In essence, there are three factors to pay attention to in your search for the right probiotic supplement: Method of manufacture, CFU count, and the specific culture(s) which address your health needs.
Look for a supplement which is ‘manufactured in accordance with cGMP guidelines’. This is one of the few applicable FDA guidelines for nutritional supplements.
The CFU, or ‘Colony Forming Unit’, count is important as, in the worlds of the World Health Organization, probiotics are only effective in adequate amounts. As adverse effects are not common, look for a CFU count of greater than 10 billion per capsule. Most probiotic supplements have between 10 and 20 billion CFU, although they go much higher.
The cultures supplemented by a probiotic will be what ultimately defines the health benefits that you will see.
As for what culture(s) address your health needs, here is a quick run-down, courtesy of WebMD, and a reference table from NewHope to help you decide on a supplement. Look for the probiotic strains mentioned below, as they are well-documented and effective.
(Click to enlarge)
- http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/answers-to-your-questions-about-probiotics
- http://newhope360.com/ingredients-general/probiotics-strains-matter
- Am Fam Physician. 2008 Nov 1;78(9):1073-1078.
2 Responses
My brother suggested I might like this website. He was totally right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine just how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
I am genuinely amazed with your profound understanding and superb ability to convey information. The knowledge you share clearly stands out in every piece you write. It’s obvious that you spend considerable time into researching your topics, and this effort does not go unnoticed. Thanks for providing such valuable insights. Keep on enlightening us!