Consumer Q&A – Probiotics

Q I take a daily dairy-based probiotic. May I take it after eating meat, or do I need to wait six hours?

A Someone who is unwell and needs a dairy medication does not need to wait six hours after meat. One should bentch, clean out their mouth, wait one hour (if possible), and then take the medication.

If the probiotic (or any other dairy supplement) is taken as a general health enhancer and not due to illness, this leniency does not apply.

That said, some Poskim rule that if the supplement is a swallowed tablet with an extremely unpleasant taste, it may be considered nifsal me’achilat kelev (no longer food) and may be taken immediately after meat. However, if it is chewable or liquid, a healthy person should wait six hours.