Probiotics are a great thing. Right? In some cases, maybe not. I’ve tried taking probiotics several times since the 1990’s. One would think they are a helpful supplement given the latest research on the gut microbiome. One would also believe that they are imperative for someone such as myself, working to heal a leaky gut that contributed to the diagnoses of celiac disease, Hashimoto’s autoimmune thyroiditis, and multiple sclerosis.
You’ll think twice after you see this recent article in the New York Times, Many Probiotics Taken for Celiac Disease Contain Gluten. That article has personal relevance as every time I’ve attempted to take probiotics I’ve had stomachaches and severe digestive distress. Of course, I’ve only purchased probiotics at the doctor’s office (or an incredible local shop, Pharmaca). Still, it made no difference. Now I know why. Even high-end probiotic supplements have been found to contain gluten. According to this New York Times article:
The authors of the study found gluten in probiotic supplements that carried “gluten-free” claims on their labels, and they discovered that the most expensive supplements were just as likely to contain gluten as the cheapest products.
According to Dr. Peter H. R. Green, the author of the study and the director of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University, “the results suggest that people with celiac disease, or those avoiding gluten for any reason, should be cautious about taking probiotic supplements.” I’m beyond relieved that I attempt to listen to my body. Because of this, I spared myself a daily dose of gluten, something I work diligently to avoid. What do you do when a doctor, naturopath, or healer advises you to continue taking a supplement or medicine that makes you feel ill?
If you’re looking for a safe delivery method of probiotics, check out my homemade fermented pickles recipe!
Sian James says
Reading Ken Larsen’s website has made me cautious about many probiotics, especially high count mixed strains. Not just because of gluten – but because I understood our gut biome’s are unique, and just throwing large numbers of various strains at a problem may well worsen it as much as help. Having said that, I am treating Lyme disease over a long period of time, and I feel a need to support my gut. Anything fermented messes me up – guess it’s the glutamates?
Jc says
Might be histamine reaction as all fermented foods are high in histamine
Christine says
Hi Elana. This may be a stupid question, but how did you find out you have a leaky gut? Did you just go to a GP and asked for a test or a specialist? I want to check if i have one too but dont know what to say to the front office to get an appointment with the doctor. Thanks
Marilee Lambidakis says
Thanks for posting this. Well-timed.
Karen Tintori says
My doctor recently advised me to take a daily dose of BeneFiber and Align. The side effects were ginormous. I was increasingly miserable for ten days and that was enough for me. Been off Align for a week, and BeneFiber for two days and my discomfort and extreme distention are nearly history. I have used Florastor without ill effect, but now am leery of taking that. Going to try the pickles recipe, thanks.
Charee says
Although I have not tested any probiotics, Probiotics usually bother me.
I have used EZ Gluten test strips on supplements when my digestive issues flare. Twice I have found a supplelement that does not contain a gluten based ingredient to have gluten at more than 10 ppm, which is what the test strips measure. I don’t test everything, it would be too expensive. The only positives I have gotten Included an herb tablet made in India that “shouldn’t” have had gluten. The other was an inexpensive herb capsule that the company claimed had no gluten ingredients – when I called them.
I read the article too and the names of the probiotics were excluded which is unfortunate.
Donna L says
I take Zymogen brand “ProbioMaxDF” which is gluten free. It has helped my colon issues.
Beth says
I saw this right when it came out and the part the disturbs me the most is the author’s refusal to disclose the product names that were tested – and which tested positive for gluten and which tested out gluten free.
That makes me question the entire study – if you are not confident enough in your study/methodology to fully disclose all the details, it begs the question “why”? Particularly with something this important! People taking the products labeled gluten free that tested positive for gluten need to know so they can stop taking them!
Diane says
Pretty sure that the NY Times only hires vetted and trustworthy reporters. It makes sense that the author doesn’t want to deal with a civil case in court from a company that “lost business due to a libelous article”. Of course, if you’re willing to front legal fees, then your criticism may be valid.
Linda Lawson says
I am definitely interested in the names of the probiotics that ARE gluten-free. Seems silly to me that we all try our best to do the right things like cutting gluten and carbs out of our diets and taking probiotics to get us back on track only to find the one thing that’s supposed to make us healthier (probiotics) is actually making us sicker. Feel free to post all kinds of info to help us make the right choices!! Thank you!!
Cathy says
Linda, I can connect you with the gluten free probiotic that I use. Feel free to contact me at cathy.livefreegroup@gmail.com
isabel says
Thank you for this reference. About two years ago I became desperately ill after starting a regime of probiotic shakes.
When I mentioned my symptoms and what I believed to be the cause, my doctor dismissed my concerns. I stopped taking them anyway and after several long weeks, I regained by health. Thanks for confirming my suspicions.
Cathy says
Elana,
I love your page, blog and recipes. Thank you so very much for sharing your life with all of us!
I just saw your alert regarding gluten in Probiotics. I am happy to report that my product partner, USANA Health Sciences’ Probiotic is Gluten Free.
I will be happy to send you more information and label specs if you’re interested. I could pass on my contact information to your followers who may be interested in a gluten-free Probiotic. You do such a wonderful service by sharing information with others. I too desire to share knowledge and information so that others can make better choices.