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Probiotics are live microorganisms, mostly friendly bacteria and some yeasts, found in certain foods and supplements. If you are comparing probiotics in the UAE, the most useful thing to know is that each strain behaves differently. A benefit shown for one strain does not mean another strain, or a different product, will do the same.
For healthy adults and children, probiotics are generally considered safe. The evidence is strongest for a few specific uses, such as lowering the chance of diarrhoea while taking antibiotics. For many other claims, the research is limited or unclear.
Babies are a special case. Probiotics for infants should only be given on a doctor's advice.
How probiotics work, and why the strain matters
Illness, antibiotics, travel and diet changes can upset the balance of gut microbes. Probiotics aim to add helpful ones for a while.
A probiotic label should name three things:
- The genus, such as Lactobacillus (some now renamed, for example Lacticaseibacillus), Bifidobacterium, Bacillus or Saccharomyces.
- The species, such as rhamnosus or reuteri.
- The strain code, a set of letters and numbers such as "GG" or "DSM 17938".
Research results apply to that exact strain. The World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) links benefits to specific strains, so knowing that one kind of Lactobacillus helps does not tell you that another kind will. So when choosing a product, look for the strain code and ask a pharmacist what studies exist for it.
CFU (colony forming units) shows how many live microbes a dose contains. A higher number is not automatically better. The right amount depends on the strain and the use.
What the evidence shows for adults
The evidence varies a lot by use:
- Diarrhoea linked to antibiotics. This is one of the better studied areas. Some strains, including certain Lactobacillus strains and the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii, have been studied for this.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The WGO notes that studies consistently show less bloating and wind, and some strains may ease pain. Results differ between products.
- Constipation. Some trials in adults show benefit from specific strains, including certain Bifidobacterium strains, but more research is needed.
- Eczema, weight and immunity. There is little good evidence for most of these claims.
Probiotics are classed as food supplements in many countries rather than medicines. The WGO points out that quality depends on the maker, most products are not made to medicine standards and not all are clearly labelled, so you cannot always be sure how many live microbes a product contains.
Probiotics for kids in the UAE
When parents search for probiotics for kids in the UAE, they are often thinking about a tummy upset, a course of antibiotics, or the summer travel season. Here is what the research supports:
- A 2019 Cochrane review of 33 studies in children found that taking probiotics alongside antibiotics reduced diarrhoea from about 19% to 8%. The most suitable strains appeared to be Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Saccharomyces boulardii.
- No serious side effects linked to probiotics were found in those studies of otherwise healthy children.
- Children's products come as drops, sachets and chewables. Pick a form your child will take, and follow the label for their age.
For a child with diarrhoea, the most important thing is fluids. Oral rehydration solution matters more than any probiotic, especially in the UAE heat.
Babies and infants: doctor's advice first
Parents often ask about Coliflor drops and other baby drops. Products differ in the strains they contain, so check the label. Some research suggests that one strain, L. reuteri DSM 17938, may ease colic, mainly in breastfed babies. Even so:
- Only give a probiotic to a baby under 12 months on a doctor's advice.
- Never give probiotics to a premature baby unless the hospital team advises it. In 2023 health regulators warned of serious, sometimes fatal infections in premature infants given probiotics.
- Breastfeeding remains the best first choice for feeding and supports a baby's own gut bacteria.
Who should be careful
Speak to a doctor before using probiotics if you or your child:
- Has a weakened immune system, for example from chemotherapy or long-term steroid medicine.
- Is seriously ill or in hospital, or has a central line (a long-term drip).
- Has had recent bowel surgery.
Choosing probiotics in the UAE: forms and storage
| Form | Often used for | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Drops | Babies and young children (on doctor advice for infants) | Measure carefully; check storage on the label |
| Sachets or small vials | Children and adults | Mix with cool, not hot, drinks; products like Blum Active come as ready vials |
| Capsules | Adults and older children | Check whether it needs the fridge |
| Yoghurt and fermented foods | Everyone | Good for diet, but strain and amount are often unknown |
Storage matters when buying probiotics in the UAE climate. Heat can reduce live microbes, so keep products away from hot cars and sunny windows, and refrigerate if the label says so.
Products to consider at BMG Pharmacy
- Coliflor Probiotic Drop 10ml: probiotic drops in a dropper bottle.
- Blum Active 10 Billion CFU 10ml Vials 10s: a probiotic in ready-to-drink vials.
- Optibac Probiotics Babies & Children Sachets 30s: probiotic powder sachets for children.
- Kids Protics 0.5g Sachets 10s: probiotic sachets for children.
- Enterogermina Suspension 5ml Bottle 10s: a probiotic oral suspension in single-dose bottles.
- Now Probiotic-10 25 Billion Vegan Capsule 50s: a multi-strain probiotic capsule for adults.
- AMS Florabiotix Probiotic 30 Billion Capsule 30s: a probiotic capsule for adults.
You can browse more options on our probiotics and fibres page.
When to see a doctor or pharmacist
Seek medical help rather than relying on probiotics if:
- A baby under 6 months has diarrhoea or vomiting, or any baby has fewer wet nappies than usual.
- There are signs of dehydration: dry mouth, no urine for several hours, sunken eyes, unusual sleepiness.
- There is blood in the stool, a high fever or severe tummy pain.
- Diarrhoea lasts more than two days in a child, or more than a few days in an adult.
- Diarrhoea starts during or after antibiotics and is severe or watery many times a day.
- You have a weakened immune system and develop a fever while taking a probiotic.
Frequently asked questions
Should I take probiotics with antibiotics?
Some strains have been shown to lower the chance of antibiotic-related diarrhoea, particularly in children. Taking the probiotic a couple of hours apart from the antibiotic is commonly advised; follow the label or ask your pharmacist. Always finish the antibiotic course as prescribed.
What is the best probiotic for adults?
There is no single best product. The right choice depends on why you want it, because evidence is strain-specific. Look for a product that lists the full strain name and ask a pharmacist which strains have been studied for your concern.
Are probiotics safe for children?
For otherwise healthy children, studies have found probiotics to be generally safe, with few side effects. Choose a product made for children and follow the age guidance on the label. For babies under 12 months, ask a doctor first.
Do probiotics need to be kept in the fridge?
Some do and some do not. Check the label, as heat and moisture can reduce the number of live microbes. In the UAE summer, avoid leaving any probiotic in a car or in direct sun.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Speak to a BMG pharmacist in any branch or on WhatsApp +971 55 520 8156, or call 800 2647.
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