Probiotic: What is it?

Probiotics are live microorganisms thought to be healthy for the host organism. According to the currently adopted definition by FAO/WHO, probiotics are: “Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host”.^[1] Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bifidobacteria are the most common types of microbes used as probiotics; but certain yeasts and bacilli may also be helpful. Probiotics are commonly consumed as part of fermented foods with specially added active live cultures; such as in yogurt, soy yogurt, or as dietary supplements.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Probiotic

Probiotics can be found in cereals, cookies, yogurt, and now also as supplelemnets. As Probiotics become more popular there is of course also an increase in the ‘wonder’ claims for probiotics.

MYTH: Probiotics can only be found in yogurt:

Its of course true most know forms of probiotics are bacteria added to yogurt, there are many other types of micro-organsims that qualify as probiotic.

See this link for the folloing strains of probiotics: -LINK

MYTH: Clinical testing of probiotics is inadequate.

In fact there are many probiotics that have undergone any number of well designed clinical tests. For example – Floraster – has been studied for more than 50 years, and Mutaflor hfor almost a century

MYTH: All probiotics are equal in what they can do:

The assumption is that probiotics help regulate and maintain a healthy digestion (digestive flora). However probiotics can do much more.

See link for further detailed info.LINK

The major findings have been with AAD (antibiotic Associated Diarrhea, IBS  (Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Ulcerative Colitis

MYTH: Generic Probiotics are as good as brand name

For probiotics, manufacturing methods and strain purity vary widely. To be safe always look for a product where the strain is identical to the one they used in clinical studies.

Checklist:

• Choose a probiotic that has been tested with positive clinical results. “Double Blind placebo controlled” studies are the gold standard for testing
• The probiotics listed on the product should be guaranteed throughout the shelf life of the product, and not just when manufactured
• Choose probiotics that come in gastro-resistant capsules – as they must survive your stomach acids. Or choose probiotics that are naturally resistant to stomach acids – such as yeast

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