How to choose probiotics? Check these 6 criteria before buying.

Most probiotics supplement products in Hong Kong are categorized as nutritional supplement under food classification, which is not regulated under the ordinance of drugs. The quality of labelling information can be differed. Therefore, when comparing probiotics supplement products, the following criteria are important for finding good and effective products. 

1. Internationally certified probiotics strain 

     When selecting probiotics strain, look for the certification of the strain from government authority or large institutes. The strain can be regarded as safe and effective if it has obtained the certificate from U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) or EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). 

2. Select frequently studied and scientifically proven effective probiotics strains

     There are different genera of probiotics, like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium etc. There are numerous strains of probiotics, but not all of them are selected for scientific researches. Thus, not all probiotics strains can have enough scientific support for its effectiveness.

     Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, which is the most studied probiotics strains, having 315 studies as support, and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, which has more than 50 studies, are scientifically proven to be effective in accelerating intestinal peristalsis, thereby reducing constipation and discomfort.It is more reliable to choose detail-labelled probiotics products with multiple-studied strains, and it will be easier to find relevant research for support. 

3. More strains do not result in better effect

     There was study showing that using 15 probiotics strains together resulted in a poorer effect than using only 4 mixed probiotics strains. Since living space is limited for bacteria and probiotics in gut, if the consumption of probiotics is too much, they will need to fight for more gut space for survival and cannot serve its functions.

     However, there are some combinations, such as Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus, which are mutually symbiotic and lack complementarity, can provide a better effect on the host than using one of them solely. Thus, the more strains used as supplement do not mean a better result, generally, 2-4 strains combination are already good enough.

4. More probiotics does not result in a better effect 

     Human body cannot utilize large amount of probiotics within a short period of time. Sometimes, consuming too much probiotics can cause diarrhea. As for the dosage of probiotics, this depends on the chosen strain and desired effect. 1 - 50 billion is sufficient for routine healthcare.

     In addition to sufficient amount, preferable intestinal environment is also important. Prebiotics are probiotics’ food. By providing adequate prebiotics, probiotics will naturally survive and proliferate.  

5. High survival rate 

     Traditional probiotics need a specific storage environment to survive. They also need to pass through saliva, stomach acid, and bile before they can reach the intestines and act on the host. They need to acquire a certain degree of adherence before they can survive in the gut.

     Modern technology has improved probiotic products. They can withstand room temperature storage and have a protective layer. Some new varieties are resistant to acid and alkali. Probiotic products with high survival rate definitely are better choices.  

6. Choose supplements with no additives 

     Some probiotic supplements consist of various non-effectiveness-related compounds, such as fragrances, colors, and regulators. It is unnecessary to eat these additives, although they are edible and are technically safe. Some additives may also cause allergic reactions. People with allergic history should pay more attention to the nutrition label while choosing supplements. You should choose a suitable probiotic supplement according to your needs.

What are probiotics? What are probiotics? Will the intestines be dependent? 

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