Choosing a Probiotic Supplement: CFU Count, Strains and Shelf Stability Decoded

Decoding CFU Counts, Strains and Shelf Stability When Selecting the Best Probiotic

Finding the right probiotic supplement can be challenging as more products come on the market. When looking for a probiotic supplement, it can be tempting to choose the largest number on the label, but just selecting a product based on the total count of live organisms is a short-sighted approach.

To better match a supplement to a specific user, the strain needs to be identified as well as the purpose for which the supplement is intended, the storage requirements and the safety profile of the product. The starting point should be the label, but it should be backed up by the supporting evidence for the strain. The supplement should integrate with the daily regimen of the user, including diet and medicine, and should address the user’s needs.

What is a probiotic?

Probiotics contain live microorganisms that, when administered in a certain amount, are beneficial to the host. Some foods are naturally fermented, while some dietary supplements may contain probiotic ingredients. The administration of one strain to address the symptoms of a given condition does not support the use of other products claiming to be a “probiotic.”

Why are some people taking probiotics during or after a course of antibiotics?

Not everyone taking probiotics has digestive issues. The selection of a supplement for an individual depends on the symptoms and the reason it was recommended. Rather than treating the cause of the symptoms, a probiotic should not be relied on to cure a disease or replace a diagnosis or treatment.

What Does CFU Stand For?

CFU is short for colony-forming units. A serving size of a given product may contain 1 billion, 10 billion, or perhaps several billion CFUs.

Higher CFU counts do not equate to efficacy. Sometimes, a treatmentspecific, researched strain is best despite the presence of a less researched, large blend. Results may also depend on the microorganism, dose, and the given health condition.

Find out when the manufacturer measures CFU count. Some labels will indicate the count as recorded at the time of manufacture. Some labels state that the count is maintained at least until expiration. Live cultures weaken the most during storage when they are exposed to heat, moisture, and air.

Look for information published about:

• CFU count per serving
• CFU count at expiration or at time of manufacture
• Number of servings in the package
• Serving size
• Package expiration date and batch info
• Storage instructions

If the label states “contains probiotics” without a count, strain description, or an expiration date, ask the pharmacist or manufacturer for additional information before you buy it.

Why strains matter

A strain is a certain version of a probiotic which is also identified by the genus and species. Due to the length of the full name, the strain is usually added at the end of the name. An example would be a microorganism name followed by letters and numbers. The last characters identify the strain in a given study or research.

Two products can have the same species but different strains. Their dosage and safety can vary along with their results. A blend also needs to be reviewed. Just having several species on the list doesn’t guarantee better results.

Do not choose a supplement that lists the most strains. Short descriptive formulas are easier to assess.

Look for added ingredients

There are many combinations of probiotics with prebiotics, fibres, vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, herbs, and other additives. Prebiotics are food sources for specific gut microbes. Fibre can help with constipation, but rapid changes can cause gas and bloating.

You must consider added ingredients for all adults with allergies, restrictions/special needs, diabetes, kidney disease, and swallowing difficulties. Check for sugar, milk, soy, and gluten. Check for artificial sweeteners and for allergens. Different formulations can accommodate different people, for example, powders, capsules, chewables or liquids.

Caregivers must read the entire label. Look at the serving size and see the amounts of the different ingredients. Look for clear instructions for use and a statement for allergens.

Choose products that fit your parent’s routine. Refrigerated products require travel and delivery cold chains. Select a room-temperature product, but ensure there is no direct exposure to sunlight, heat, or moisture. Keep away from the kitchen.

Shelf life and stability

What do you consider “stable”? Product storage can affect quality over time. Some probiotics are designed to be refrigerated. Some can be stored at room temperature. Follow the storage instructions on the product’s own label.

Choose a room-temperature product and explain to your parent that they need to place it away from heat, light, moisture, and kitchen activities. The damp bathroom or storing a refrigerated product improperly during travel should NEVER be an option.

Keep the container closed after each use. Use a dry spoon for powders. Store capsules and sachets in a dark and dry place as direct sunlight will deteriorate the product. Ensure that you use the product within the expiry date specified, as it is recommended you take a course of any product regularly.

Does the manufacturer provide information on how they preserve live cultures while in transport? A sealed container along with a batch number, expiry date, and storage instructions is important information on the quality of the product. Avoid products with an open seal, abnormal smell, moisture in the pack, or missing information.

How to choose a probiotic for an aging parent

Begin with the health goal

Determine the reason for the consideration of a probiotic. Different health problems, such as bloating, constipation, loose stools, and changes in bowel movements associated with the use of antibiotics, have different implications which may require further intervention.

Review medicines and health conditions

Ask a doctor or pharmacist to take a look at the product if your parent has many health conditions or is sick. Special precautions are needed for people with a weak immune system, a central venous catheter, a serious illness, recent major surgery, or a history of severe infections.

Ask about timing

There are a few products with instructions related to meals and antibiotics. So please follow both. Do not mix a supplement into hot food or hot drinks unless specifically instructed on the label. Heat may diminish the efficacy of the cultures.

Observe and record

Please log the product name, dates, serving size, bowel habit changes, bloating, and other symptoms. Seek direct assistance for your parent if any of the following symptoms begin: rashes, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, repeated diarrhea, and worsening of diarrhea.

Where AGEasy Gut Balance fits

AGEasy Gut Balance is a supplement to support healthy digestion and balance gut microbiota while also reducing bloating. It is best recommended as a supplement for a sensible diet and health plan.

Probiotics supplement diet

A healthy diet should always be complemented with a probiotic. This should be taken as a supplement for a diet lacking water. Be sure to include fibre in your diet through fruits, vegetables, and whole- grain foods.

To help with regular and consistent bowel movement, you should combine healthy eating with routine activity, good quality sleep, and the periodic review of all your medications. It is advised that you continue to take your prescribed medications and not replace a healthy diet with vitamin supplements.

When to see a Doctor

Consult a healthcare professional if you experience prolonged diarrhea or constipation for more than a few days, if you repeatedly vomit, if you see blood in your stools, black stools, if you experience abdominal pain so bad it affects activities, if you experience severe dehydration, or if you lose weight without explanation.

There are several factors involved in the selection of a quality probiotic that exceeds a high CFU count. You should look for a product that has a clearly identified strain and has a purpose, clear expiration date, recommended storage, and is customized to your parent’s health needs. A probiotic with a clear label can help you understand the claims and help you make a more informed purchase, not a more expensive one.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not a substitute for medical care. The intentions of this article are informative only.