Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 4 of 5 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Probio Defense Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by XYMOGEN

Probio Defense label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Probio Defense against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Probio Defense is a dietary supplement by XYMOGEN with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for thyroid health support, antioxidant support, immune support.Based on those ingredients, 531 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Selenium, Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52, Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Probio Defense by XYMOGEN

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Probio Defense by XYMOGEN — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Probio Defense by XYMOGEN

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Sep 3, 2026

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Probio Defense Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (51.55 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Probio Defense contains 5 active ingredients: selenium, Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52, zinc, Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11, and Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175. Selenium is a mineral that supports thyroid health and acts as an antioxidant.

The two Lactobacillus species and Bifidobacterium are live beneficial bacteria (probiotics) meant to support gut and digestive health. Zinc is a mineral involved in immune function and wound healing.

The capsules also contain inactive ingredients—potato starch, hypromellose (a capsule material), water, magnesium stearate, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C)—that serve as fillers and binders.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: immune and gastrointestinal system support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Clostridioides difficile infection, Diarrhea, Constipation, Colic, Diaper rash — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Zinc is rated "Possibly Effective" for Diaper rash (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Zinc is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for HIV/AIDS-related diarrhea.
  • Also on file: Selenium is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Radiation-induced diarrhea.

Evidence for these ingredients varies. Selenium is effective for preventing selenium deficiency and possibly effective for Kashin-Beck disease (a joint disorder), pre-eclampsia, and autoimmune thyroiditis; however, it appears ineffective for dyslipidemia (abnormal blood fat levels).

For the probiotic bacteria and zinc, the evidence is not well established in the data we hold—no reliable evidence rates them for the conditions this product might target, such as digestive health or immune support. If you're considering this for a specific health concern, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether the evidence supports its use for your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Selenium Zinc Lactobacillus Helveticus Bifidobacterium Longum

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Selenium is generally well tolerated in small recommended amounts, but excess selenium is toxic and can cause hair loss, skin problems, fatigue, nail changes, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss; in rare cases, very high doses have led to organ failure and death. The safety notes advise staying below the upper tolerable limit of 400 mcg daily unless a doctor directs otherwise.

Zinc is well tolerated below the upper limit of 40 mg daily for adults; higher doses may cause abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and metallic taste, and long-term high doses raise concern for copper deficiency. The probiotic bacteria are generally well tolerated in healthy people but carry theoretical risk of infection in seriously ill or immunocompromised patients; rare cases of bacterial bloodstream infection have occurred.

Pregnancy and lactation data: selenium is rated possibly safe in pregnancy but possibly unsafe in other contexts, and possibly safe during lactation; zinc is likely safe in pregnancy and lactation; the probiotic blend is possibly safe in pregnancy and lactation. Because safety data on some ingredients are limited, check with your doctor before use, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a serious illness or weak immune system.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Selenium Zinc Lactobacillus Helveticus Bifidobacterium Longum

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Zinc, Selenium, Bifidobacterium Longum, Lactobacillus Helveticus.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs.
  • For scale: 531 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Probio Defense, double-check your medications with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take blood thinners or warfarin (moderate risk of bleeding or reduced drug effect from selenium), antibiotic drugs (moderate risk—antibiotics can reduce probiotic effectiveness, and zinc or selenium may reduce antibiotic absorption), immunosuppressant drugs (moderate risk selenium may interfere), barbiturates (moderate risk selenium may prolong sedation), HIV medications like ritonavir or integrase inhibitors (moderate risk of reduced drug levels from zinc), birth control pills (minor risk of altered contraceptive levels from selenium), or niacin for cholesterol (minor risk selenium may reduce its benefits). No interactions are documented for Lactobacillus rhamnosus in our data.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Probio Defense is a multiingredient supplement aimed at digestive health through probiotics plus mineral support from selenium and zinc. It's not for you if you take blood thinners, barbiturates, antibiotics, certain HIV drugs, or chemotherapy—the interactions can reduce how well your medications work or raise bleeding risk.

Even if you're on other medications, check your exact drugs with the tool on this page before you start. Talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist to see whether this product makes sense for you and how to time it around your other medicines.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 4 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 14, 2023.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Probio Defense, straight from the product label.

Brand XYMOGEN
Barcode (UPC) 871149000363
Net contents 84 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 14, 2023
DSLD ID 303824
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Probio Defense by XYMOGEN, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
84
UPC/BARCODE
871149000363
IngredientAmount% DV
Selenium12.5 mcg23%
Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-520 NP--
Zinc2 mg18%
Probio Defense Blend51.553 mg--
Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-110 NP--
Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-1750 NP--

Other ingredients: Potato Starch, Hypromellose, Water, Magnesium Stearate, Ascorbic Acid

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take one capsule twice daily before or during meals, or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Precautions

Consult your healthcare professional prior to use.

