Physician's Choice Probiotic and Digestive Enzymes Side Effects

According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, probiotics are generally well tolerated by healthy people, though they may cause mild digestive symptoms, such as gas. Our 60 Billion Probiotic and Digestive Enzymes contain inulin, and our Fiber Gummies contain chicory root fiber; gut bacteria break down fibers like these, which can cause gas. Fiber Gummies carry the most fiber of the three: 5 g per 2-gummy serving.

By the Physician's Choice Team. Updated October 9, 2026. Product facts are from our labels and product pages.

What people notice in the first weeks

According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, probiotics are generally well tolerated by healthy people, though they may cause mild digestive symptoms, such as gas. Probiotics may not be appropriate for everyone, particularly people who are seriously ill or have weakened immune systems. Talk with your healthcare provider before use.

The ODS fact sheet for health professionals puts it this way: side effects of probiotics "are usually minor and consist of self-limited gastrointestinal symptoms, such as gas." Self-limited means a symptom clears up on its own.

Our Journal article Do Probiotics Cause Gas? What's Normal and When To Adjust Your Dose covers what is normal when you start a probiotic, and when to adjust.

Why probiotics and fiber can cause gas

Some gas symptoms are normal, especially during or after meals. Gas gets into your digestive tract when you swallow air, and when bacteria in your large intestine break down carbohydrates that your stomach and small intestine did not fully digest. Those carbohydrates include sugars, starches and fiber. That is how the NIDDK, part of the National Institutes of Health, explains it.

Inulin is a prebiotic. The ODS describes prebiotics as complex carbohydrates, such as inulin, that microbes in the gut use as fuel. When you start a probiotic, you add live bacteria to the ones already in your gut. As our Journal explains, gut bacteria break down fibers, and gas is a natural byproduct. The NIDDK also notes that some people have more gas symptoms when they take in too much fiber.

Which of our products contain fiber

All three list a fiber or a prebiotic on the label. For the capsules, the label gives the weight of each blend, not the amount of inulin on its own.

How to ease in

• Take the serving on the label. 60 Billion Probiotic is 1 capsule a day, with or without food, and the same time each day is best. Digestive Enzymes is 1 capsule with your largest meal, and most people do not go above 2 a day. See our How to Take page.
• Stay consistent. Our Journal notes that skipping days and then doubling up tends to make adjustment symptoms worse.
• Go easy on adding fiber and a probiotic at once. Our Journal notes that ramping up both at the same time may amplify gas. If you recently added a fiber supplement alongside your probiotic, it suggests spacing them out or scaling back on fiber for a while.
• Drink enough. Drink plenty of water and other liquids when you take a fiber supplement to help keep things moving.
• Swallow less air. For gas, the NIDDK lists habits a doctor may suggest: eat more slowly, sit down to eat when you can, and avoid or limit chewing gum, hard candy, fizzy drinks and drinking with a straw.
• Keep a short diary. The NIDDK says your doctor may ask you to write down what you eat and drink and your gas symptoms. The diary can help your doctor or dietitian figure out whether certain foods and drinks could be causing them.
• Ask your provider. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements suggests asking your health care provider which probiotic to choose, what dose to take and how long to use it.

Who should check with a doctor first

• Pregnancy, serious illness or a weakened immune system. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are seriously ill, or have a weakened immune system, consult your healthcare provider before taking a probiotic or any other dietary supplement.
• Children. Our Kids line includes a Kids Chewable Probiotic, Fiber Gummies, and a Probiotic + Fiber Powder. These are the only Physician’s Choice products we recommend for children under 18, and each should be used according to its labeled age range and directions. Always consult your child’s pediatrician or healthcare provider before starting a new supplement routine. On their product pages, Kids Probiotic Chewable and Kids Fiber Gummies are for ages 4 and up, and Kids Probiotic + Prebiotic Fiber Packets are for children 1 year and over. The Fiber Gummies in the table above are our adult product: its label says adults chew 2 gummies daily.
• Allergies. If you have known allergies, review the product’s ingredient list and allergen information and consult your healthcare provider before purchasing or using it. Most of our products are formulated without the top 9 common allergens, but ingredients vary by product. The 60 Billion Probiotic, Digestive Enzymes and Fiber Gummies product pages each list the ingredients and an allergen statement.

When to stop and ask a professional

If you experience an adverse event, stop using the product and contact your healthcare provider immediately. Please also notify us at support@physicianschoice.com or 1-877-395-2707.

Phone hours are Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM MST.

Talk to your doctor if gas or bloating bothers you, changes suddenly, or comes with abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea or weight loss. This is the NIDDK's guidance on when to talk with a doctor about gas symptoms.

Questions shoppers ask

Sources: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Probiotics: Fact Sheet for Consumers (updated November 17, 2025) and Probiotics: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals (updated March 25, 2025). NIDDK, Symptoms & Causes, Treatment and Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for gas in the digestive tract. Product facts: our labels, product pages and How to Take page.