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POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Constipation. Oral Bacillus coagulans seems to be beneficial for constipation. Details: Clinical research in individuals with mild intermittent constipation shows that taking B. coagulans SNZ 1969 (CTCBIO, Inc.) 1 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) daily for 8 weeks reduces colonic transit time, increases the number of weekly complete spontaneous bowel movements, and improves bowel discomfort when compared with placebo. Colonic transit time was reduced by at least 25% in 58% of patients taking B. coagulans, compared with 32% of patients taking placebo (107613). Other clinical research in patients with functional constipation shows that taking B. coagulans Unique IS2 (Unique Biotech Limited) 2 billion CFUs daily for 4 weeks modestly increases the number of bowel movements and reduces abdominal pain and pain with defecation when compared with placebo. Also, 98% of patients achieved normal stool consistency, compared with 74% of those taking placebo (107612). Adding lactulose 10 grams to this regimen increases stool frequency when compared with placebo, but not when compared with lactulose alone. However, normal stool consistency was achieved earlier and by more patients in those taking lactulose plus B. coagulans when compared with lactulose alone. The combination was also more beneficial for reducing defecation pain, abdominal pain, and sensations of incomplete evacuation (107614). Also, a small clinical study in adults with constipation-dominant functional bowel disorders shows that taking a specific supplement containing B. coagulans 1 billion CFUs twice daily for 4 weeks modestly improves abdominal pain and abdominal distention, as well as discomfort and effort during defecation, when compared with baseline (104232). However, the validity of the findings in this study is limited by the lack of a comparator group.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Oral Bacillus coagulans seems to be beneficial for IBS. Details: Clinical research in adults with diarrhea-predominant IBS shows that taking B. coagulans daily for 56-90 days improves quality of life and decreases bloating, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and stool frequency when compared with placebo. Improvements in headache, anxiety, and constipation have also been shown (92730,92735,92740,105169). In addition, meta-analyses show that taking B. coagulans reduces overall symptom, straining, and/or abdominal pain severity when compared with placebo (107594,110866). In one study, taking B. coagulans for 80 days resulted in no symptoms in 63% of individuals, compared with only 21% of those taking placebo (105169). Doses used in some of this clinical research have included a specific B. coagulans MTCC5856 product (Lactospore, Sabinsa Corporation) 2 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) daily for 90 days (92730), another specific B. coagulans product (GanedenBC30, Ganeden Biotech Inc.) 300 million to 2 billion CFUs daily for 8 weeks (92735,92740), B. coagulans LBSC (Advanced Enzyme Technologies Ltd.) 2 billion CFUs three times daily for 80 days (105169), or B. coagulans Unique IS2 2 billion CFUs daily for 8 weeks (110866). Other clinical research in adults with IBS shows that taking a specific combination product (Colinox, DMG Italia SRL) containing B. coagulans and simethicone after each meal three times daily for 4 weeks improves bloating and discomfort, but not pain, when compared with placebo (92726).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Although there has been interest in using oral Bacillus coagulans for antibiotic-associated diarrhea, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of B. coagulans for this condition.
• Athletic performance. It is unclear if oral Bacillus coagulans is beneficial for athletic performance. Details: A small clinical trial shows that taking an inactivated B. coagulans GBI-30, 6086 product (Staimune, Kerry, Inc) 1 billion cells daily for 2 weeks does not improve jump power or muscle endurance when compared with placebo (107610). This study might not have been adequately powered to detect differences between groups. A larger study in resistance-trained males shows that taking B. coagulans Unique IS-2 2 billion colony-forming units daily for 60 days in combination with 20 grams of an 80% whey protein concentrate modestly improves some measures of power and muscle strength when compared with taking whey protein alone. However, some measures of strength were not improved, and there was no effect on maximum oxygen consumption, muscle hypertrophy, or body composition (110878).
• Cancer. Although there has been interest in using oral Bacillus coagulans for cancer prevention, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of B. coagulans for this purpose.
• Cirrhosis. Oral Bacillus coagulans has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with liver cirrhosis who are at increased risk for developing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) shows that taking a combination of B. coagulans, Enterococcus faecalis, Clostridium butyricum, and Bacillus mesentericus three times daily, in conjunction with norfloxacin for 6 months, does not reduce the risk of developing SBP when compared with norfloxacin alone (92731).
