The best time to take probiotics can depend on various factors, including the specific type of probiotic and personal health conditions. However, some general guidelines have emerged from research:

1. With Meals or Before Meals: Many studies suggest that taking probiotics with a meal or about 30 minutes before a meal can enhance their survival through the upper digestive tract. Meals, particularly those containing some fat, can buffer stomach acid, which might otherwise destroy the probiotics¹.

2. On an Empty Stomach: Some guidelines recommend taking probiotics on an empty stomach to ensure that the beneficial bacteria have a better chance of reaching the intestine without competition from other foods².

Ultimately, the timing can vary based on the type of probiotic formulation and individual digestive patterns. It might be beneficial to experiment with different timings or consult with a healthcare provider to determine what works best for you.

Footnotes

1. T A Tompkins, "The impact of meals on a probiotic during transit through a model of the human upper gastrointestinal tract," PubMed, 2011. ↩

2. Nicoleta-Maricica Maftei, "The Potential Impact of Probiotics on Human Health: An Update on Their Health-Promoting Properties," NCBI, 2023. ↩