What probiotics are good for cancer patients?
Isabella Floyd
Updated on March 28, 2026
What probiotics are good for cancer patients?
2.2. Live probiotics for the prevention and treatments of cancer
| Probiotics | Cancer type | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|
| L. cocktail | CRC | Cell line: HT-29 |
| L. plantarum AS1 | CRC | In vivo animal |
| L. acidophilus | Breast cancer | In vivo animal |
| L. lactis NK34 | Colon, lung, stomach and breast | Cell line: HT-29 |
Can probiotics help with cancer?
Probiotics to Prevent and Treat Cancer. The results of many in vitro studies have shown that probiotics have beneficial properties in regulating proliferation and apoptosis of cancer cells (31).
Can I take probiotics with chemo?
Despite limited data, it seems that probiotic bacteria as live microorganisms could be safely administered even in the setting of neutropenia. Conclusions: Current evidence supporting probiotic use as adjunctive therapy to anticancer treatment is limited, especially in cancer patients treated with chemotherapy.
Do probiotics help increase white blood cells?
Additionally, probiotic supplementation has been shown to increase white blood cell counts, thereby improving immune defenses.
What is the best probiotic for chemo patients?
Table 2
| Probiotic strain | Model | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Lactobacillus acidophilus Bifidobacteria bifidum Bifidobacteria infantum | SD rats | 23 weeks |
| Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG CGMCC 1.2134 | SD rats | 25 weeks |
| Pediococcus pentosaceus GS4 | Swiss albino mice | 4 weeks |
| Lactobacillus casei BL23 | C57BL/6 mice | 10 weeks |
Can you take probiotics after cancer treatment?
A balanced gut is an important part of your body’s overall wellness. Probiotics can be found naturally in foods like Greek yogurt. Evidence shows that probiotics can help with long-term symptom management for cancer patients following treatment, including chemotherapy-related diarrhea.
Can you take probiotics if you are immunocompromised?
Because there is currently insufficient clinical evidence around this area, we would not recommend probiotics for individuals who are severely immunocompromised or immunosuppressed. For further information about friendly bacteria and immunity, healthcare practitioners might wish to look at Probiotic Professionals.
Can you eat probiotic yogurt on chemo?
Any yoghurt that is not described on the label as bio or probiotic including live*, plain, Greek and fruit yoghurts. ‘live’ is safe when you are having chemotherapy.
How can I restore my gut after chemotherapy?
Foods that naturally contain healthy, living bacteria (probiotics) are yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, kombucha tea, sauerkraut, kimichi, and tempeh. Choosing prebiotic and probiotic foods daily during and after cancer treatment can promote a healthy digestive tract.
