Can You Take Bile Salts and Probiotics Together?

May affect absorption

The short answer

Bile salts have antimicrobial properties and can disrupt bacterial cell membranes. Taking them with probiotics may reduce probiotic viability.

How to arrange timing

Separate bile salt supplements from probiotics by at least 1 hour. Take probiotics on an empty stomach and bile salts with fatty meals.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Begley M, Gahan CG, Hill C. The interaction between bacteria and bile. FEMS Microbiol Rev. 2005;29(4):625-651.

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.