Probiotics: Timing varies; daily use not always needed

Ed TophamClark, a nutrition expert and course tutor at Open Study College, said the best time to take probiotic supplements depends on the product and individual needs, and that many healthy people do not require daily probiotics. He advised consumers to follow product instructions and reserve supplements for specific situations such as after a course of antibiotics or to help manage irritable bowel syndrome.

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast intended to boost populations of beneficial microorganisms in the gut, supporting the microbiome and reducing space for potentially harmful bacteria or fungi. The supplements have grown in popularity as attention to gut health has increased, but experts and public health guidance note that evidence for many claimed benefits remains limited.

"Probiotic supplements can be beneficial in specific cases, such as restoring gut bacteria after a course of antibiotics or managing irritable bowel syndrome IBS symptoms, but that doesn't necessarily mean you need to be taking them on a daily basis," TophamClark said. He added that while some people recommend taking probiotics 30 minutes before or with a meal to improve survival through the...