Trending
Stephanie Sarkisian: Lifestyle, Workout Routine & Diet Plan Breakdown Amazing 6 Mallet Finger Exercises For Quick Recovery 8 Amazing Health Benefits of Curd Setting Realistic and Achievable Fitness Goals Best Cranberry Juice For UTI Vayu Mudra: Benefits, Side Effects, How To Do and Precautions 6 Best Yoga Poses to Boost Immunity Power 20 Amazing Health Benefits of Regular Morning Walk Why Does Salad Make Me Poop? Know From Experts 10 Best Fast Food Options When You’re Feeling Sick Health Issues Faced by IT Professionals Best Physical Activities For Anxiety Disorder For Adults How To Increase Muscle Mass For Skinny Guys : 8 Secret Tips The Ultimate Guide to Body Realignment: Improving Posture, Health, and Well-being Does Herbal Tea Have Caffeine What is the 432 Hz Sound and Why is It Known as the Frequency of the Universe? Unlocking Inner Peace: The Profound Benefits of Mrigi Mudra Leg Press Exercise- Steps, Advantages and Mistakes Cranberry Power for Women’s Health: Unlocking the Secrets Is Stevia Bad For Your Teeth? Drinking Hot Milk at Night – My Experience Backed by Expert Opinions The Soothing Benefits of Eye Pillows: A Comprehensive Guide to Relaxation and Well-Being Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings : Amazing Facts How To Get Rid of Bra Bulge : Exercises Do Cranberry Pills Help Against Cystitis? Science Gives Us the Answer Healthy Habits on the Road: Tips for Eating and Exercising on a Golf Trip Best Yoga Poses for Sciatica Nerve Pain Relief Normal Blood Sugar 30 Minutes After Eating The Reclined Cobbler Pose: Unlocking Flexibility and Relaxation Are Teeth Bone: Know From Experts Health Benefits and Side Effects of White Strawberries 10 Reasons Why You Need to Add Coffee Scrub to Your Skincare Routine Harnessing the Power of the Falling Star Pose 6 Incredible Yoga Poses For Diabetes COVID-19 vs Kawasaki Disease – What You Need to Know 6 Best Core Strengthening Yoga Poses To Improve Posture My Favorite 10 Yoga Practices for a Leo Full Moon Ritual What Is Acupressure Points With Pros And Cons Tummy Trimmer and Its Benefits How I Discovered the Golden Lucuma Fruit — and Why It’s Now a Staple in My Kitchen
Appointment
Ask Question
Talk2Expert
Q&A
Health Tracker
Workout
Nutritious
Meditation
Well-Being
Mood Music
Social Service
Podcast E-book
✓ Evidence Based
13.6k
Reads
1.6k

What is Probiotics: Types, Use and Sources

Medically reviewed
Our Review Process
Our content undergoes a rigorous editorial process, including fact-checking and clinical review by qualified medical experts.
READ MORE →

Our Editorial Team
Nebadita (Diet & Health Expert), M.S
AUTHOR
Toby Amidor
MEDICAL ADVISOR
by   Toby Amidor
Toby Amidor ✔ Verified Expert
Toby Amidor is a highly accomplished registered dietitian, nutrition specialist, food safety consultant, teacher, speaker, and author located in New York City. Through her business,…
READ MORE →
—Written by   Nebadita (Diet & Health Expert), M.S
Nebadita (Diet & Health Expert), M.S
Nebadita is experienced in the field of nutrition, health, fitness, and more. Nebadita earned Master Degree from National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad and currently serving in the Eastern branch of ICMR. Know More. Learn about our editorial process..
READ MORE →
Updated on April 11, 2026
Why This Was Updated
We continuously monitor the health landscape and update our articles to reflect the latest evidence.

Updated on April 11, 2026

VIEW ALL HISTORY →
—Published on July 30, 2020
Our editorial process ensures that the information we provide is well-researched and reliable. Learn about our commitment to quality in our editorial policy.
Listen to this article

The Fast Facts

  • Some probiotics strains, such as LGG and Saccharomyces boulardii, can help to reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated with diarrhea in people under the age of 65, but not in the elderly people.
  • But research said that when there is a shortage of “good” living microorganisms in the body, at that time probiotics help to make those bacteria into the body.
  • How probiotics works is not clear but through some study, it has been said that it helps to generate good bacteria in the body.
FreakToFit logo

Our body is a home to the untied living bacteria, which benefit us in a different ways. Probiotics are living microorganisms, which are good for our health. So, let’s look at it Types of Probiotics.

Some essential Probiotics that are useful to us, can be obtained through food, medicine or supplements, while we face deficiency.

Types of Probiotics.

Many types of bacteria are classified as Probiotics. All of these have different benefits, but most come from two groups. Those are following types;

Lactobacillus.

This is one of the most common types of Probiotics. It can obtained from yogurt and other fermented food. Lactobacillus can be used to get relieve from diarrhea and effective for those who cannot digest sugar and lactose of milk.

Bifidobacterium.

You can find Bifidobacterium in some dairy products. It can help to reduce the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and some other conditions.