• Clostridioides difficile infection. Although there has been interest in using oral Bacillus coagulans for C. difficile infection, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of B. coagulans for this purpose.
• Depression. Although there has been interest in using oral Bacillus coagulans for depression, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of B. coagulans for this condition.
• Diabetes. Oral Bacillus coagulans has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Clinical research in patients with type 2 diabetes shows that taking B. coagulans GBI-30, 6086 (GanedenBC30) 100 billion CFUs, Lactobacillus acidophilus 1 billion colony-forming units (CFUs), Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus 10 billion CFUs, and fructo-oligosaccharides 500 mg daily for 12 weeks modestly reduces fasting blood glucose and insulin and improves measures of insulin resistance when compared with placebo. There was no effect on plasma lipids (107731).
• Diarrhea. It is unclear if oral Bacillus coagulans is beneficial for acute diarrhea or diarrhea-dominant functional bowel disorders. Details: Clinical research in infants 6-24 months of age with acute diarrhea of various causes shows that taking B. coagulans 120 million colony-forming units (CFUs) twice daily for up to 5 days in conjunction with oral rehydration solution does not decrease duration, frequency, or volume of diarrhea when compared with oral rehydration solution and placebo (92738). However, a small clinical study in adults with acute diarrhea shows that taking a specific supplement (Lactic Acid Bacillus) containing B. coagulans 2 billion CFUs, three times daily for 7 days, reduces diarrhea and improves abdominal pain when compared with placebo (100853). Preliminary clinical research in adults with diarrhea-dominant functional bowel disorders shows that taking a specific supplement containing B. coagulans 1 billion CFUs twice daily for 4 weeks reduces abdominal pain, abdominal distention, discomfort and effort during defecation, and the number of stools classified as diarrhea when compared with baseline (104232). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a comparator group.
• Dyspepsia. It is unclear if oral Bacillus coagulans is beneficial for dyspepsia. Details: Several small studies show that B. coagulans can improve symptoms of dyspepsia (104231,104232,104233,107611). In one study, 1 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) were taken twice daily for 4 weeks, resulting in an improvement in abdominal pain and abdominal distention when compared with placebo (104232). Some studies have used B. coagulans in combination with other probiotics. In adults with functional dyspepsia, taking a combination of B. coagulans MY01 and Bacillus subtilis MY02 as 1.25 billion CFUs each twice daily for 8 weeks improves postprandial distress scores of at least 0.7 in 48% of patients, compared with only 20% of those taking placebo (107611). A small clinical study in older adults aged 55-75 years with indigestion, abdominal pain, and flatulence shows that taking a probiotic syrup containing B. coagulans 500 million CFUs with digestive enzymes (alpha amylase 25 mg, pepsin 10 mg, and lipase 1.5 mg) 5 mL twice daily for 5 days reduces symptoms of dyspepsia when compared with placebo (104233). Also, a small study in adults with non-specific gastrointestinal discomfort shows that taking a specific combination supplement (SNZ TriBac, Sanzyme Biologics) containing B. coagulans SNZ 1969, Bacillus clausii SNZ 1971, and B. subtilis SNZ 1972, 2 billion CFUs daily for 30 days, decreases self-reported symptoms of burping, belching, and sour taste when compared with placebo (104231). It is unclear if these effects are due to B. coagulans, other ingredients, or the combinations.
• Flatulence. It is unclear if oral Bacillus coagulans is beneficial for flatulence. Details: Clinical research in children aged 6-8 years shows that taking B. coagulans GBI-30, 6086 (GanedenBC30, Ganeden, Inc.) 1 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) daily for 3 months modestly decreases the incidence of flatulence when compared with taking placebo (107615). However, preliminary clinical research in patients with postprandial intestinal gas-related symptoms shows that taking a specific combination supplement (Digestive Advantage Gas Defense Formula, Ganeden Biotech) containing this same strain of B. coagulans and an enzyme blend daily for 4 weeks does not improve bloating or gas when compared with placebo (92736).
• Gingivitis. Although there has been interest in using oral Bacillus coagulans for gingivitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of B. coagulans for this condition.
• Helicobacter pylori. It is unclear if oral Bacillus coagulans is beneficial for H. pylori. Details: In patients with H. pylori, preliminary clinical research shows that taking B. coagulans (Donghai Pharmaceutical Co Ltd) 1050 mg three times daily for 8 weeks results in a 20% eradication rate 1-2 weeks after treatment. This was as effective as taking Clostridium butyricum 1050 mg twice daily, alone or in combination with B. coagulans (105168). This study is limited by lack of blinding and the lack of a placebo group. Also, it is unclear how B. coagulans compares to standard H. pylori eradication treatments.
