I was thinking about trying probiotics for my IBS-D. I have heard that the amount of bacteria in yogurt is only a fraction of what is in tablet form. Are there any guidelines? I see some pills that say they have one billion live cultures, and others that say 5 or 6 billion. Are there any side effects that can result from taking them? Should I start with a lower dose? Most yogurts only say that they contain active bacteria culture, but they don't give quantities.

It sounds scary to think of taking billions of bacteria, doesn't it?

When probiotics are taken orally, not all of them survive the trip to the lower gut, where they should "hang out." There is a lot of variation amongst individuals in how their stomach acid level & digestive enzymes affect the tablet.

If you are intolerant to dairy or other foods (corn or gluten or whatever), it would be reasonable to ck that your probiotic is free of those things. I have heard of individuals who get gassy at first on probiotics, but that doesn't happen to everyone.

Some brands of probiotics come in powder form. It's very easy to start with a tiny amt & as you feel comfortable & assured of side-effect issues, you can increase gradually to the recommended dose for adults.

Of course, you could split a plain tablet, too. But some of the probiotics come specially encapsulated/coated to reduce digestion in the stomach. Splitting those might decrease your benefit.

Best wishes. I hope that if you try the probiotics, they help you.