Sodatide Blog
Side Effects of Sodatide: Gas, Bloating and Who Should Ask a Doctor First
The most likely side effects of Sodatide are mild gas and bloating, which fermentable fibers such as inulin can cause. One capsule holds 211 mg of chicory inulin, far below the 10 g a day that a tolerance study found was well tolerated. No study has tested the Sodatide formula itself. People with a weakened immune system, anyone pregnant or nursing, anyone under 18 and anyone on immune-suppressing drugs, antibiotics or diabetes medication should talk to a doctor first.
Overview
What side effects can Sodatide cause?
Sodatide side effects come from what is in the capsule: two prebiotic fibers and three probiotic species. One capsule holds 211 mg of chicory root inulin, 100 mg of potato resistant starch and a 36 mg probiotic blend.
| Possible effect | Why it can happen | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Gas | Gut bacteria ferment the fibers | Usually mild; stay at one capsule a day |
| Bloating | Same fermentation, mostly at higher fiber doses | Drink the 8 oz. of water; add food fiber slowly |
| Change in bowel habits | New fiber and bacteria in the colon | If it lasts, see a doctor |
| Infection risk | Live bacteria in people with a weakened immune system | Ask a doctor before any probiotic |
Fiber
Why can fiber cause gas and bloating?
Inulin and resistant starch are not digested in the stomach. They reach the colon, where bacteria ferment them and make gas as a by-product. That is normal fiber behavior.
A controlled crossover trial gave 26 healthy adults native inulin at 5 g and 10 g. Both doses mildly increased symptoms, mainly flatulence and bloating, and the authors concluded native inulin up to 10 g a day was acceptably tolerated (Bonnema et al., 2010). At 211 mg per capsule, Sodatide's inulin sits far below that range. Our post on why there is no upper limit set explains what that study can and cannot tell you.
Probiotics
Who needs extra care with probiotics?
NCCIH, the NIH center for supplement guidance, says: "The risk of harmful effects from probiotics is greater in people with severe illnesses or compromised immune systems." For healthy adults, probiotics are generally considered safe.
- People who are critically ill or in an ICU
- Organ transplant recipients and others on immune-suppressing drugs
- People on chemotherapy
- People with a central venous catheter
- Long-term steroid users
None of the studies behind this caution tested Sodatide. We cover them in probiotic safety and weakened immune systems.
Label
What cautions does the Sodatide label give?
- Sodatide is a dietary supplement for healthy adults 18 and over.
- It is not for anyone under 18, or for people who are pregnant or nursing unless a doctor says so.
- Keep to the one capsule a day printed on the label. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
- Refrigerate after opening.
Talk to a doctor before use if you take prescription drugs, especially immune-suppressing drugs, antibiotics or diabetes medication, or if you have a weakened immune system.
Stop signs
When should you stop and see a doctor?
Mild gas that settles is common with new fiber. These signs are different, and call for a doctor's advice before you continue Sodatide or any probiotic:
- Persistent stomach pain
- Blood in the stool
- A lasting change in bowel habits
- A weakened immune system, before you start any probiotic
Comfort
How can you lower the chance of discomfort?
Stay at one capsule
More capsules add more fiber and go against the label.
Take it with water
The label asks for an 8 oz. glass with each capsule.
Add food fiber slowly
If you raise fiber from beans, oats or whole grains, do it over a few weeks.
Use the refund window
If Sodatide does not suit you, you have 60 days from purchase to ask for a refund.
The full product summary is on the Sodatide home page and the side effects page.
Questions
Side effects of Sodatide: reader questions
What is the most common Sodatide side effect?
Mild gas and bloating are the most likely, because gut bacteria ferment the inulin and resistant starch in each capsule.
Is Sodatide safe for people with a weakened immune system?
Ask a doctor first. NCCIH says the risk of harmful effects from probiotics is greater in people with severe illnesses or compromised immune systems.
Can Sodatide interact with my prescriptions?
Talk to a doctor before use if you take immune-suppressing drugs, antibiotics or diabetes medication, or any other regular prescription.
Has Sodatide been tested for safety?
No published human trial has tested the Sodatide formula itself. The safety notes on this site come from the label and from studies on the single ingredients.