How to Choose a Probiotic
Stop buying blindly based on generic claims. A step-by-step guide to reading clinical labels.
The 3-Step Audit
1. Look for Strain Designations
If the label says "Lactobacillus acidophilus" and stops there, put it back. You want to see "Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM" or "Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG". The alphanumeric code at the end is the strain.
2. Verify the Dose (CFUs) Against Clinical Data
A multi-strain blend boasting "100 Billion CFU!" often relies on cheap, easily grown strains to inflate the number. Find out what dose was used in the clinical trial for the specific strain you are buying. B. infantis 35624 is effective at 1 Billion CFU. Taking 50 Billion of it won't help you more, and might do worse.
3. Check the Delivery Mechanism
Strains like Bifidobacterium are highly sensitive to oxygen and stomach acid. Does the product use an enteric coating? Delayed-release capsules? A specialized matrix (like alginate)? If it's just a standard gelatin capsule in a clear bottle sitting on a warm shelf, viability is highly suspect.
FAQ
Not necessarily. Strains can compete with each other. Unless the specific multi-strain blend (like the De Simone Formulation) has been tested in a trial, you cannot assume a synergistic effect. Often, a targeted single strain is superior.