Footnote. There are many types of probiotics. But apart from that the most two common types of probiotics are lactobacillus and bifidobacterium.

How Probiotics Work?

Lot of research are still going on regarding the advantages and function of Probiotics. But still it’s not clear how it actually works.

But research said that when there is a shortage of “good” living microorganisms in the body, at that time probiotics help to make those bacteria into the body. Deficiencies of good bacteria can occur after taking Antibiotic.

The study also said that Probiotics helps to balance “good” and “bad” bacteria in the body so that your body can work efficiently.

Read Now: 15 Incredible Health Benefits of Chlorophyll
Footnote. How probiotics works is not clear but through some study, it has been said that it helps to generate good bacteria in the body.

Benefits of Probiotics.

To understand how probiotics affect health, scientists are still working on it. Here are some examples that shows what research has found;

desktop
Probiotics for Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a skin condition that affects most of the children. When a person has dermatitis (atopic dermatitis) he or she may face dry and itchy skin, scratched and rashes.

Some studies have shown that taking probiotics during pregnancy and infancy may reduce the risk of developing atopic dermatitis and reduce the severity of dermatitis symptoms. But the use of effects varies depending on stress, whether it is during pregnancy or childhood.

Probiotics for Pediatric Acute Infectious Diarrhea.

Acute infectious diarrhea in infants and children causes loose or liquid stools within 24 hours and three or more bowel movements. This condition is often caused by a viral infection and can last up to a week. Some infants and children also have fever and vomiting.

Some studies have shown that probiotics shorten the bouts of acute diarrhea within 1 day. LGG and Saccharomyces foulard pediatrics show the most promise for treating acute infectious diarrhea.

However, other studies have not shown that probiotics are effective – most episodes of diarrhea are successfully treated by drinking a lot of fluids.

Read Now: Process of Digestion, Absorption and Transportation of Nutrients
Probiotics for Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea.

Antibiotics, such as erythromycin and penicillin, can kill beneficial microorganisms that live in the GI path, resulting in diarrhea.

Some probiotics strains, such as LGG and Saccharomyces boulardii, can help to reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated with diarrhea in people under the age of 65, but not in the elderly people. But this especially benefits only. if people start taking probiotics products within 2 days of the first antibiotic dose.

Probiotics for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

IBS is a common disorder that often causes abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, changes in bowel movement frequency and diarrhea or constipation.

The reason is still not clear, but people with IBS may have highly “bad” microorganisms and very few “good” microorganisms in their intestines.

Taking probiotics may reduce the symptoms of IBS. But the effects vary depending on the strain of the probiotics used, it also depends on how long it is used and then the symptoms are being treated.

Read Now: Hemorrhoids: Types, Prevention, Treatment and Home Remedies
Probiotics for Hypercholesterolemia.

Hypercholesterolemia, (a condition of high cholesterol level in blood). The formation of cholesterol in the walls of the blood vessel can block blood flow to the heart and increase the risk of heart disease.

Some studies have shown that levels of probiotics, such as lactobacillus acidophilus, can reduce total level of cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) to some extent.

However, more research is required to understand the exact effect of it on blood cholesterol.

Probiotics for Obesity.

Researches are still going on to know the effects of probiotics on body weight and obesity. Some studies have shown that it can slightly reduce body weight or body fat percentage. Other studies have shown that probiotics have no effect or can also increase body weight.

Footnote. There are many health benefits of probiotics like, it helps to balance digestive system, prevent from digestive disorders, allergies and eczema etc.
Read Now: Fish Oil – Health Benefits, Dosage and Side Effects

Probiotics Uses.

Before starting medicine or supplement with Probiotics, be sure to consult a doctor. In general, Probiotics food and supplements are considered safe for most of the people.

However, those who are suffering from weak immunity power or undergoing to health related problems, they may face little problem with it.

In some cases, mild side effects such as stomach irritation, diarrhea, gas and swelling may be seen. Stop taking them if you face such problems and consult with your doctor regarding the same.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) categorize probiotics in food, not in any drugs. Therefore, medicine regarding this, is not illegal.

Other Benefits of Probiotics.

Probiotics have many other health  benefits. The benefits of it depend on the conditions of the body. The following are some advantages;

  • It helps to balance friendly bacteria in your digestive system.
  • It can help to prevent and treat diarrhea.(1)
  • Correct doses improve mental conditions.(2)
  • Probiotics can reduce certain allergies and eczema. (3), (4)
  • It also reduce the symptoms of digestive disorders.(5)
  • Probiotics helps to increase immunity power. (6)
  • It helps to give your body the right shape (Shrewd look).
The chart illustrates the key health benefits of probiotics, including gut health, digestion, immunity, mental health, and inflammation. The findings show strong benefits for gut health and digestion, with moderate improvements in immunity and inflammation, while mental health benefits are emerging but less pronounced (Hill et al., Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 2014).
Read Now: A Balanced Hyperbolic Diet Plan – A Perfect Plan to Weight Loss
Footnote. Probiotics have a great effect on health like atopic dermatitis, antibiotic associated diarrhea and IBS etc. But yet more researches are need to be done to know the exact effect of probiotics.

