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

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.

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
Show More Show Less

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 licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. 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.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2025 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.