• HIV/AIDS. Although there has been interest in using oral Bacillus coagulans for HIV/AIDS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of B. coagulans for this condition.
• Hypercholesterolemia. Although there has been interest in using oral Bacillus coagulans for cholesterol reduction, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of B. coagulans for this purpose.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although there has been interest in using oral Bacillus coagulans for IBD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of B. coagulans for this purpose.
• Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). It is unclear if oral Bacillus coagulans is beneficial or safe for NEC prevention. Details: Preliminary clinical research in infants with a gestational age of less than 33 weeks or a very low birth weight shows that taking B. coagulans 350 million colony-forming units daily until hospital discharge does not reduce the risk of NEC or death when compared with placebo. However, taking B. coagulans reduced the incidence of feeding intolerance in these newborns (92733). The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that preterm infants given probiotics are at risk of serious infections caused by the bacteria or fungi contained in probiotics due to cases reported in very preterm or very low birth weight infants under 1000 grams (111610). Also, The American Academy of Pediatrics does not support the routine administration of probiotics to preterm infants, particularly those with a birth weight below 1000 grams, due to conflicting data on safety and efficacy and potential for harm in this vulnerable population (111608).
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is unclear if oral Bacillus coagulans is beneficial for NAFLD. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with NAFLD shows that taking 1 capsule containing B. coagulans 1 billion colony-forming units plus 400 mg inulin for 8 weeks may be beneficial for treating inflammation associated with NAFLD when compared with placebo. However, this combination did not improve lipid profiles or glycemic indices. Inulin was used in this study as a prebiotic to ensure bacterial growth in the gut lumen (104230).
• Postoperative ileus. It is unclear if oral Bacillus coagulans is beneficial for postoperative ileus. Details: A small clinical study in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery shows that taking B. coagulans TBC169 105 million or 175 million colony-forming units the night before surgery, and then every 8 hours starting 8 hours after surgery, reduces time to first flatus by up to 10 hours when compared with placebo. There were also modest reductions in the rates of postoperative gastrointestinal adverse events such as nausea, vomiting, distension, and ileus. However, there was no difference in time to first defecation or length of hospital stay (110879).
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is unclear if oral Bacillus coagulans is beneficial for RA. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with RA shows that taking B. coagulans GBI-30, 6086 (GanedenBC30, Ganeden Biotech Inc.) 2 billion colony-forming units daily for 60 days, in conjunction with standard therapy, reduces overall pain when compared with placebo. However, it does not reduce the number of painful or swollen joints or improve activities of daily living (92734).
• Rotaviral diarrhea. It is unclear if oral Bacillus coagulans is beneficial for rotaviral diarrhea. Details: Preliminary clinical research in newborns shows that taking B. coagulans 100 million colony-forming units daily for one year reduces the incidence of acute rotaviral diarrhea. Taking B. coagulans decreases the incidence of diarrheal episodes by around 5 per year and reduces duration of diarrhea by around 3 days per episode when compared with placebo. However, taking B. coagulans does not reduce the occurrence of mild to moderate dehydration (92729).
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Oral Bacillus coagulans has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with SIBO who were previously treated for 3 weeks with broad spectrum antibiotics shows that taking a specific probiotic product (Lactol, Bioplus Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd.) containing B. coagulans spores and fructo-oligosaccharides twice daily on 15 days per month for 6 months, in conjunction with minocycline, modestly decreases stomach pain and flatulence (91145).
• Travelers' diarrhea. Although there has been interest in using oral Bacillus coagulans for travelers' diarrhea, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of B. coagulans for this condition.
• Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). It is unclear if oral Bacillus coagulans is beneficial for URTI prevention. Details: Clinical research in children aged 6-8 years shows that taking B. coagulans GBI-30, 6086 (GanedenBC30, Ganeden, Inc.) 1 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) daily for 3 months modestly decreases the incidence of some URTI symptoms, including nasal congestion, bloody nasal mucus, itchy nose, and hoarseness, but not others such as dry cough and sore throat, when compared with placebo (107615). More evidence is needed to rate Bacillus coagulans for these uses.

