How to Not Get Scammed When Buying Probiotics

Another big issue is that most people look for how many many CFUs are in the probiotic bottles they're buying. (CFU stands for colony-forming unit, which refers to the number of live and active micro-organisms that can be found in each serving of the probiotic you're taking.) Most probiotics are mix of multiple strains, but more isn't always better — it's actually the combinations that matter.

"Many of these combinations have never been clinically studied and make unproven claims," says Dr. NavNirat Nibber. "Most formulas are a guess work in compilation of the greatest number of different strains in the highest number per capsule to impress the consumer e.g. 12 strains delivering 20 billion CFU. The reason most companies put in such large numbers is because they have no clinical data that these combinations of strains are compatible, survive or produce any effect. The hope is that by incorporating such high amounts at least some will end up surviving. Some of these combinations have no history of use and these individual strains may be antagonistic to each other and, worse still, may alter the gut flora in an undesirable way. In addition not all probiotics can withstand the harsh stomach environment to reach the large intestines."

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