Individuals taking medication should discuss potential interactions with their healthcare professional.

Do not use if tamper seal is damaged.

Keep out of reach of children.

Contains: Milk and soy.

Formula

Probio defense is a combination or probiotic bacteria that supports the immune and gastrointestinal systems. It is formulated with ten billion live organisms per capsule and provides well-researched strains chosen for their ability to maintain viability throughout the small intestine. The three strains in Probio Defense are registered in the National Collection of Microorganism Cultures at the Institut Pasteur in France. Selenium and zinc are present to help balance intestinal flora and maintain the body's natural immune defenses.

Probiotics Institute Rosell

Proprietary Probiotic blend

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Storage

Storage: Probio Defense is shipped refrigerated to preserve the shelf life of the strains. In order to maximize shelf life, keep closed in a cool, dry place.

Formulation

Formulated to exclude: Wheat, gluten, animal products, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, sesame, ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), artificial colors, and artificial sweeteners.

Vegetarian caps

General Statements

Formulated with 10 billion CFU at time of manufacture Colony-Forming units

Scan to learn more! This package is completely recyclable

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright 2023 Xymogen

Xymogen Exclusive Professional Formulas

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Vegetarian caps ePV (ePedigree Verification)

Third-Party Verified GMP Compliant

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Probio Defense by XYMOGEN label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Probio Defense label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Probio Defense by XYMOGEN

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container84 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Selenium

Interacts with
321 drugs
12.5 mcg per serving Form: Selenium Yeast

Selenium is an essential trace mineral your body needs in small amounts for thyroid function, antioxidant defense, and immune health. Most people who...

Selenium monograph & interactions

Zinc

Interacts with
67 drugs
2 mg per serving Form: Zinc Yeast

Zinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for immune function, wound healing, taste, and smell. Most people get enough from food, but suppleme...

Zinc monograph & interactions

Probio Defense Blend

51.553 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Potato Starch, Hypromellose, Water, Magnesium Stearate, Ascorbic Acid. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Probio Defense by XYMOGEN Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Probio Defense?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
531Drugs
494 Moderate 37 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Selenium 321
Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52 182
Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175 182
Zinc 67

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Probio Defense interact with 531 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 5 ingredients in Probio Defense interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Selenium Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52 Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175 Zinc

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Probio Defense with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Selenium6 drug types · 321 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Selenium may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Clinical research suggests that taking selenium 10 mcg/kg/day can increase bleeding times by increasing prostacyclin production, which inhibits platelet activity. Other clinical research suggests that taking selenium 75 mcg daily, in combination with ascorbic acid 600 mg, alpha-tocopherol 300 mg, and beta-carotene 27 mg, reduces platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Barbiturates

Theoretically, selenium might prolong the sedating effects of barbiturates.
Laboratory research suggests that selenium can inhibit the hepatic metabolism of barbiturates. Selenium seems to prolong the sedative effect of pentobarbital in animal models.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, selenium supplementation may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence suggests that selenium may stimulate the immune system.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, selenium might interfere with warfarin activity.
Animal research suggests that selenium can increase warfarin activity. Selenium might interact with warfarin by displacing it from albumin binding sites, reducing its metabolism in the liver, or by decreasing production of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Selenium can also prolong bleeding times in humans by increasing prostacyclin production, which inhibits platelet activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Contraceptive drugs might increase levels of selenium, although the clinical significance of this effect is unclear.
Some research suggests that oral contraceptives increase serum selenium levels in women taking oral contraceptives; however, other research shows no change in selenium levels. It is suggested that an increase could be due to increased carrier proteins, indicating a redistribution of selenium rather than a change in total body selenium.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Niacin

Selenium might reduce the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises HDL cholesterol levels in patients with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50% in patients with coronary disease. It is not known whether this adverse effect is due to a single antioxidant such as selenium, or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Selenium full monograph & interactions

Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-521 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus helveticus with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L. helveticus.
Lactobacillus helveticus preparations usually contain live and active organisms. Therefore, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of the organisms. Tell patients to separate administration of antibiotics and L. helveticus preparations by at least two hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52 full monograph & interactions

Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-1751 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Bifidobacterium longum with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of B. longum.
Since B. longum preparations usually contain live and active organisms, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of the organisms. Tell patients to separate administration of antibiotics and B. longum preparations by at least 2 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175 full monograph & interactions

Zinc10 drug types · 67 drugs

Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Theoretically, zinc might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after zinc containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Cephalexin (Keflex)

