How can you be sure that the Probiotics you buy are active?
A study found that most of the Probiotics they tested off the shelf were of little value. They had very little microbes in them and some had none.
Many Company's lie and will say anything to sell their product.
Posted by sparkle7 (Member # 10397) on :
I could believe this. The same may be true of many supplements, too. We just don't know...
My doctor told me about a website that tests supplements to see if they really worked. I asked him about it but he didn't have the name off hand. It may be for doctors & you have to subscribe.
It would be worth it to really know about these things.
Posted by Angelica (Member # 15601) on :
Do a search daise had a method she did to test probiotics and she posted it here somewhere.
Posted by Wimenin (Member # 15294) on :
Sooner or later you have to have faith that some of the people in medicine, including the drug makers have a clue. While I think there are many quick scheme suddenly cure all supplements and drugs out there, most of the basis for the use of these vitamins, supplements, meds are well documented.
As for probiotics, I personally use Florajem, which is something you have to ask the pharacist for. Its kept refrigerated.
Ask around, talk with the pharmacists, drs, people here on the forum...and if you find something that seems to work...stick with it. Your body will tell you..what works and what doesnt.
Posted by gemofnj (Member # 15551) on :
Good to check with your local healthfood store.
It is best to buy only the ones that have to be refrigerated. LOOK for the ones with more cultures and strains, (mostly strains) the better.
Or the ones that have a special 'encapsulation' process which keeps them from breaking down before they get to your digestive tract.
The instructions on the bottle will tell you if it needs refrigeration.
There have been awesome threads on good probiotics if you do a search.
Beware if you have probiotics shipped as they can lose potency in transit.
I just ordered some from iherb and requested overnight shipping and they sent the package in styrofoam and cooler packs to ensure freshness!!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I can tell by my symptoms whether or not it's any good.
Posted by lymie_in_md (Member # 14197) on :
I'm now a believer in creating your own cultured foods along with taking probiotics. And you include a diet filled with prebiotics such as sunchokes, chicory (which is the best), etc.
You can also supplement prebiotics with inulin. And inulin is much cheaper then buying expensive probiotics. The inulin you buy is usually made from chicory and in essense feeds the good bacteria.
If you have a lot of yeast, you may want to avoid inulin until you have it under control.
Prebiotics and probiotics will make you gassy. So start slow and ramp up to a comfortable amount.
Posted by METALLlC BLUE (Member # 6628) on :
That's why you use proven products like VSL #3. Double Blind Placebo controlled trials to treat Ulcerative Colitis were both highly successful using it.
Posted by Mommy*of*3 (Member # 11688) on :
quote:Originally posted by Lymetoo: I can tell by my symptoms whether or not it's any good.
Ditto. For sure.
And the company I buy from backs their probiotic with a 60 day guaruntee. So if after 60 days you don't feel like they've helped, then you can return the empty bottles for a full refund.
Posted by gemofnj (Member # 15551) on :