6 Things to Look For When Buying a Probiotic
Probiotics- the live "good" bacteria that colonize in the human gastrointestinal tract to promote a healthy microflora, balance the gut microbiome and support immune system function.1 But with so many options on the market with various strains and confusing terms like CFU and delayed-release, how do you know what to look for when buying a probiotic? Here are 6 key things to consider when shopping for one at your local store:
1. Multiple strains
Different strains of bacteria provide different benefits to the body. These probiotics have been shown to maintain the balance between the various strains in different locations of the intestine, promoting a favourable gut flora and displaying antioxidant capacity.2 advanced gut health probiotics were crafted with a whopping 15 strains (7 in our advanced gut health probiotic for kids) that mimic the balance of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria found in the gut. Speaking of strains, be sure that they are coded—this indicates that the company can trace the exact origin of the strains they use. Genuine Health uses coded strains in advanced gut health probiotics that are human, non-GMO, and do not come from animals, like rats (we’re serious). Carefully chosen strains to resist harsh gastrointestinal conditions.
2. Balanced formula
Unlike many formulas that focus mainly on one or two bacteria strains (like L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus) with just a sprinkle of others for label appeal, our advanced gut health probiotic features a balanced blend of 15 strains. Our microbiome consists of hundreds of bacterial species that play numerous roles in various microbial ecosystems.3 Within these species, it has been identified that some are recognized as “transient” and introduced from a different environment, whereas others are “resident” that remain indigenous to the gastrointestinal tract.4 advanced gut health probiotics consist of strains that are naturally resident in the human gastrointestinal tract, colonizing in parts of the small and large intestine along with strains that transiently pass through the gut. All the strains are grown in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment.
3. Potency (CFU)
CFU stands for “colony forming units” and is the measure of how potent a probiotic is.5 You can find probiotics in CFUs ranging from 1 billion to 500 billion. Look for a probiotic that guarantees CFU at expiry. This means that it will contain at least the number of bacteria promised on the label. advanced gut health probiotics is available in 5 billion,15 billion, 50 billion and 100 billion CFU. Plus, the potency is GUARANTEED up to the time of expiry.
4. Allergens
Many probiotics on the market may contain allergens like dairy, fish, bovine, crustaceans, soy and wheat. advanced gut health probiotics are vegan, gluten free, non-GMO project verified, 3rd party tested for purity and potency and tested for heavy metals!
5. Capsule type
Capsules are important, because they get the bacteria in your probiotic to where they need to go. Some probiotics on the market are housed in enteric-coated capsules. But enteric-coated capsules can contain plasticizers and phthalates.6 For targeted delivery, advanced gut health probiotics are encapsulated in a vegan, plant-based, delayed-release capsules designed to resist stomach acid. This protects the strains from full release and disintegration in the stomach, so they reach the intestine where they can thrive (except for advanced gut health probiotic for kids, which is in a chewable format for easy consumption). The capsules are made from hypromellose, which is derived from cellulose, a plant product that is clear to ensure you see what you are getting.
6. Packaging
Many probiotics (even the shelf stable ones) are packaged in bottles. But every time the bottle is opened, the probiotics get exposed to humidity and ambient air, which can degrade them over time. advanced gut health probiotics are shelf stable, and thoughtfully packaged in blister packs, which protects each capsule from damaging humidity and guarantees CFU dose all the way up to expiry. No refrigeration required!
The cherry on top is that advanced gut health probiotics undergoes third-party testing after all these steps are completed. This guarantees that you're getting the most live, potent, and resilient bacteria delivered exactly where they need to be—your gut! Plus, it's proudly made in Canada. So, if you're looking to seed your gut with the strongest, healthiest live bacteria, look no further. Every aspect of the formula and delivery process has been thoughtfully designed to ensure MORE potent bacteria reach your gut!
Date modified: January 31st, 2025
REFERENCES
1. Kechagia M, Basoulis D, Konstantopoulou S, et al. Health benefits of probiotics: a review. ISRN Nutr. 2013;2013:481651. doi:10.5402/2013/481651
2. Gul S, Durante-Mangoni E. Unraveling the puzzle: health benefits of probiotics—a comprehensive review. J Clin Med. 2024;13(5):1436. doi:10.3390/jcm13051436
3. Lactobacillus acidophilus - an overview. ScienceDirect Topics. Accessed January 31, 2025. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/lactobacillus-acidophilus
4. Frese SA, Hutkins RW, Walter J. Comparison of the colonization ability of autochthonous and allochthonous strains of lactobacilli in the human gastrointestinal tract. Adv Microbiol. 2012;2(3):399-409. doi:10.4236/aim.2012.23051
5. Probiotics. Office of Dietary Supplements. Accessed January 30, 2025. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-HealthProfessional/
6. Gallinger ZR, Nguyen GC. Presence of phthalates in gastrointestinal medications: Is there a hidden danger? World J Gastroenterol. 2013;19(41):7042-7047. doi:10.3748/wjg.v19.i41.7042
