Probiotic supplements and foods containing “friendly” bacteria or yeast have become popular options for people hoping to improve bowel function or boost immunity. But many customers are confused by the vast array of choices. A new report from Consumer.Lab.com, White Plains, NY, covering more than two dozen probiotics takes much of the mystery out of the remedies. It also contains an important warning: customers who don’t do their homework might not get what they want or are paying for.
 
Tests by ConsumerLab.com found that the actual number of living organisms in probiotics don’t always match the claims on the label. “Probiotics can be helpful, but you need to choose products carefully,” said Tod Cooperman, MD, president of ConsumerLab.com. “Not every product has what it claims and even those that do may not have the right type and amount of organisms for your condition.”
 
Probiotics represent one of the largest and fastest growing segments of the dietary supplement market, with sales up 19% to $636 million in 2010, according to Nutrition Business Journal. A survey of more than 10,000 supplement users by ConsumerLab.com in November 2011 found probiotics were used by 34% of women and nearly 28% of men. Probiotics are also one of the most expensive dietary supplements, with a daily dose averaging $1.06.
 
Of 12 probiotic products for adults and children selected for testing by ConsumerLab.com, two delivered far fewer organisms than promised. One contained just 57% of the organisms listed on the label and the other had 65%. Still, all products provided at least 1 billion organisms per day, an amount that may provide some benefit. Products were also tested for microbial contaminants and pathogens, but none were found. Tests also showed that products sold as caplets and enteric-coated capsules were able to properly release their ingredients.
 
As explained in the report, certain types of probiotics have been shown to work for specific medical conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), vaginal infection, H. pylori infection, forms of diarrhea, and cold and flu. But consumers who lack this information are left to confront a daunting array of probiotics on the market. For example, ConsumerLab.com’s found products listing anywhere from one to more than 30 different strains of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces (a yeast) or Streptococcus. The quantity of organisms varied from 1 billion to more than 250 billion in a daily dose, a difference of more than 25,000%.
 
“Before buying a probiotic, take time to understand what it can do, choose a product with the right type and number of organisms, and compare prices, which can range from under 20 cents to over $5 per day,” Dr. Cooperman said. He also suggested products be stored in sealed containers out of heat, light, and humidity. In addition, he said it’s important for users to read the storage instructions on the label. For example, some probiotics require constant refrigeration, even if the bottle hasn’t been opened.