How to choose a probiotic

With so many probiotic products available in stores and online, how do you choose the best one for you? First, remember that not all probiotics are the same. Different strains (or combinations of strains) deliver different benefits for your health. Many probiotics aren’t backed by any scientific evidence, so look for a product that has scientific evidence showing it delivers the benefit you’re looking for — whether it’s helping prevent seasonal colds or relieving digestive symptoms. All probiotics must stay alive until you consume them, so be sure to check the label for storage conditions and expiration date. When in doubt, consult with a health professional.

See here for information on permission to use these ISAPP materials.

ISAPP’s videos feature subtitles in multiple languages. The translations are made possible through the kind assistance of volunteer translators in the ISAPP community.

Here’s how to change the subtitles:

Step 1 – Click on a video and press play.
Step 2 – Press pause and click the gear-like ‘Settings’ icon, to the right of the ‘CC’ icon.
Step 3 – Click on ‘Subtitles’ and select the language subtitle you prefer.
Step 4 – Resume the video by pressing play.

Video Transcript

Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits.

But with such an abundance of probiotic products available today, determining the right probiotic for you can feel a bit overwhelming.

So how do you choose?

Not all probiotics are the same. They contain different strains which may be backed by different levels of scientific evidence for health benefits.

Different probiotic strains have different benefits—ranging from improving aspects of intestinal function to helping you fight off a cold.

When choosing a probiotic type, it’s most important to use a product backed by scientific evidence for the health benefits you want.

See videos and infographics that describe the evidence of health benefits at ISAPPscience.org.

We’re all unique individuals. We all have different genes, diets and resident microbes. So each person may respond to a probiotic differently.

Try a product for about a month. If you don’t see the benefit you’re looking for, perhaps it’s not the right one for you.

Probiotics are most commonly available in dietary supplements and some foods.

Yogurts, fermented milks and a few other food products may contain probiotics.

Just be sure to check the label for names of the probiotics.

Remember that probiotics need to stay alive to stay effective. Take notice of how the product needs to be stored.

Probiotic foods and even some supplements may require refrigeration.

While other probiotic supplements may offer the convenience of being stable at room temperature.
When choosing a probiotic, you’ll want to buy a product that’s backed by science and made by a reputable company.

Responsible probiotic manufacturers will list the genus, species and strain of the product, as well as the potency of the product to expect through the end of its shelf life.

Also, keep an eye out for the contact information where you can report problems or request more information on the product.

Ask your healthcare provider for probiotic recommendations based on your specific health needs.

Please refer to ISAPPscience.org for additional information, or ask your doctor or healthcare provider.

NOTE: The ISAPP board of directors developed this video to accurately represent current science. Industry had no control over final content.

As a global organization, ISAPP is pleased to make available multiple language translations of key resources. Effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the translations, but in the event of any discrepancies, the English language version shall be considered primary.