Probiotics can boost your immune system against all infections
evidence
The Claim
Some people believe that taking probiotics can universally enhance immune function and protect against all types of infections. This misconception may arise from the understanding that gut health is linked to immune health.
Origin
This myth can be traced back to promotional claims that highlight the immune-supporting properties of probiotics without specifying the context or limitations.
What Science Says
Research indicates that while certain probiotic strains can enhance immune response, particularly in preventing respiratory infections, they do not guarantee protection against all infections. A review found that probiotics may reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections in healthy individuals, but the effect is strain-dependent and not universally applicable.
Verdict
Mostly True
Sources
- PMID:27885969 36th International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine : Brussels, Belgium. 15-18 March 2016.
- PMID:33081138 Role of Probiotics in Stimulating the Immune System in Viral Respiratory Tract Infections: A Narrative Review.
- PMID:41082980 Probiotics in Term Infants: Clinical Impact of Infant-Type Bifidobacteria: A Systematic Review and Meta-analyses.