These were the first probiotics that I ever tried. I felt they helped me, but not really sure if it was them or my meds as I had just been diagnosed. They didn't cause any negative effects...I didn't have any bloating or looser stools or anything. I took them b/c they have more cultures than most of the probiotics out there, but they were really expensive at the local health food store ($36/30-pill bottle) so I switched to a different probiotic. Make sure you keep them refridgerated.
p.s. - I forgot to mention I took them once a day before bed...not sure that the time of day matters, but the bottle said to take between meals.