Dr Roach on June 17 stated that "kefir made in North America is usually made from pasteurized milk," with "few reports of people getting ill from it."
Kefir is a fermented milk drink containing bacteria and yeasts.
Studies have reported Lactobacillus bacteremia and Saccharomyces fungemia in patients who have received probiotics, and I have seen these in practice, some from kefir. Both can lead to severe complications, including endocarditis and death.
Aimless and unnecessary prescribing of both antibiotics and probiotics should be avoided, especially in immunosuppressed people and those with non-intact bowel mucosa due to radiation, surgery or bowel disease.
The supplement industry is highly profitable (almost $180 billion globally last year), and its lobbyists continue to fight calls for FDA safety approval before products reach consumers.
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Safer supplements will come from fighting disinformation and electing representatives who support science & public health.
Steven Oscherwitz MD
Infectious Disease
Tucson
Steven Oscherwitz
Northeast side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
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