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LIKELY EFFECTIVE

• Cystic fibrosis. Long-term nebulized hypertonic sodium chloride improves lung function and reduces pulmonary exacerbations in patients with cystic fibrosis. Details: Meta-analyses of clinical research in adults with cystic fibrosis show that, when taken along with a bronchodilator and other standard therapies, nebulized hypertonic sodium chloride in concentrations of 3% to 7%, up to 10 mL twice daily for 4 weeks, increases forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) when compared with isotonic saline (sodium chloride 0.9%) (26230,26230). This benefit was not seen at 48 weeks. Other clinical research in adults with cystic fibrosis shows that inhaling sodium chloride 7%, 4 mL twice daily for 48 weeks, does not improve FEV1 when compared with isotonic saline. However, chronic treatment with hypertonic saline does reduce the number of pulmonary exacerbations and increase the number of patients without pulmonary exacerbations when compared with isotonic saline (29402). It is not clear if this benefit occurs in children with cystic fibrosis. The Pulmonary Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation recommends that individuals with cystic fibrosis aged 6 years or older use nebulized hypertonic saline long-term to improve lung function, reduce the number of exacerbations, and improve quality of life (29403).

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Amphotericin B nephrotoxicity. Oral sodium chloride seems to prevent nephrotoxicity associated with use of amphotericin B. Details: Clinical research shows that administering oral or intravenous sodium chloride 150 mEq daily during treatment with amphotericin B can attenuate the rise in serum creatinine levels and preserve renal function when compared to treatment with amphotericin B alone (26226).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Bipolar disorder. It is unclear if oral sodium is beneficial in preventing lithium level fluctuations in patients with bipolar disorder. Details: A moderate-sized open-label clinical study in adults with type I bipolar disorder receiving lithium carbonate shows that taking sodium chloride 1 gram daily for 12 weeks along with dietary salt restriction of 1 gram daily reduces the percentage of patients with lithium level fluctuations above 0.8 mEq/L, but does not significantly affect serum sodium, potassium, aldosterone, or creatinine levels when compared with controls who were not salt restricted, but were advised not to consume additional salt at the table (112909). However, the interpretation of these findings is limited by missing data in both groups.
• Canker sores. Although there is interest in using topical sodium chloride for canker sores, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of sodium chloride for this condition.
• Congestive heart failure. It is unclear if oral sodium is beneficial in patients with acute decompensated heart failure requiring decongestive therapy with diuretics. Details: A moderate-sized clinical study in adults hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure requiring high-dose intravenous furosemide shows that taking sodium chloride 2 grams three times daily for up to 96 hours does not affect patient weight or serum creatinine levels when compared with placebo (112911). However, the clinical relevance of this study is unclear and it may have been inadequately powered to detect a difference between groups.
• Conjunctivitis. Although there is interest in using ophthalmic sodium chloride for conjunctivitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of sodium chloride for this condition.
• Hyponatremia. Although there is interest in using oral sodium chloride for hyponatremia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oral sodium chloride for this condition.
• Pharyngitis. Although there is interest in using topical sodium chloride for pharyngitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of sodium chloride for this condition.
