pathoscribe

Written by Danielle Jayme | Art by Trevor Cheng

With the rise of TikTok Shop, advertisements are flooding the algorithm, persuading buyers to purchase packs of probiotic pills. The average person on the internet, however, typically does not understand the effects of probiotics on the human body. Probiotics could be harmful, and who knows if the advertisements’ claims are true! To help educate the next ill-informed buyer, this article will explain what probiotics are and their effects on the human body. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, probiotics are microorganisms that protect the human body from harmful bacteria. These microbes can take multiple forms; for example, food products like yogurt and kimchi contain beneficial bacteria that actively support the human body. However, probiotics’ main job is to “prevent and treat dysbiosis—an imbalance or a deficit of beneficial microbes in your microbiome.” Just like humans, probiotics come in all shapes and sizes. Each probiotic functions differently and can change from person to person.

Probiotics are strongly recommended for patients with dysbiosis. Most people, however, take probiotics for their health benefits. While taking probiotics is helpful, there are still risks, as these products are not foolproof. Harmful microbes can find their way into probiotics. In this rare circumstance, someone with a weaker immune system may develop a serious infection if their body cannot detect the harmful bacteria. Still, the health benefits of probiotics are numerous. Probiotics prevent yeast infections like “acne, cavities, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).” They also aid other systems in the body. The digestive, nervous, immune, and endocrine systems are positively affected by probiotics. 

Overall, probiotics cultivate the positive bacteria in the human body. Without probiotics, harmful bacteria can sneak in with no repercussions. There are various benefits to taking probiotics; as such, the next time you see an advertisement for them, it might be a good sign to purchase them.

Works Cited:

“Probiotics: What They Are, Benefits & Side Effects.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/14598-probiotics. Accessed 30 August 2025.