Probiotic FAQs
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are "friendly" bacteria that live in and on your body. They are most prolific in your digestive tract. Probiotics is an umbrella term for all the different beneficial bacteria, but each strain or type of bacteria offers its own unique benefits. The most well-known types of probiotics are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
Many Bifidobacterium and Lactobacilli species are natural inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract and urogenital tract. They derive their energy from fermenting prebiotics, carbohydrates and some sugars and in doing so contribute to a thriving microbiome.
How do probiotics help?
Probiotics offer valuable support for a healthy digestive tract, immune system, and many other vital processes throughout the body. Probiotic supplements help support and maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the GI tract by increasing the population of beneficial bacteria strains in the gut.
What are CFU?
Probiotics are measured in colony forming units (CFU) instead of milligrams or grams. CFU indicates an estimate of the number of viable (live) bacterial cells, typically measured in millions or billions, which are cultured or grown in or on a fermentation medium.
What do the parts of the probiotic's name mean?
Probiotic strains indicate the variety or type of microorganism (bacteria). Bacteria have a specific classification system including genus, species and strain.
For example: Lactobacillus acidophilus UALa01
- lactobacillus is the genus
- acidophilus is the species
- UALa01 is the strain
- Genus: Broader category of classification
- Species: Groups of probiotics within a genus that share common features
- Strain: A further sub-classification expressed alphanumerically; these may have unique properties
There are thousands of different strains of bacteria. As of now, the Human Microbiome Project has isolated and sequenced over 2,000 reference strains from the human body. However, some strains are well known, and scientists are learning more about the specific benefits of individual strains. Our probiotic line puts this new scientific knowledge into practice with formulas created with specific strains for specific health benefits.
Is there a minimum number of strains I should look for?
There is no research to support a minimum number of strains needed for health. However, scientists agree that a diverse microflora (having many different strains of bacteria in your gut) is associated with overall wellness.
Do different strains result in different health benefits?
Yes, different probiotic strains have been studied for their ability to provide benefits in different areas including digestion, immune health and even mood. Our products were formulated taking this research into account.
Do probiotics need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration is not required. Our probiotics are formulated to provide the number of CFU stated on the label. If desired, you may refrigerate after opening to ensure maximum potency.
Should probiotics be enteric coated?
There are some benefits to delivering probiotics in enteric coated capsules; however, most of the research on probiotics is performed on products without this delivery form and results show non-enteric coated probiotics are beneficial. Several of the most common strains have an innate resistance to stomach acid, making them especially well-suited to the gastric environment.
What does a "Best By" date mean?
A “Best By” date indicates that the product will successfully meet the claims made on its label up until the date given. Our products undergo rigorous stability testing to determine the most accurate dating for our finished products.
What about prebiotics and postbiotics? What are those and how do they help?
The easiest way to define prebiotics is to think of them as plant-based fiber material that nourishes beneficial probiotics. Prebiotics provide the sustenance needed for a vibrant probiotic culture in the gut, so providing sufficient prebiotics can mean better digestion, increased comfort and all-around enhanced digestive health.
In the sequence of digestion, prebiotics and probiotics leave behind certain beneficial substances in the GI tract. These nutrients are called postbiotics and may be comprised of amino acids, certain peptides and vitamins. Postbiotics promote a healthy bacterial balance within the gut and support intestinal integrity, particularly in the colon. Maintaining a healthy intestinal lining goes a long way toward bolstering your body’s immune defenses by providing a healthy barrier to help prevent toxins from entering the bloodstream.