Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms that can provide health benefits to the host when consumed in adequate amounts. As interest in probiotics has grown in recent years, the market has seen a wide range of products with different ingredients, strains and usage characteristics. This variety has led many consumers to ask, “How should I choose a probiotic supplement?”
When choosing a probiotic supplement, it is important to consider several criteria together rather than focusing only on the product name or packaging. These include the types and strains of microorganisms it contains, the number of live microorganisms, storage conditions and the product's quality characteristics.¹
Probiotics are live microorganisms belonging to specific species. They may naturally occur in some fermented foods or may be available in the form of food supplements.²
Yoghurt, kefir and some fermented products may contain probiotic microorganisms. However, probiotic supplements can be formulated using different types, strains and amounts of microorganisms.
Not all probiotic products have the same ingredients or formulation. Products may differ in terms of:
The types of microorganisms used,
The strains they contain,
The amount of live microorganisms,
Formulation characteristics,
Storage requirements.
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For this reason, it is important to examine the product label carefully when choosing a probiotic supplement.
The term “strain” is commonly found on probiotic product labels. A strain refers to a specific subgroup within the same microorganism species.
For example:
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM
Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12
The letter and number combinations in these names identify specific strains.¹
Scientific studies on probiotics consider not only the microorganism species but also the specific strain used. For this reason, having the full name of the microorganism and, where possible, the strain clearly stated on the product label is an important consideration.
Probiotic supplements may contain a single strain or formulations containing several microorganism species or strains.
Single-strain products contain only one microorganism strain.
Multi-strain products contain more than one probiotic species or strain in the same formulation.
The choice between these types can vary depending on the product's ingredients, intended use and individual preferences. For this reason, it is important to carefully review the ingredient information on the product label when making a choice.⁴
Probiotic product labels often include the term “CFU” (Colony Forming Unit).
The CFU value refers to the number of live and viable microorganisms present in a specific amount of a product.⁵
Probiotic products on the market may contain different levels, such as:
1 billion CFU,
5 billion CFU,
10 billion CFU or more.
However, a higher CFU count alone is not sufficient when evaluating a probiotic product. Other factors, such as the microorganism species and strain, production conditions and storage requirements, should also be taken into account.⁵
It is important to consider which stage of the product's shelf life the stated CFU value refers to.
For some products, the stated value may indicate:
The amount present at the time of manufacture,
The amount guaranteed until the expiry date.
For this reason, it can be useful to carefully review the explanations on the product label and the manufacturer's instructions regarding use and storage.³
Since probiotics contain live microorganisms, appropriate storage conditions play an important role in maintaining product stability. Environmental factors such as heat, moisture and light can affect the viability of microorganisms and the stability of the product.¹
For this reason, the product should:
Be stored within the temperature range stated on the label,
Be protected from moisture,
Be kept away from direct sunlight.
Some probiotic products need to be stored under refrigeration, while others may be formulated using specific production and stabilisation technologies that allow them to be stored at room temperature.
For this reason, the storage instructions for the probiotic product should always be checked. Storing a product outside the conditions recommended by the manufacturer may affect the stability of the microorganisms it contains.⁶
When choosing a probiotic product, the following characteristics can be reviewed:
The types of microorganisms it contains,
Whether strain names are clearly and fully stated,
The amount of live microorganisms (CFU),
The expiry date,
Storage conditions,
Whether the label information is clear and easy to understand.
In addition, whether the product has been manufactured according to reliable production standards can also be considered as part of the selection process.³
When considering probiotic supplements, it is important to remember that a balanced and varied diet is one of the foundations of a healthy lifestyle. A varied diet containing vegetables, fruit, whole grains, pulses and fermented foods can form an important part of everyday eating habits.²
Products containing probiotics may also be considered as part of a daily routine according to individual preferences and needs. When selecting a product, considering criteria such as its ingredients, strain information, amount of live microorganisms and storage conditions together can support a more informed approach.
International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP). What Are Probiotics? https://isappscience.org/resource/what-is-a-probiotic
World Gastroenterology Organisation. Probiotics and Prebiotics Guidelines. https://www.worldgastroenterology.org/guidelines/probiotics-and-prebiotics
International Probiotics Association (IPA), & Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN). (2017). Best practices guidelines for probiotics. International Probiotics Association. https://ipa-biotics.org/resources/guidelines/2017-best-practices-guidelines/
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Probiotics: What You Need To Know. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-what-you-need-to-know
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) & World Health Organization (WHO). Guidelines for the Evaluation of Probiotics in Food. https://www.fao.org/3/a0512e/a0512e.pdf
