You’ve bought a probiotic, read the dosage instructions and are ready to add it to your daily routine. But there is one thing that can leave you second-guessing yourself: when exactly should you take it? With breakfast, after a meal, on an empty stomach or at bedtime?
This was exactly the concern behind a query posted on Quora: ‘When is the best time to take probiotics?’
We decided to dig deeper and reached out to Zamurrud Patel, Chief Dietitian, Gleneagles Hospital Parel, to understand whether there is a right time to take probiotics and what you should keep in mind.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Is there a ‘perfect’ probiotic time?
“For most people, there is no single universally proven best time of day to take probiotics,” Patel tells indianexpress.com.
That means you don’t necessarily have to reserve your probiotic for the morning or make it a bedtime ritual. What matters more is whether the product has specific instructions and whether you take it consistently.
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“The timing may matter less than taking the product consistently as directed on the label.”
At the same time, timing isn’t completely irrelevant. How a probiotic is formulated, and the strain it contains, can influence when it should be taken.
“Some probiotics may survive better when taken with or shortly before a meal, while others may have different instructions,” the dietician reveals.
Many probiotics can be taken with food, and some may be better tolerated when taken around mealtimes
Why your probiotic may come with different instructions
If one probiotic tells you to take it with food while another says to take it on an empty stomach, that doesn’t necessarily mean one of them is wrong.
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“There is no one rule that applies to every probiotic supplement,” the dietician asserts.
Food can influence stomach acidity and digestion, which may affect the survival of some probiotic organisms. Some products may therefore be taken with food, some may be better tolerated when taken around mealtimes, while others may have different instructions.
The strain also matters because probiotics are not all identical. “Different strains have different characteristics, including their ability to tolerate stomach acid and survive during digestion.”
The strain, formulation and product design can influence how and when a probiotic should be taken. Some products are specifically designed to be taken with meals, while others may have different recommendations.
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This is why Patel advises looking at the instructions for the specific probiotic you are taking, rather than applying a general rule about when probiotics should be taken.
Consistency matters more than the exact minute
Screenshot of the query posted on Quora
Once you know how your particular probiotic is supposed to be taken, the next step is simply to make it part of your routine.
Taking probiotics consistently can make it easier to maintain regular use and follow the recommended course. Choosing a convenient time each day can help with this.
However, you don’t need to take it at exactly the same minute every day. The important point is to follow the recommended dose and duration consistently.
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There are also a few things worth keeping in mind around the time you take it. There is no universal list of foods that everyone needs to avoid, but very hot foods or drinks may potentially affect live probiotic organisms. Taking the supplement with a very hot beverage is therefore best avoided.
“Alcohol and excessive intake of highly processed foods may also work against overall gut health,” Patel cautions.
One exception: antibiotics
If you are taking antibiotics, however, the timing deserves a little more attention.
“Some probiotics may be useful during antibiotic treatment, but they should generally not be taken at exactly the same time as an antibiotic.”
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A common approach is to separate the probiotic and antibiotic by around two hours, unless the doctor or product instructions advise otherwise. This helps reduce the chance of the antibiotic directly affecting the probiotic organisms.
Anyone taking antibiotics should continue to follow the prescribed antibiotic schedule and discuss probiotic use with their doctor when appropriate.
So, should you take your probiotic in the morning, afternoon or night? There isn’t one universally correct answer. Start with the instructions for the specific strain and formulation you are using, and focus on taking the recommended dose consistently. The exact hour matters less than getting the routine right for that particular product.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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