Probiotics vary widely in their potency, viability, cost and effectiveness. The National Centers for Complementary and Alternative Medicine note that hundreds of strains of bacteria can be classified and marketed as probiotics; however, two species of "friendly" bacteria may offer completely different benefits. Some manufacturers may also market sub-effective doses of probiotics and forms that have little effect on the human body. Conscientious consumers should carefully compare probiotic supplements to maximize cost-effectiveness, safety and clinical potency.
Step 1
Examine the potency of each probiotic supplement. Manufacturers generally measure probiotic potency in billions of units (bacteria) per dose. Some consumers use small daily doses of half a billion units or less, but some high-dose formulas offer as many as 200 billion units per serving. A health care practitioner may recommend lower or higher doses for certain individuals, depending on the person's medical history.
Step 2
Look at the ingredient list to determine which strains of probiotic the supplement contains. Ideally, a supplement should contain five or more strains of bacteria, including several species acidophilus and bifidobacterium. These full-spectrum probiotics ensure that consumers receive all the benefits associated with each bacterial strain.
Step 3
Seek a formula that contains prebiotic fiber. These specialized forms of insoluble fiber encourage the growth of friendly bacteria in the large intestine. According a 1995 review published in the "Journal of Nutrition," ingested probiotics tend to act primarily within the small intestines. Prebiotics can maximize a product's benefits throughout the body by encouraging probiotic growth lower in the digestive tract. Popular prebiotics include fructooligarosaccharides (FOS) and dextrin.
Step 4
Consider the benefits associated with different methods for ingesting probiotics. While probiotic-enriched chocolates are a popular, tasty way to take these supplements, they generally offer a low dose and few of the bacteria survive the trip through the stomach. Enteric-coated probiotics are designed to survive the journey through the digestive system, but these may be more expensive than noncoated formulas. Powdered probiotic supplements are also popular and contain large amounts of prebiotic fiber; however, they may have an unpleasant taste. Consumers should select a form of probiotic based on personal preference and health needs.
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