PROBIOTICS: HOW DO I CHOOSE?

Why Choosing Correctly Matters

Not all probiotics are the same. Their effectiveness depends on:

• Strain-specific: The type of bacteria
• Dose-specific: The amount taken
• Condition-specific: The health issue being addressed
  

The Right Combination is Key. Find the correct strain(s) and correct dosage for your needs.

Key Facts:

• CFU (Colony-Forming Units): Measures viable bacteria in probiotics (dosage)
  
• How Much Do You Need?
• Adults: 5-20 billion CFU/day (up to 100+ billion for certain conditions)
• Kids: 1-5 billion CFU/day (up to 10 billion for older kids)

Strain-Specific Probiotic Use: What Does the Evidence Say?

For Bacterial Vaginosis:

• L. rhamnosus GG
• L. acidophilus
• L. gasseri
• B. coagulans

For Adult Diarrhea/Gastro:

• S. boulardii

Remember:

• They Don’t All Work the Same
• Common Effects: Normalize gut microbiota, fight harmful bacteria
• Species-Level Effects: Produce vitamins, aid fat metabolism, strengthen gut lining
• Rare, Strain-Specific Effects: Influence neurological, endocrine, and immune responses

For Gastritis with H. pylori Infection:

• L. rhamnosus R11
• L. helveticus R52
• L. rhamnosus GG (for kids)
• L. reuteri DSN 17938
• Bifidobacterium bifidum

For Lactose Intolerance:

• Yoghurt with live L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus cultures

For Traveler’s Diarrhea:

• S. boulardii (prevention)

For Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea:

• Adults: L. rhamnosus CLR2, L. rhamnosus GG
• Kids: L. rhamnosus GG

For Paediatric Diarrhea/Gastro:

• L. acidophilus
• L. casei
• VSL #3
• L. reuteri DSN 17938

THE BOTTOM LINE

Probiotics are not one-size-fits-all. Choose specific strains for specific health issues.

No need for probiotics if you’re healthy. Only consider probiotics if you have a specific health concern.

Be cautious: Probiotic supplements aren’t regulated like medical products. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any probiotics.

Remember, probiotics can be beneficial, but it’s essential to choose the right strain and dosage for your specific health needs. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting probiotic supplements.