Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts promoted as having various health benefits. They're usually added to yoghurts or taken as food supplements, and are often described as 'good' or 'friendly' bacteria.

Probiotics are thought to help restore the natural balance of bacteria in your gut (including your stomach and intestines) when it has been disrupted by an illness or treatment.

Probiotics may be helpful in some cases, but there's little evidence to support many health claims made for them. For example, theres no evidence to suggest that probiotics can help treat eczema.

However, it does seem that for most people probiotics appear to be safe. If you wish to try them and you have a healthy immune system they shouldn't cause any unpleasant side effects.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 4 Jan 2017