KEFIR: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Kefir is a creamy and tart probiotic drink that's made by adding kefir grains to milk and allowing it to ferment. The grains contain bacteria and yeast.

Kefir grains resemble cooked cauliflower. The bacteria and yeast they contain depend on where the kefir is made. Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus casei, and other Lactobacillus species may be present in kefir. Many of these species can survive traveling through the stomach to the intestinal tract.

People use kefir for hay fever, diarrhea from antibiotics, athletic performance, constipation, Crohn disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, osteoporosis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse kefir with other fermented dairy products, including fermented milk and yogurt. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for KEFIR overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Kefir is possibly safe when used for up to 12 weeks. It's usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include bloating, nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and constipation. These symptoms usually go away after continued use.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if kefir is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Kefir is possibly safe for children between the ages of 1 and 5 years when taken by mouth for up to 10 days.

AIDS and other conditions that weaken the immune system: Kefir contains actively growing bacteria and yeast. People with a weakened immune system might be more likely to develop infections from these bacteria or yeast.

Colon cancer: In people undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer, kefir might increase side effects such as stomach and intestinal problems, mouth sores, drowsiness, sweats, and hair loss.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with KEFIR
Kefir contains live bacteria and yeast. The immune system usually controls bacteria and yeast in the body to prevent infections. Taking kefir along with medications that decrease the immune system might increase the chances of getting sick from bacteria and yeast.

Minor Interaction

Be watchful with this combination

Disulfiram (Antabuse) interacts with KEFIR
Kefir might contain alcohol. The body breaks down alcohol to get rid of it. Disulfiram decreases the break-down of alcohol. Taking kefir along with disulfiram can cause a pounding headache, vomiting, flushing, and other unpleasant reactions. Don't drink any alcohol if you are taking disulfiram.

Dosing

Kefir is most often used by adults in doses of 400-500 mL by mouth daily for up to 4 weeks. Lower doses of 100-180 mL daily have been used for up to 12 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

REFERENCES:

Athanasiadis, I., Boskou, D., Kanellaki, M., and Koutinas, A. A. Low-temperature alcoholic fermentation by delignified cellulosic material supported cells of kefir yeast. J.Agric.Food Chem. 1999;47(10):4474-4477. View abstract.

Figler, M., Mozsik, G., Schaffer, B., Gasztonyi, B., Acs, P., Szili, B., Rab, R., and Szakaly, S. Effect of special Hungarian probiotic kefir on faecal microflora. World J Gastroenterol. 2-21-2006;12(7):1129-1132. View abstract.

Hertzler, S. R. and Clancy, S. M. Kefir improves lactose digestion and tolerance in adults with lactose maldigestion. J.Am.Diet.Assoc. 2003;103(5):582-587. View abstract.

Rabl, W., Liniger, B., Sutter, K., and Sigrist, T. [Ethanol content of Kefir water]. Blutalkohol 1994;31(2):76-79. View abstract.

Topuz, E., Derin, D., Can, G., Kurklu, E., Cinar, S., Aykan, F., Cevikbas, A., Disci, R., Durna, Z., Sakar, B., Saglam, S., Tanyeri, H., Deniz, G., Gurer, U., Tas, F., Guney, N., and Aydiner, A. Effect of oral administration of kefir on serum proinflammatory cytokines on 5-FU induced oral mucositis in patients with colorectal cancer. Invest New Drugs 2008;26(6):567-572. View abstract.

Agerbaek M, Gerdes LU, Richelsen B. Hypocholesterolaemic effect of a new fermented milk product in healthy middle-aged men. Eur J Clin Nutr 1995;49:346-52. View abstract.

Alm L. Effect of fermentation on lactose, glucose, and galactose content in milk and suitability of fermented milk products for lactose intolerant individuals. J Dairy Sci 1982;65:346-52. View abstract.

Alves E, Gregório J, Baby AR, Rijo P, Rodrigues LM, Rosado C. Homemade Kefir Consumption Improves Skin Condition-A Study Conducted in Healthy and Atopic Volunteers. Foods 2021;10(11):2794. View abstract.

Alves E, Gregório J, Rijo P, Rosado C, Rodrigues LM. The Impact of Kefir on Epidermal Water Homeostasis in Healthy Human Skin. Life (Basel) 2022;12(7):1075. View abstract.

Bekar O, Yilmaz Y, Gulten M. Kefir improves the efficacy and tolerability of triple therapy in eradicating Helicobacter pylori. J Med Food. 2011;14(4):344-7. View abstract.

Bellikci-Koyu E, Sarer-Yurekli BP, Akyon Y, et al. Effects of regular kefir consumption on gut microbiota in patients with metabolic syndrome: A parallel-group, randomized, controlled study. Nutrients. 2019;11(9). pii: E2089. View abstract.

Bellikci-Koyu E, Sarer-Yurekli BP, Karagozlu C, Aydin-Kose F, Ozgen AG, Buyuktuncer Z. Probiotic kefir consumption improves serum apolipoprotein A1 levels in metabolic syndrome patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Nutr Res 2022;102:59-70. View abstract.

Can G, Topuz E, Derin D, Durna Z, Aydiner A. Effect of kefir on the quality of life of patients being treated for colorectal cancer. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2009;36(6):E335-42. View abstract.

Chen YT, Hsu AH, Chiou SY, Lin YC, Lin JS. AB-Kefir Reduced Body Weight and Ameliorated Inflammation in Adipose Tissue of Obese Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet, but Not a High-Sucrose Diet. Nutrients 2021;13(7):2182. View abstract.

De Vrese M, Keller B, Barth CA. Enhancement of intestinal hydrolysis of lactose by microbial beta-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) of kefir. Br J Nutr 1992;67:67-75. View abstract.

