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How long do you take vsl3 for? Or any probiotics?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 12/3/2018 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
I’ve been taking vsl3 since 2011, my GI doctor recommended that I take it. It’s helped me with remission initially, but along the way I’ve still had flares while on it. Has anyone gotten recommendations on how long probiotics should be taken? I’ve personally also thought “let’s not rock the boat” but now am wondering if there’s any problems with long term use.
Posted 12/4/2018 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
I don't take VSL anymore because they switched their base to GMO corn starch.

Also the latest research shows probiotics don't do very much. VSL is super expensive and kind of scammy, IMO.

I never take probiotics if I'm in a severe flare up. It just irritates the inflammation more. I wait until there's some mucosa healing, and then I use home made ferments and prebiotic foods.
Posted 12/4/2018 1:00 AM (GMT 0)
Long term risks are unkwown. Even short term risks aren't well characterized. They (the risks) are probably small, if at all, but that just isn't known.

Ask your GI why the recommendation of taking it. Then ask your GI to pay for it for you! smile
Posted 12/4/2018 2:24 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you MarkWithIBD and Beave for your input! I’m trying to avoid corn so that’s good to know it’s now containing corn. All this uc stuff gets so expensive (don’t get me started on my Asacol cost) and it’s almost like a fear driving me to continue using this stuff as I’m always afraid a flare would result if I change the regimen...but unless my GI helps pay for this stuff LOL I may need to reconsider using it...
Posted 12/12/2018 2:43 PM (GMT 0)
Probiotics have been commercially available for 20 years or so - I would say long term risks are well known. Most people think that there are no adverse effects with probiotics but there have been rare cases of contamination, as well as endocarditis although I think this occurs in <1%. Short term risks are gas and bloating and transient changes in bowel habit, but this seems to be offset by their beneficial effects. The main disadvantage with probiotics is that they only work while you are taking them, ie transiently. Also, the probiotic that works for you will depend on your microbiome makeup to an extent and what you are deficient in.
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