Are There Any Probiotics With Viable Cultures?

Probiotics are live bacterial cultures that are associated with positive health benefits when consumed. Being alive and viable, or capable of growth, is part of what defines a microbe as probiotic. So, all probiotics, by definition, contain viable cultures. However, some products, such as certain brands of yogurt, actually undergo manufacturing processes that kill their probiotic microbes and render them non-viable.

Why Viability is Important

Your body naturally contains about 100 trillion live microorganisms that live in harmony with your internal organs, according to the University of Mary Washington. These microbes, referred to as your "normal flora," help deter harmful pathogens from colonizing your digestive tract and causing disease. When your normal flora is depleted, as can occur during a course of antibiotic treatment, probiotics can aid in replenishing your body's natural probiotic population. In order to accomplish this, however, the microorganisms in probiotics have to be able to live and multiply to adequately colonize the digestive tract.

Health Benefits of Viable Cultures

The health benefits of consuming viable probiotic cultures have been documented through extensive research. For instance, in 2001 "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" published research indicating that probiotics are helpful in alleviating the symptoms of lactose intolerance. "The Journal of Nutrition" stated in 2007 that research indicates that probiotics interact with the human immune system and may serve as immune system modulators. "Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics" maintains that the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii can help in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection -- the leading cause of peptic ulcers. USProbiotics notes that viable probiotic cultures have also demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of such ailments as irritable bowel syndrome and necrotizing enterocolitis.

How to Find Viable Probiotic Cultures

When purchasing probiotic foods, it's important to make sure they contain live, active cultures listed among their ingredients. When yogurt undergoes pasteurization, the live bacteria used to ferment milk and create yogurt are destroyed, thus deleting their probiotic effects. An increasing number of food manufacturers are capitalizing on the popularity of probiotics by adding viable cultures to their foods, but vigilant label reading is necessary to ensure you're buying true probiotics.

Probiotic Supplements

Supplements can serve as a convenient method of obtaining the benefits of probiotics. Available in capsule, tablet, liquid and powder forms, probiotic supplements are often stored in the refrigerated section of natural foods groceries in order to maintain the viability of the microbes they provide. Be aware that not all strains of probiotics are created equal. Rather, they are strain-specific, meaning that different types of probiotics offer different health benefits. Further research is necessary to pinpoint which probiotics are right for you. Consult your doctor before taking probiotic supplements.