HuffPo – 3 Things You Must Know About Probiotics

Scientists are still sorting out the sweeping claims that probiotics — friendly strains of yeast, bacteria, and other live microorganisms — can balance the ecosystem in your gut and treat conditions ranging from diarrhea to the common cold. In the meantime, it’s up to consumers to purchase wisely. Since probiotic supplements aren’t usually marketed as drugs, most aren’t subject to approval by the Food and Drug Administration. In a recent study of probiotic supplements by ConsumerLab.com, an independent evaluator of health and nutrition products, five of the 19 it selected for testing contained only 16 percent to 56 percent of the probiotics claimed. But if you know what to look for, you just might give yourself a major health advantage.

Study Your Strains

Some companies like to tout the number of strains of probiotics in their products — because the more, the better, right? Not necessarily. While researchers have yet to reach a consensus about which mix of strains is best, there are some all-stars you should know about. Look for Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus reuteri, Saccharomyces boulardii or bifidobacteria.

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