Streptococcus thermophilus (S. thermophilus) is a type of probiotic ("good" bacteria) found in the digestive tract. It produces lactic acid in the gut.
"Good" bacteria such as S. thermophilus can help break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off "bad" organisms that might cause diseases. S. thermophilus is commonly used to produce fermented dairy foods such as yogurt. It is also used in probiotic supplements.
People use S. thermophilus for diarrhea, constipation, colic, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using S. thermophilus for COVID-19.
Don't confuse S. thermophilus with other probiotics, or with fermented food products such as fermented milk, kefir, or yogurt. These are not the same.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using S. thermophilus for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: S. thermophilus is likely safe. It's been used safely alone and together with other probiotics for up to one year. It's usually well-tolerated.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: S. thermophilus is possibly safe when taken by mouth appropriately during pregnancy. It's been used safely together with other probiotics for 8 weeks, starting at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if S. thermophilus is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: S. thermophilus is possibly safe when taken by mouth appropriately in most children. It's been used safely for up to one year. However, there isn't enough reliable information to know if S. thermophilus is safe for very small premature infants.
It is not known if Streptococcus thermophilus interacts with any medicines. Before taking Streptococcus thermophilus, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
S. thermophilus has most often been used along with other probiotics by adults and children. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
S. thermophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus.
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