Sources of Probiotics.

It have different sources. Probiotics can be obtain from dairy products and non-dairy product. But on the other hand it can also be obtain from tablets and supplements.

Dairy Products.

Yogurt, buttermilk, cheese, milk and mozzarella etc., are the major sources.

Non-Dairy Products.

Non-dairy yogurts, fresh pickles, kimchi, sour cabbage, Tempeh, Kombucha (fermented tea), Natto and fermented soybeans etc. are the rich sources.

Probiotics Capsules or Tablets.

Many Probiotics Capsules or Tablets are available in the market. You can take these capsules online or directly from the medical store. If you want to start this capsules, first consult with your doctor.

The following are some popular Probiotics medicines;

  • Bifilac Capsule.
  • Becelac PB Capsule.
  • Vibact Sachet.
  • Vibact Capsule.
  • Profic Capsule.

Probiotics Supplements.

Many package supplements are available in varieties. You can choose Probiotics supplements as per your need.

The following major Probiotics Supplements in India are;

  • Carbamide Forte Probiotics Supplement.
  • Pronutrition Advanced Probiotics.
  • WOW Life Science Probiotics.
  • Boldfit Probiotics Supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions.

1. Can Probiotics be taken with Antibiotic?

Yes, it can be consume with antibiotic, but at the different times. Taking it along with antibiotic can cause different side effects, which may be harmful for your overall well beings.

2. Can Probiotics be taken with other medicines?

Yes, it can be taken with other medicines, but at first consult the doctor. However, it may cause side effects and can increase the entire health issues.

3. Does Probiotics cause problems like diarrhea?

No, it cannot cause diarrhea. However, you may face little problem at the beginning stage. Because at the initial stage the body required some time to adapt the probiotics components.

4. When and how to take Probiotics capsules?

Probiotics capsules should be taken on an empty stomach, but you must consult with your doctor. Because he can suggest you the right time and dosage according to your health condition.

5. In which place can I keep Probiotics?

It should be packed, dried and kept in a cool place. You must protect it from direct sunlight. Because it may degrade the quality of the product.

6. What are the Difference Between Prebiotics and Probiotics?

Prebiotics is a special form of fiber, which acts as a fertilizer for good bacteria in the intestine. Prebiotics are in raw onions and garlic. On the other hand they are living bacteria, which are found in yogurt and other Fermented food.

7. Can Probiotics be Harmful?

People have been using many microorganisms in probiotics for thousands of years for fermentation of food. In healthy people, it can cause gas, but they rarely cause infections or other health problems. They are most likely to have problems such as bacterial infections those who are suffering from most serious diseases or weakened immune system.

8. How long does it take for probiotics to work? 

It totally depends upon your purpose of consumption. Generally it will take few days to months to reflect its effect.

9. How much probiotics per day?

Dosage differ from product to product. But the common dosage ranges in children is from 5-10 billion colony-forming units per day and in adult 10 to 20 billion colony forming units per day.

Bottom Line.

Probiotics are living microorganisms which are really good for overall health. It helps to maintain good bacteria in the body and prevent from many health related problems. So, probiotics are mainly two types and have several benefits.

It can be taken from both dairy and non-dairy sources. But in case if some people do not consume dairy products or have some lactose induced problem, they can go for supplements or tablets in order to keep your body fit and healthy.

+6 Sources

Freaktofit has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, educational research institutes, and medical organizations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and up-to-date by reading our editorial policy.

  1. Probiotics for diarrhoea; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4069727/
  2. The effects of probiotics on depressive symptoms in humans: a systematic review; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5319175/
  3. The Role of Probiotics in Preventing Allergic Disease; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6406271/
  4. Probiotics and Atopic Dermatitis: An Overview; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4828648/
  5. Use of probiotics in gastrointestinal disorders: what to recommend?; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3002586/
  6. Probiotics and immune health; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4006993/

Last reviewed on April 11, 2026

How we reviewed this article:

ⓘ Sources

FreakToFit follows strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and reputable medical organizations. We only use high-quality, credible sources to ensure the accuracy and integrity of our content.

🕖 History

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available

Current Version

Written by Nebadita (Diet & Health Expert), M.S

Reviewed by Toby Amidor

Updated: Apr 11, 2026

Jul 30, 2020

Written by Nebadita (Diet & Health Expert), M.S

Reviewed by Toby Amidor

The dietary recommendations provided here are based on research and expert review. Individual needs vary — please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist before changing your diet. Know More

Nebadita (Diet & Health Expert), M.S

Author
Nebadita is experienced in the field of nutrition, health, fitness, and more. Nebadita earned Master Degree from National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad and currently serving in the Eastern branch of ICMR. Know More. Learn about our editorial process..

Toby Amidor

Dietitian
Toby Amidor is a highly accomplished registered dietitian, nutrition specialist, food safety consultant, teacher, speaker, and author located in New York City. Through her business,…

Leave a Comment