Fathi Y, Faghih S, Zibaeenezhad MJ, Tabatabaei SH. Kefir drink leads to a similar weight loss, compared with milk, in a dairy-rich non-energy-restricted diet in overweight or obese premenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Nutr. 2016;55(1):295-304. View abstract.

Koksal ZG, Uysal P, Mercan A, Bese SA, Erge D. Does maternal fermented dairy products consumption protect against cow's milk protein allergy in toddlers?. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2023;130(3):333-339. View abstract.

Lee MC, Jhang WL, Lee CC, et al. The Effect of Kefir Supplementation on Improving Human Endurance Exercise Performance and Antifatigue. Metabolites 2021;11(3):136. View abstract.

Marquina D, Santos A, Corpas I, et al. Dietary influence of kefir on microbial activities in the mouse bowel. Lett Appl Microbiol 2002;35:136-40. View abstract.

Merenstein DJ, Foster J, D'Amico F. A randomized clinical trial measuring the influence of kefir on antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2009;163:750-4. View abstract.

Murofushi M, Mizuguchi J, Aibara K, Matuhasi T. Immunopotentiative effect of polysaccharide from kefir grain, KGF-C, administered orally in mice. Immunopharmacology 1986;12:29-35. View abstract.

Murofushi M, Shiomi M, Aibara K. Effect of orally administered polysaccharide from kefir grain on delayed-type hypersensitivity and tumor growth in mice. Jpn J Med Sci Biol 1983;36:49-53. View abstract.

O'Brien KV, Stewart LK, Forney LA, Aryana KJ, Prinyawiwatkul W, Boeneke CA. The effects of postexercise consumption of a kefir beverage on performance and recovery during intensive endurance training. J Dairy Sci. 2015;98(11):7446-9. View abstract.

Özcan H, Oskay Ü, Bodur AF. Effects of kefir on quality of life and sleep disturbances in postmenopausal women. Holist Nurs Pract. 2019;33(4):207-213. View abstract.

Reddy S, Madhu V, Punithavathy R, Satyam M, Chowdary UK, Mythraiye R. Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of Kefir Milk Probiotic Curd and Probiotic Drink on Streptococcus mutans in 8-12-year-old Children: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(1):120-127. View abstract.

Richelsen B, Kristensen K, Pedersen SB. Long-term (6 months) effect of a new fermented milk product on the level of plasma lipoproteins--a placebo-controlled and double blind study (abstract). Eur J Clin Nutr 1996;50:811-5. View abstract.

Rimada PS, Abraham AG. Polysaccharide production by kefir grains during whey fermentation. J Dairy Res 2001;68:653-61. View abstract.

Rodríguez-Hernández AI, Salinas E, Tirado González DN, et al. Effects of a Modern Kefir on Conditions Associated with Moderate Severe Spastic Quadriparesis Cerebral Palsy. Microorganisms 2022;10(7):1291. View abstract.

Salari A, Ghodrat S, Gheflati A, Jarahi L, Hashemi M, Afshari A. Effect of kefir beverage consumption on glycemic control: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2021;44:101443. View abstract.

Schaafsma G, Meuling WJ, van Dokkum W, Bouley C. Effects of a milk product, fermented by Lactobacillus acidophilus and with fructo-oligosaccharides added, on blood lipids in male volunteers. Eur J Clin Nutr 1998;52:436-40. View abstract.

Shiomi M, Sasaki K, Murofushi M, Aibara K. Antitumor activity in mice of orally administered polysaccharide from Kefir grain. Jpn J Med Sci Biol 1982;35:75-80. View abstract.

Silva-Cutini MA, Almeida SA, Nascimento AM, et al. Long-term treatment with kefir probiotics ameliorates cardiac function in spontaneously hypertensive rats. J Nutr Biochem. 2019;66:79-85. View abstract.

Simova E, Beshkova D, Angelov A, et al. Lactic acid bacteria and yeasts in kefir grains and kefir made from them. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2002;28:1-6. View abstract.

St-Onge MP, Farnworth ER, Savard T, et al. Kefir consumption does not alter plasma lipid levels or cholesterol fractional synthesis rates relative to milk in hyperlipidemic men: a randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN10820810]. BMC Complement Altern Med 2002;2:1. View abstract.

Thoreux K, Schmucker DL. Kefir milk enhances intestinal immunity in young but not old rats. J Nutr 2001;131:807-12. View abstract.

Tu MY, Chen HL, Tung YT, Kao CC, Hu FC, Chen CM. Short-term effects of kefir-fermented milk consumption on bone mineral density and bone metabolism in a randomized clinical trial of osteoporotic patients. PLoS One. 2015;10(12):e0144231. View abstract.

Turan I, Dedeli Ö, Bor S, Ilter T. Effects of a kefir supplement on symptoms, colonic transit, and bowel satisfaction score in patients with chronic constipation: a pilot study. Turk J Gastroenterol. 2014;25(6):650-6. View abstract.

Wang MC, Zaydi AI, Lin WH, Lin JS, Liong MT, Wu JJ. Putative probiotic strains isolated from kefir improve gastrointestinal health parameters in adults: a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins. 2019. View abstract.

Yahyapoor F, Haghighat N, Sohrabi Z, et al. Effects of Kefir Consumption on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Curr Drug Targets 2023. View abstract.

Yilmaz I, Dolar ME, Özpinar H. Effect of administering kefir on the changes in fecal microbiota and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease: A randomized controlled trial. Turk J Gastroenterol. 2019;30(3):242-253. View abstract.

Preventing HIV: How PrEP Works

Explore Medicare Advantage & Prescription Drug Coverage

Navigating Life With Migraine

Alternative Treatments for Migraines

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

Conditions

Drugs & Supplements

Well-Being

More

KEFIR - Uses, Side Effects, and More