Be sure to read product labels
Probiotic comes from the greek word meaning "for life"
Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.1 They can be found in both foods and food supplements and must meet certain criteria, such as: 2
■ Have a studied health benefit
■ Must be named according to a valid scientific naming system
■ Microbe classification is defined to the genus, species, and strain level
■ Microbes are alive at the time of consumption
■ Microbes must be at levels or amounts established through research that provide a benefit
■ Safe for its intended use
It is important to check product labels carefully, as not all products on the market that are labeled as ‘probiotic’ have documented health benefits.3,4
- Confirm the probiotic strain is backed by science. Some research on your part may be required, but The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) has several resources.
- Look for the name of the microbe. Probiotics are known by genus, species, and strain.