• Prematurity. It is unclear if oral sodium is beneficial for premature infants. Details: Preliminary clinical research in infants born at less than 32 weeks' gestation shows that adding sodium 4 mEq/kg daily to enteral feedings, starting from the 7th day after birth and continuing through the 35th day, reduces the risk of developing hyponatremia and improves weight gain when compared with adding water (98180). A small, open-label clinical study in newborns less than 35 weeks gestation shows that high sodium intake, defined as an average of 0.25% sodium in maintenance fluids, for 48 hours on day 2 and 3 after birth results in less weight loss within the first 72 hours of life when compared with control, but does not improve mortality, length of hospital stay, or complications from prematurity (112908). However, interpretation of these findings is limited by varied concentrations of sodium as an intervention. More evidence is needed to rate sodium for these uses.

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POSSIBLY SAFE ...when taken orally and appropriately. Bacillus coagulans spores in doses up to 6 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) daily have been used with apparent safety in clinical studies for up to 3 months (92726,92730,92734,92735,92736,92739,92740,104231,105169)(107611,107612,107614). Lower doses of B. coagulans up to 100 million CFUs daily have been used with apparent safety in clinical studies for up to one year (92738). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of non-viable, heat-killed B. coagulans formulations when used orally.

CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when taken orally and appropriately. Bacillus coagulans spores in doses up to 100 million colony-forming units (CFUs) daily have been used with apparent safety in clinical studies in infants of most ages for up to one year (92729,92733,92738) and in doses of one billion CFUs in children aged 6-8 years for 3 months (107615). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of Bacillus coagulans in preterm infants with a birth weight under 1000 grams. Cases of bacteremia have occurred rarely in preterm infants given other probiotics (102416,111610,111612,111613,111850,111852,111853). The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about cases of serious infections caused by probiotics reported in very preterm or very low birth weight infants under 1000 grams (111610). Similarly, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not support the routine administration of probiotics to these infants due to conflicting data on safety and efficacy (111608).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Sodium is safe in amounts that do not exceed the Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) intake level of 2.3 grams daily (100310). Higher doses can be safely used therapeutically with appropriate medical monitoring (26226,26227).

POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally in high doses. Tell patients to avoid exceeding the CDRR intake level of 2.3 grams daily (100310). Higher intake can cause hypertension and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (26229,98176,98177,98178,98181,98183,98184,100310,109395,109396,109398,109399). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of sodium when used topically.

CHILDREN: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately (26229,100310). Sodium is safe in amounts that do not exceed the CDRR intake level of 1.2 grams daily for children 1 to 3 years, 1.5 grams daily for children 4 to 8 years, 1.8 grams daily for children 9 to 13 years, and 2.3 grams daily for adolescents (100310).

CHILDREN: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in high doses. Tell patients to avoid prolonged use of doses exceeding the CDRR intake level of 1.2 grams daily for children 1 to 3 years, 1.5 grams daily for children 4 to 8 years, 1.8 grams daily for children 9 to 13 years, and 2.3 grams daily for adolescents (100310). Higher intake can cause hypertension (26229).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately. Sodium is safe in amounts that do not exceed the CDRR intake level of 2.3 grams daily (100310).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in higher doses. Higher intake can cause hypertension (100310). Also, both the highest and the lowest pre-pregnancy sodium quintile intakes are associated with an increased risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia, and the delivery of small for gestational age (SGA) infants when compared to the middle intake quintile (106264).

