Probiotics

[35and3]

A silly question!

I'm on both amoxicillin and metranidazole currently.

Been advised to take probiotics alongside. Couldn't find any capsules so just stocked up on activia gut yoghurt which says has "billions of live cultures in one pot". Presumably one pot a day is enough?

Not a silly question!! Am looking into this myself after a prolonged bout of diarrhoea. According to Activia's website: "A yogurt with probiotic is simply one that contains an adequate quantity of certain living bacteria strains such as Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus." and "Activia contains live cultures in yogurt or fermented milk that improve lactose digestion of the product in individuals who have difficulty digesting lactose."

So basically Activia has only limited gut-friendly bacteria, you'd probably want to take probiotic capsules that provide a greater range.

Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus should be in the mix, several 'strains' of each so you have a good range. It's also thought to be a good idea to include a 'prebiotic' - basically a source of fibre for the probiotic bacteria, so if your probiotic contains inulin that's a bonus.

Also make sure you are getting 25-30 billion CFU (colony forming units), some probiotics are too weak to be much use!

Wow a very comprehensive answer, thanks! I'll try and get some capsules but fear I'm too late getting started as already had 12/15 amoxicillin and 3/15 metranidazole. Hope they help you!

I’m about to be given some antibiotics and am looking at this too. Definitely after a capsule. Ideally take alongside but I’m sure it’s good to take afterwards as well.