Zinc might decrease cephalexin levels by chelating with cephalexin in the gut and preventing its absorption.
A pharmacokinetic study shows that zinc sulfate 250 mg taken concomitantly with cephalexin 500 mg decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 31% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 27%. Also, taking zinc sulfate 3 hours before cephalexin decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 11% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 18%. By decreasing cephalexin levels, zinc might increase the risk of treatment failure. This effect does not occur when zinc is taken 3 hours after the cephalexin dose. To avoid an interaction, advise patients take zinc sulfate 3 hours after taking cephalexin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)

Theoretically, zinc might interfere with the therapeutic effects of cisplatin.
Animal research suggests that zinc stimulates tumor cell production of the protein metallothionein, which binds and inactivates cisplatin. It is not known whether zinc supplements or high dietary zinc intake can cause clinically significant interference with cisplatin therapy. Cisplatin might also increase zinc excretion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Integrase Inhibitors

Theoretically, taking zinc along with integrase inhibitors might decrease the levels and clinical effects of these drugs.
Zinc is a divalent cation. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that other divalent cations such as calcium and iron can decrease blood levels of the integrase inhibitor dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)

Zinc might reduce the levels and clinical effects of penicillamine.
By forming an insoluble complex with penicillamine, zinc interferes with penicillamine absorption and activity. Zinc supplements reduce the efficacy of low-dose penicillamine (0.5-1 gram/day), but do not seem to affect higher doses (1-2.75 gram/day), provided dosing times are separated. Advise patients to take zinc and penicillamine at least 2 hours apart.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Zinc can decrease the levels and clinical effects of quinolones antibiotics.
Quinolones form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing absorption of both the quinolone and zinc if taken at the same time. Advise patients to take these drugs at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Ritonavir (Norvir)

Zinc modestly reduces levels of ritonavir.
Clinical research shows that zinc might reduce serum ritonavir levels by chelating with ritonavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. In patients with HIV, ritonavir is taken with atazanavir to prevent the metabolism and increase the effects of atazanavir. A pharmacokinetic study shows that, in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg as a single dose or as multiple daily doses for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of ritonavir by about 16%. However, atazanavir levels still remains high enough to prevent HIV virus replication. Therefore, the decrease in ritonavir levels is not likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Zinc might reduce levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Tetracyclines form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, which can reduce absorption of both the tetracycline and zinc when taken at the same time. Taking zinc sulfate 200 mg with tetracycline reduces absorption of the antibiotic by 30% to 40%. Demeclocycline and minocycline cause a similar interaction. However, doxycycline does not seem to interact significantly with zinc. Advise patients to take tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements to avoid any interactions.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Amiloride (Midamor)

Amiloride can modestly reduce zinc excretion and increase zinc levels.
Clinical research shows that amiloride can reduce urinary zinc excretion, especially at doses of 10 mg per day or more. This zinc-sparing effect can help to counteract zinc losses caused by thiazide diuretics, but it is unlikely to cause zinc toxicity at usual amiloride doses. The other potassium-sparing diuretics, spironolactone (Aldactone) and triamterene (Dyrenium), do not seem to have a zinc-sparing effect.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Atazanavir (Reyataz)

Zinc modestly reduces levels of atazanavir, although this effect does not seem to be clinically significant.
Clinical research shows that zinc might decrease serum atazanavir levels by chelating with atazanavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. Although a single dose of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg orally does not affect atazanavir concentrations in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate 125 mg daily for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of atazanavir by about 22% in these patients. However, despite this decrease, atazanavir levels still remain at high enough concentrations for the prevention of HIV virus replication.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Zinc full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Probio Defense, from the product label.

XYMOGEN

See all XYMOGEN products
Name
XYMOGEN Exclusive Professional Formulas
Street Address
6900 Kingspointe Pkwy.
City
Orlando
State
FL
ZipCode
32819
Phone Number
800-647-6100
Web Address
www.xymogen.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Probio Defense by XYMOGEN: Common Questions