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ANTIBIOTIC DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Mild •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, taking antibiotics with Bacillus coagulans might decrease the effectiveness of B. coagulans.  Details B. coagulans 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 B. coagulans preparations by at least two hours.

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ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = A Theoretically, a high intake of dietary sodium might reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs.  Details High intake of dietary sodium can increase systolic and diastolic blood pressure (26222). Also, high intake of sodium may necessitate increased use of antihypertensive medications to achieve blood pressure control in some patients, such as those with chronic kidney disease (26223).

CORTICOSTEROIDS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Concomitant use of mineralocorticoids and some glucocorticoids with sodium supplements might increase the risk of hypernatremia.  Details Mineralocorticoids and some glucocorticoids (corticosteroids) cause sodium retention. This effect is dose-related and depends on mineralocorticoid potency. It is most common with hydrocortisone, cortisone, and fludrocortisone, followed by prednisone and prednisolone (4425).

LITHIUM Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = B Altering dietary intake of sodium might alter the levels and clinical effects of lithium.  Details High sodium intake can reduce plasma concentrations of lithium by increasing lithium excretion (26225). Reducing sodium intake can significantly increase plasma concentrations of lithium and cause lithium toxicity in patients being treated with lithium carbonate (26224,26225). Stabilizing sodium intake is shown to reduce the percentage of patients with lithium level fluctuations above 0.8 mEq/L (112909). Patients taking lithium should avoid significant alterations in their dietary intake of sodium.

SODIUM-CONTAINING DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Concomitant use of sodium-containing drugs with additional sodium from dietary or supplemental sources may increase the risk of hypernatremia and long-term sodium-related complications.  Details The Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) intake level of 2.3 grams of sodium daily indicates the intake at which it is believed that chronic disease risk increases for the apparently healthy population (100310). Some medications contain high quantities of sodium. When used in conjunction with sodium supplements or high-sodium diets, the CDRR may be exceeded. Additionally, concomitant use may increase the risk for hypernatremia; this risk is highest in the elderly and people with other risk factors for electrolyte disturbances.

TOLVAPTAN (Samsca) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = C Theoretically, concomitant use of tolvaptan with sodium might increase the risk of hypernatremia.  Details Tolvaptan is a vasopressin receptor 2 antagonist that is used to increase sodium levels in patients with hyponatremia (29406). Patients taking tolvaptan should use caution with the use of sodium salts such as sodium chloride.

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General ...Orally, Bacillus coagulans is well tolerated.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: There is concern that probiotics may cause infections in some people.

Immunologic ...Since many probiotic preparations contain live and active microorganisms, there is some concern that they might cause pathogenic infection in some patients. Bacteremia and sepsis have been reported in patients with indwelling or central venous catheters or patients who are severely ill and/or immunocompromised, including preterm infants, that were using probiotic products (4380,8561,13008,13070,90298,102416,103444,105138,105140,105141)(107543,107597,107599,111610,111612,111613,111850,111852,111853). However, reports of pathogenic colonization in relatively healthy patients with intact immune systems who do not have indwelling or central venous catheters are extremely rare (4380,4389,4390,4391,4393,4398,105139,107543,107545,107546,107547).

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General ...Orally, sodium is well tolerated when used in moderation at intakes up to the Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) intake level. Topically, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Worsened cardiovascular disease, hypertension, kidney disease.

