Mercy's Dr. Jonathan Rich Offers The "411" on Probiotics

Probiotics in yogurt and supplements promise to help with digestion, but are they really necessary?

There are lots of probiotics on the market right now, but should you be taking them? According to Jonathan Rich, D.O., of Mercy Medical Center, for most healthy people they aren't necessary. But for people who are on antibiotics for a long period of time, probiotics can help prevent C. diff colitis, which causes swelling and irritation of the large intestine or colon.

"Antibiotics kill the good bacteria in the gut flora and the probiotics help replace that gut flora, so that's been the area where we try to fill the need for the probiotics and that's been a useful area," Rich said.

Dr. Rich noted that people should always consult their doctor before taking supplements.

To view Dr. Jonathan Rich’s interview regarding probiotics, click here.