Eli5: If we are to assume that probiotics survive and thrive in our bodies, why is it necessary to take them indefinitely? Shouldn’t we be able to establish a self-sustaining colony?

Question

Eli5: If we are to assume that probiotics survive and thrive in our bodies, why is it necessary to take them indefinitely? Shouldn’t we be able to establish a self-sustaining colony?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Daily probiotics are like daily vitamins and other supplements. The theory is that your body will keep and use what it needs, and expel the rest. Without detailed analysis it’s impossible to know which elements of each are needed and how often, so “take daily” is generally safe enough to do, and easy to remember

Granted, a proper diet will provide all the nutrients needed to support overall health (to include naturally occurring probiotic flora) but a lot of “modern” diets aren’t that healthy so a little extra “oomph” from vitamins, probiotics, and other supplements can be helpful.