Cardiovascular ...Orally, intake of sodium above the CDRR intake level can exacerbate hypertension and hypertension-related cardiovascular disease (CVD) (26229,98176,100310,106263). A meta-analysis of observational research has found a linear association between increased sodium intake and increased hypertension risk (109398). Observational research has also found an association between increased sodium salt intake and increased risk of CVD, mortality, and cardiovascular mortality (98177,98178,98181,98183,98184,109395,109396,109399). However, the existing research is unable to confirm a causal relationship between sodium intake and increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; high-quality, prospective research is needed to clarify this relationship (100312). As there is no known benefit with increased salt intake that would outweigh the potential increased risk of CVD, advise patients to limit salt intake to no more than the CDRR intake level (100310).
A reduction in sodium intake can lower systolic blood pressure by a small amount in most individuals, and diastolic blood pressure in patients with hypertension (100310,100311,106261). However, post hoc analysis of a small crossover clinical study in White patients suggests that 24-hour blood pressure variability is not affected by high-salt intake compared with low-salt intake (112910). Additionally, the available research is insufficient to confirm that a further reduction in sodium intake below the CDRR intake level will lower the risk for chronic disease (100310,100311). A meta-analysis of clinical research shows that reducing sodium intake increases levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides, but not low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, by a small amount (106261).
It is unclear whether there are safety concerns when sodium is consumed in amounts lower than the adequate intake (AI) levels. Some observational research has found that the lowest levels of sodium intake might be associated with increased risk of death and cardiovascular events (98181,98183). However, this finding has been criticized because some of the studies used inaccurate measures of sodium intake, such as the Kawasaki formula (98177,98178,101259). Some observational research has found that sodium intake based on a single 24-hour urinary measurement is inversely correlated with all-cause mortality (106260). The National Academies Consensus Study Report states that there is insufficient evidence from observational studies to conclude that there are harmful effects from low sodium intake (100310).

Endocrine ...Orally, a meta-analysis of observational research has found that higher sodium intake is associated with an average increase in body mass index (BMI) of 1. 24 kg/m2 and an approximate 5 cm increase in waist circumference (98182). It has been hypothesized that the increase in BMI is related to an increased thirst, resulting in an increased intake of sugary beverages and/or consumption of foods that are high in salt and also high in fat and energy (98182). One large observational study has found that the highest sodium intake is not associated with overweight or obesity when compared to the lowest intake in adolescents aged 12-19 years when intake of energy and sugar-sweetened beverages are considered (106265). However, in children aged 6-11 years, usual sodium intake is positively associated with increased weight and central obesity independently of the intake of energy and/or sugar-sweetened beverages (106265).

Gastrointestinal ...In one case report, severe gastritis and a deep antral ulcer occurred in a patient who consumed 16 grams of sodium chloride in one sitting (25759). Chronic use of high to moderately high amounts of sodium chloride has been associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer (29405).

Musculoskeletal ...Observational research has found that low sodium levels can increase the risk for osteoporosis. One study has found that low plasma sodium levels are associated with an increased risk for osteoporosis. Low levels, which are typically caused by certain disease states or chronic medications, are associated with a more than 2-fold increased odds for osteoporosis and bone fractures (101260).
Conversely, in healthy males on forced bed rest, a high intake of sodium chloride (7.7 mEq/kg daily) seems to exacerbate disuse-induced bone and muscle loss (25760,25761).

Oncologic ...Population research has found that high or moderately high intake of sodium chloride is associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer when compared with low sodium chloride intake (29405). Other population research in patients with gastric cancer has found that a high intake of sodium is associated with an approximate 65% increased risk of gastric cancer mortality when compared with a low intake. When zinc intake is taken into consideration, the increased risk of mortality only occurred in those with low zinc intake, but the risk was increased to approximately 2-fold in this sub-population (109400).

Pulmonary/Respiratory ...In patients with hypertension, population research has found that sodium excretion is modestly and positively associated with having moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea. This association was not found in normotensive patients (106262).

Renal ...Increased sodium intake has been associated with impaired kidney function in healthy adults. This effect seems to be independent of blood pressure. Observational research has found that a high salt intake over approximately 5 years is associated with a 29% increased risk of developing impaired kidney function when compared with a lower salt intake. In this study, high salt intake was about 2-fold higher than low salt intake (101261).

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