Subscribe so you never run out of your daily supplements

Optibac subscription service makes it easy to take friendly bacteria daily on an ongoing basis.

Subscribing guarantees that you never run out of your favourite supplements - saving you money and time.

If you are not sure which friendly bacteria supplement is best for you, then there are a few different ways we can help you decide.

You can read which is the best friendly bacteria supplement?

Or, if you would like some personalised guidance, then please contact our team of experts for free advice.

This FAQ has been answered by Helen Morton, DipION Nutritional Therapist

References

1. Morelli L et al. (2004). 'Utilisation of the intestinal tract as a delivery system for urogenital probiotics'. Journal of clinical gastroenterology; 38(6): 107-110
2. Goldin BR et al. (1992). 'Survival of Lactobacillus species (strain GG) in human gastrointestinal tract'. Digestive diseases and sciences; 37(8): 121-1218