About this ingredient
Ingredients
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, provide a health benefit. Probiotic supplements may contain specific strains of bacteria or yeasts, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacillus, Streptococcus, and Saccharomyces. The exact strains, CFU count, formulation, and additional ingredients vary by product.
Probiotics are live microorganisms used in dietary supplements and functional foods that can provide a health benefit when consumed in adequate amounts. They are commonly associated with the gut microbiome and are used in nutritional products designed to complement digestive and general wellness routines.
Common probiotic organisms include species from the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus groups, as well as certain Bacillus species and beneficial yeasts such as Saccharomyces. Probiotic products are more precisely identified by their genus, species, and strain, because different strains can have different characteristics and research findings.
Probiotic supplements are commonly measured in colony-forming units (CFU), which indicate the number of viable microorganisms. Products may contain a single strain or multiple strains and can provide different CFU amounts per serving.
Probiotics are available in capsules, tablets, powders, sachets, gummies, fermented foods, and combination formulas. Some products also contain prebiotic fibers, creating a synbiotic formulation.
Because probiotic products vary considerably, consumers should check the specific strains, CFU amount, serving size, expiration-date viability, storage instructions, and additional ingredients before purchasing.