Shopping for probiotics
As people become more aware of the benefits of probiotics they request more information - and authorities are now starting to implement regulations and guidelines to ensure proper promotion of such products.
Read the label and seek documentation
If the manufacturer has listed the name of the particular probiotic bacteria strain on the packaging, you will be able to check on the internet, for example, what sort of scientific documentation is available, whether the strain is proven safe and if it does in fact have a beneficial effect.
If you have the choice between:
A) a probiotic bacteria that you know has been checked by independent university researchers from Tokyo to Helsinki, and
B) one where you have only the producer's claim that it is good for you
Option A) is probably the better choice.
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Parameters to look for:
- Large numbers of probiotic bacteria give the best effect.
- The bacteria must be able to survive the acidic environment in the stomach.
- The bacteria should, of course, be non-pathogenic and non-toxic.
- The probiotics should be stable and remain viable during storage and product life time.

