Probiotics are live microorganisms, which when ingested, provide health benefits by improving the balance of healthy intestinal flora (microflora) in the gut. The most common microorganisms used as probiotics are Lactic acid bacteria (the best known being Lactobacillus acidophilus) and bifidobacterial strains.

Studies have linked the best probiotics with a wide range of health benefits including:

• Management of antibiotic associated diarrhea and traveler’s diarrhea.
• Reducing inflammation in the gut and assisting in the management of inflammatory bowel syndromes.
• Preventing harmful bacterial growth and associated toxins.
• Yeast infection treatment by restoring the natural balance of gut microflora thought to keep Candida yeast growth in check. Probiotics are often recommended as part of a Candida diet or yeast free diet.
• Managing lactose intolerance via the action of lactic acid bacteria.
• Prevention of colon cancers. It is thought that probiotics may bind with carcinogenic substances or reduce the activity of harmful enzymes.
• Improving the absorptive capacity of the gut.

Untangling the definitions: Probiotics, Antibiotics, Prebiotics and Symbiotics

It’s useful to think of probiotics, which add beneficial bacteria, in contrast with antibiotics, which are designed to destroy bacteria in the body. Probiotics are often recommended following a course of antibiotics in order to restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut.

Probiotics, comprised of live bacteria, are sometimes confused with prebiotics, which are non-digestible ingredients, (usually oligosaccharides), that stimulate the activity of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. Note also that synbiotics are nutritional supplements combining probiotics and prebiotics.

Choosing the best probiotic supplement

There is no standardized manufacturing process for probiotic supplements, so their effectiveness varies between products. When choosing the best probiotics for your needs, bear in mind the following points:

• While probiotic supplements are available in liquid, powder or capsule form, most health professionals recommend purchasing probiotic capsules. In particular it is important to make sure the capsule has been specifically designed to withstand stomach acids and pass intact to the gastro intestinal tract.
• Multi-strain probiotics that contain both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species are the most common. These replicate the bacteria found in most healthy diets. The concentration of bacteria is measured in colony forming units (CFUs) and will vary from product to product. Studies have shown health benefits for products ranging from 30 million to more than 1 trillion CFU/day, but more CFUs does not always mean better quality.
• The best probiotics provide very specific information on the strains provided and how many CFUs per strain.
• Products should have an expiration date and the best probiotic supplements use inert packaging that does not allow any contamination. Note that some products will require refrigeration.