Kombucha also contains live, active bacterial and yeast cultures, which may also contribute to side effects.
Premyuda Yospim / Getty Images
Does Kombucha Have Side Effects?
Yes, despite being a natural product, kombucha may cause side effects.
Premyuda Yospim / Getty Images
It’s important to remember that “natural” doesn’t always mean “safe.”
Natural products may still have potent effects.
Notable kombucha side effects include the following:
What Is Kombucha?
Kombucha typically combines black, oolong, orgreen teawith sugar or other sweeteners, yeasts, andprobiotics.
Its slightly vinegar-like flavor is due to its acetic, tartaric, and citric acid content.
Some people also add their favorite fruits or herbs to the mixture to personalize their beverage.
This mixture is fermented over days or weeks to create a fizzy, flavorful drink.
However, the following table highlights the nutritional content of kombucha, according to a USDA analysis.
However, it may have side effects or health risks.
These include contamination, infection or illness, intoxication (due to alcohol content), and digestive issues.
Children, pregnant or lactating people, or people with weakened immune systems should not consume kombucha.
Purchasing pasteurized kombucha is an option for those aiming to avoid microbial contamination.
2022;14:100302. doi:10.1016/j.fochx.2022.100302
Selvaraj S, Gurumurthy K.An overview of probiotic health booster-kombucha tea.Chin Herb Med.
2023;14:1254014. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2023.1254014
FoodData Central.Tea, kombucha.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Spilling the beans: How much caffeine is too much?
2020;57(5):1840-1846. doi:10.1007/s13197-019-04217-3
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About moderate alcohol use.
2023;11(5):1344. doi:10.3390/microorganisms11051344
