They're added to yogurt, snack bars, water, baby food and pizza crust. You'll find them in chewing gum, fruit juice, lozenges and toothpaste. They're even in dog food.
Are probiotics just another "health food" gimmick? What are they and what do they do? Should you add them to your diet?
Although they don't have a legal definition in the US, the World Health Organization defines probiotics as "Live microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host."
"Live organisms" can also be described as "friendly or beneficial bacteria". They've been around for thousands of years in fermented foods like yogurt and kefir. But because the science of probiotics is just emerging, there are still a lot of unknowns. In typical fashion, the marketplace is often ahead of the science. Products containing probiotics are all the rage. But not all of them are effective or worth your money.
Here's what you should know:
The full name of the probiotic, including genus, species and strain
For instance, a popular yogurt drink contains Lactobacillus (genus) casei (species) DN-114 001(strain), a probiotic that may help support the immune system.
Another yogurt product contains Bifidobacterium (genus) animalis (species) DN-173-010 (strain), a probiotic that may help relieve constipation.
What's it supposed to do?
Different strains of probiotics provide different benefits. Targets for probiotic influence include digestive function (traveler's and antibiotic related diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose digestion, colic), oral health, allergies, eczema, vaginal and respiratory infections, and even brain function.
Is there scientific research to back up the claims?
The most important question to ask is whether the claim made for the product is true. Has it been tested on humans and shown to have a benefit? Search the web or call the company for details that may not be on the package. Check for articles published in scientific journals. Some products have their own website with links to clinical studies.
How much probiotic is in a serving size or a dose? What is the expiration date of the product?
It doesn't matter if a probiotic is added to food or if it's in supplement form. What's important is whether reliable research substantiates the health claim and whether there's an adequate amount of probiotic for therapeutic benefit. The minimum dose must be the dose shown to have a health benefit in controlled studies.
Are probiotics for everyone?
Check with your physician before giving probiotics to infants, the elderly and anyone with a seriously compromised immune system. Terminally ill cancer patients and people whose conditions have the potential for leaky bowels (including acute pancreatitis) should not take probiotics.
In Israel, there are a number of kosher yogurt products containing probiotics. In the US, similar products may or may not be kosher. Many yogurts in the US contain non-kosher gelatin, so check the labels. I found one probiotic supplement in the US with kosher certification, though most seemed to be non-kosher, due to their gelatin-based capsules.
Considering their possible benefits, probiotics are a low-risk intervention. They're worth a try as long as you do your homework and find the right product (and the correct dose) for what ails you.
For additional information about probiotics, try these websites:
http://www.gastro.org/patient-center/diet-medications/probiotics
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