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Tag: Probiotic efficacy

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

Are the probiotics in the fridge better? Separating Fact from Fridge Lore

4 min read
According to a 2021 review, high temperatures significantly decrease microorganism viability, while low temperatures, like refrigeration, are often better for the survival of certain probiotics. This fact is at the core of the debate over whether refrigerated or shelf-stable options are superior, and it gets to the heart of the question: are the probiotics in the fridge better?

Can I Take Probiotics After They Expire?

4 min read
According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, a significant portion of expired probiotic products still contained viable bacteria, but often in counts too low for therapeutic effect. This brings into question the real consequences of asking, "Can I take probiotics after they expire?"

Can I use out of date probiotics? Understanding the risks and benefits

2 min read
According to a study evaluating 33 expired probiotic products, 22 still contained live bacteria, yet the viable counts were often below the recommended effective dose. This illustrates the primary issue when you ask, 'Can I use out of date probiotics?': the concern is not typically safety, but a significant loss of effectiveness.

Understanding the Factors Affecting Probiotics and Their Efficacy

5 min read
Over 100 trillion microorganisms reside in the human gut, but the benefits from probiotic supplements or foods can be profoundly impacted by various factors affecting probiotics, ranging from intrinsic host conditions to extrinsic environmental influences like manufacturing and diet. This complex interplay determines whether these beneficial microbes will survive their journey and establish themselves effectively.

Are Probiotics Actually Effective in Pill Form?

5 min read
According to the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP), the beneficial effects of probiotics are highly strain-specific. Therefore, are probiotics actually effective in pill form, and what scientific evidence supports their use?

Do Refrigerated Probiotics Work Better? The Truth About Potency

4 min read
According to the International Probiotics Association, the viability of probiotic microbes is highly dependent on storage conditions. So, do refrigerated probiotics work better than their shelf-stable counterparts? The answer depends on the specific probiotic strain and how it was manufactured, but for many products, refrigeration is critical to maintaining the bacteria's potency.

Do Probiotics Have to Be in Capsules? Exploring the Alternatives

4 min read
According to a 2022 study, probiotics in capsules tend to survive stomach acids better than powders or liquids, but that does not mean you must take them in capsule form. The effectiveness of a probiotic depends on factors like strain, dosage, and delivery method, not exclusively the capsule itself. Non-capsule alternatives offer unique benefits, and the best choice depends on individual needs and preferences.

Can I take expired Lactobacillus? Here's What You Need to Know

5 min read
A study evaluating expired probiotic products found that while some still contained viable bacteria years later, the total counts were often well below the effective dose. The short answer to 'Can I take expired Lactobacillus?' is that it's generally safe, but its effectiveness is severely diminished.

Are Spore Probiotics Better Than Regular Probiotics?

3 min read
According to a 2017 study, spore-based probiotic supplementation was linked to a significant reduction in post-prandial endotoxins and triglycerides in subjects. This growing body of research has many people asking if spore probiotics are better than the more traditional, regular probiotics found in fermented foods and supplements.