Spanish health authorities warn against unregulated fecal microbiota capsules

The National Transplant Organization (ONT) and the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), through the GEMBIOTA study group, have issued a warning regarding the potential risks of using human fecal preparations or capsules to restore intestinal microbiota outside of authorized medical channels.

Experts emphasize that these unregulated products are neither “safe, nor effective.” While Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is a legitimate medical procedure used to modify intestinal microbiota under strict medical supervision and ONT regulation, there is growing concern over illegal trafficking and private companies offering microbiome restoration services via enemas, lyophilized products, or capsules.

The ONT has noted concerns regarding these unauthorized activities, stating that competent regional authorities must investigate whether such businesses comply with applicable sanitary and legal requirements.