Probiotic Bacteria Supplements

Jan 4, 2011 | By April Banks, RPh, MPH

Probiotics are defined by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization, as live strains of microorganisms that provide health benefits to its host when taken in sufficient amounts. They are useful in the treatment of diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. You may also use them to prevent yeast infections, to prevent or treat urinary tract infections and to treat eczema. Probiotics may contain a bacterial or fungal species and may be purchased as a dietary supplement or found in foods such as yogurt and miso.

Lactobacillus

Lactobacillus is one of the more common bacteria contained in probiotic supplements. You may find it as a single entity or in combination with other probiotics. There are a variety of strains of this species--Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, acidophilus, reuteri and bulgaricus; all are useful in the treatment of diarrhea. Some available probiotic supplements containing one or more strains of lactobacillus are Culturelle, RepHresh Pro-B Probiotic Feminine Supplement, and Lactinex.

Bifidobacterium

Bifidobacterium, a bacterial species commonly found in probiotic supplements, also resides in your gut in various forms. Bifidobacterium exists in a variety of strains--infanti, lactis, bifidum, and longum. Bifidobacterium may be purchased in combination with other probiotic species or as a single entity. It's useful in the treatment of antibiotic-associated, and traveler's diarrhea. Align is a commercially available probiotic supplement that contains bifidobacterium as a single ingredient.

Saccharomyces boulardii

Saccharomyces boulardii is considered a yeast rather than a bacterium, but it is a common probiotic. Used to treat and prevent diarrhea associated with the use of antibiotics and infectious diarrhea caused by rotavirus, Saccharomyces may also treat inflammatory bowel conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It can be found as a single ingredient in the products Florastor and Florastor for kids.