Taking Probiotics And Vitamin C Together
There are many supplements for sale that contain both Probiotics and Vitamin C as ingredients.
In this guide, I will be looking at what studies say happens when you take both together and sharing if it's safe to take both together at the same time.
What Is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C ( L-ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin and not fat-soluble that is found in foods like oranges, kiwi, lemon, grapefruit, bell peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, cabbage, white potatoes, broccoli, sprouts, and more.
Vitamin C may help with the repair of body tissues, absorption of iron, helping with colds and flu, and the formation of collagen. Its also antioxidant studies suggest it can neutralize free radical molecules and prevent free radical damage.
If you are deficient in vitamin c you may experience irritability, anorexia, poor wound healing, gingival swelling, mucocutaneous petechiae, ecchymosis, and hyperkeratosis. If you have low Vitamin C levels you may also have rough bumpy skin, bright red hair follicles, and painful swollen joints.
Probiotics And Vitamin C For Respiratory Tract Infections
This 2015 randomized controlled trial from England and Slovakia sought to test out the efficacy of taking both Vitamin C and probiotics together at the same time.
In the pilot study, children aged 3-6 years old that were attending preschool were asked to take part. 57 children were given probiotic supplements along with vitamin c for a total of 6-months.
The other half in the study were given a placebo so it was easy to see if the Probiotic and Vitamin C were able to make a difference in URTI symptoms in the children or the prevention of the infection.
The 57 children took a 12.5 Billion CFU mix of Bifidobacterium Bifidum CUL20, Lactobacillus acidophilus CUL21 & CUl60, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis. For the Vitamin C, they were given 50mg. They took this combination every day for 6-months and the probiotic supplement was called Lab4.
Read This Next: Probiotics And IBgard Guide
The results of the study were that those who took Probiotics and Vitamin C every day had a lower rate of URTI infections at 33% and during the 6-months had 21 days of URTI symptoms which were lower than the placebo group.
The Probiotic and Vitamin C group also had 30% less absence from preschool, fewer doctor visits, and less pain killers, nasal sprays, cough medicine, and antibiotics. The use of these medications was higher in those who didn't take Probiotics and Vitamin C.
The study concluded simply by saying "Supplementation with a probiotic/vitamin C combination may be beneficial in the prevention and management of URTIs".
Can You Take Probiotics And Vitamin C Together?
In the previous study I shared there was no reported adverse effects from any of the preschool children taking Probiotics and vitamin C together every day. Furthermore according to drugs.com, there are no interactions found but you should always consult with your doctor before taking any supplements or medications. If you experience any side effects you should stop using them and contact your doctor asap. I am not a doctor.
Probiotic Brands With Added Vitamin C
Emergen-C created a 2 billion CFU probiotic supplement with Lactobacillus Rhamonsus GG, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis and 250 MG of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid).
Healtherries is another brand that created a chewable supplement with 1000mg of Vitamin C and Bacillus Coagulans probiotic bacteria.
Keep in mind that the doses of Vitamin C are higher than the dose in the preschool study and these supplements are not suitable for children. They are made for adults
Vitamin C For Gut Health
Taking Vitamin C without probiotic supplements may also have benefits for the microbiome and overall digestive health according to at least one study.
Those who took a high dose of Vitamin C for just 2-weeks were found to have modulating effects on the microbiota and beneficial changes on gut bacteria.
It's thought that this had an anti-inflammatory effect on the gut because of the bacteria that was boosted.
Closing Thoughts
It's clear that Vitamin C and Probiotic's are safe for most people to take. If you have any auto-immune conditions however you shouldn't take probiotic supplements and children should not take adult supplements.
You should always talk with your Doctor first before taking any new supplements since they will know your medical history. You can also get both Vitamin C and Probiotic foods naturally from foods like Sauerkraut and Kimchi which may be the best option.