Does Probio Defense by XYMOGEN interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Probio Defense has a known interaction with 531 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Probio Defense contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will this hurt my antibiotic if I take them together?
Yes, possibly. Zinc and selenium can form complexes with certain antibiotics in your gut and reduce how much antibiotic your body absorbs, making the drug less effective. The probiotic bacteria themselves may also be killed by antibiotics. Separate your antibiotic and this supplement by at least 2 to 6 hours—ask your doctor or pharmacist which timing is right for your specific antibiotic.
Is this safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The data are mixed. Selenium is rated possibly safe in pregnancy and lactation, but possibly unsafe in other pregnancy contexts—so the picture isn't clear. Zinc is likely safe in both. The probiotic blend is possibly safe. Because the evidence on some ingredients is limited, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding to get personalized advice.
What's the probiotic blend in this?
It contains three strains of beneficial bacteria: Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52, Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11, and Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175. These are live organisms meant to support digestive and gut health, though the evidence for specific benefits is not well established in our data.
Can I take this if I'm on a blood thinner or warfarin?
No, not without talking to your doctor first. Selenium in this product can increase bleeding risk or interfere with how warfarin works by affecting its metabolism or binding in your blood. This is a moderate-severity interaction, so your doctor needs to know before you start.
What happens if I take too much selenium or zinc?
High doses of selenium can cause hair loss, skin problems, fatigue, nausea, and in rare cases organ failure. High doses of zinc can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and metallic taste, and long-term high doses may lead to copper deficiency. Stay within the recommended dose on the label and the upper tolerable limits—400 mcg daily for selenium, 40 mg daily for zinc—unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Will this work for my digestive issues?
The evidence for the probiotic bacteria in this product is not well established in our data, so we can't say whether it will help your specific digestive concern. Talk with your doctor about whether a probiotic is right for you and what the research shows for your situation.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Probio Defense label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Probio Defense’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Selenium

Interacts with 321 drugs

Selenium is an essential trace mineral your body needs in small amounts for thyroid function, antioxidant defense, and immune health. Most people who eat a varied diet get enough, and supple...

Read the full Selenium monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Zinc

Interacts with 67 drugs

Zinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for immune function, wound healing, taste, and smell. Most people get enough from food, but supplements can help correct or prevent a defici...

Read the full Zinc monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lactobacillus Helveticus

Interacts with 182 drugs

Lactobacillus helveticus is a lactic acid bacterium used as a probiotic, often combined with other strains in mood, gut, and general wellness products. Early research is interesting—especial...

Read the full Lactobacillus Helveticus monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Bifidobacterium Longum

Interacts with 182 drugs

Bifidobacterium longum is a 'friendly' bacterium found naturally in the human gut and used as a probiotic. It is generally well tolerated and is most studied for digestive issues, though evi...

Read the full Bifidobacterium Longum monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Probio Defense's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 147 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Selenium 36 references
  1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309069351/html/.
  2. Brown BG, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Simvastatin and niacin, antioxidant vitamins, or the combination for the prevention of coronary disease. N Engl J Med 2001;345:1583-93. DOI
  3. Trafikowska U, Zachara BA, Wiacek M, et al. Selenium supply and glutathione peroxidase activity in breastfed Polish infants. Acta Paediatr 1996;85:1143-5. PubMed
  4. Duffield-Lillico AJ, Slate EH, Reid ME, et al. Selenium supplementation and secondary prevention of nonmelanoma skin cancer in a randomized trial. J Natl Cancer Inst 2003;95:1477-81.. PubMed
  5. Cheung MC, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Antioxidant supplements block the response of HDL to simvastatin-niacin therapy in patients with coronary artery disease and low HDL. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2001;21:1320-6. PubMed
  6. Schiavon R, Freeman GE, Guidi GC, et al. Selenium enhances prostacyclin production by cultured endothelial cells: possible explanation for increased bleeding times in volunteers taking selenium as a dietary supplement. Thromb Res 1984;34:389-96. PubMed
  7. Davila JC, Edds GT, Osuna O, Simpson CF. Modification of the effects of aflatoxin B1 and warfarin in young pigs given selenium. Am J Vet Res 1983;44:1877-83. DOI
  8. Heese HD, Lawrence MA, Dempster WS, Pocock F. Reference concentrations of serum selenium and manganese in healthy nulliparas. S Afr Med J 1988;73:163-5.
  9. Lloyd B, Lloyd RS, Clayton BE. Effect of smoking, alcohol and other factors on the selenium status of a healthy population. J Epidemiol Commun Health 1983;37:213-7. PubMed
  10. Capel ID, Jenner M, Williams DC, et al. The effect of prolonged oral contraceptive steroid use on erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity. J Steroid Biochem 1981;14:729-32. PubMed
  11. Contempre B, Dumont JE, Ngo B, et al. Effect of selenium supplementation in hypothyroid subjects of an iodine and selenium deficient area: the possible danger of indiscriminate supplementation of iodine-deficient subjects with selenium. J Clin Endocrinol PubMed
  12. Hofbauer LC, Spitzweg C, Magerstadt RA, Heufelder AE. Selenium-induced thyroid dysfunction. Postgrad Med J 1997;73:103-4. PubMed
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See these in context on the Zinc monograph →

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