Choosing a Probiotic, A Buyers Guide (Part 1) - Natren, Inc.

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Choosing a Probiotic, A Buyers Guide (Part 1)

January 20, 2014

The word “Probiotic” is used to describe a large number of different foods, supplements and drinks. As a consumer, it can be difficult to get to grips with these products, how effective they are, and which ones offer value for money and deliver on their promises.

Probiotics are classified as Dietary Supplements by the FDA, and not as Drugs. This different level of regulation means that specific claims to treat or cure illnesses cannot be made. Instead, we see many probiotic brands escalating their marketing campaigns with claims of large numbers of (largely unverified) strains, trying to make their product sound bigger and more impressive than their competition. This practice has got so out of control that the EU has actually banned the use of the word “Probiotic” as an ingredient health claim, since it was causing too much confusion and implied health benefits.

Advertising an impressively large number of strains may sound great on a product label, but the science behind it is flawed. In the world of probiotics, more strains are not necessarily better, and in fact can lead to a worse product since as many of these strains are of little proven use to the body, and different strains of bacteria will fight each other when stored together, leading to a largely “dead” product when it reaches the consumer. In fact, a recent report by ConsumerLab found that 5 of the 41 products tested contained less than 56% of the advertised viable cells listed on the label!

So if more strains do not make a good probiotic, what does? At Natren, we believe that verified potency of proven probiotic strains is the answer. Verification is key. There are no mandated regulations forcing a standard for verification, so Natren has put in place a testing program that is compliant with standards set by the Pharmaceutical Inspection Convention (PIC) and audited the TGA – an international government agency which ensures compliance with the FDAs Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). In addition, Health Canada randomly tests Natren probiotics for potency verification. This extensive verification procedure, alongside our refrigerated express shipping & packaging, is why we have the confidence to guarantee that our products contain 100% of their potency through the expiration date. In other words, with Natren, you know you are getting the product that you have paid for, fully effective, using strains of bacteria that researchers have validated as beneficial.

For more details on the science behind potency and multi-strain probiotics, please check out our white paper on the subject. In part 2 of our buyers guide, we will discuss some of the key things to look for when choosing between different probiotics.

The post Choosing a Probiotic, A Buyers Guide (Part 1) appeared first on Natren Probiotics Blog.

Rejuvenate Your Gut: A Holiday Feast Survival Guide

November 27, 2023

Feasting is one of the best parts of the holiday season, from magnificent main courses to delectable desserts. Unfortunately, food-related disasters, such as food poisoning, stomach upset, and overeating can make the holidays a lot less pleasant. But, with your hectic schedule of decorating, shopping, gift giving, cooking and eating, how can you take the time to ensure that the food you eat will not ruin your holidays? Simple – use this holiday health survival guide! It’s full of valuable information to help protect you and your family from foodborne bacteria and other digestive problems. About Foodborne Illnesses Foodborne illnesses.... [Read More...]

The post Holiday Health Survival Guide – Avoid These Seasonal Hazards appeared first on Natren Probiotics Blog.

Directions for Making Yogurt: Using Natren’s Yogurt Starter

May 17, 2021

Making homemade yogurt with Natren® YOGURT STARTER will easily fit into your busy lifestyle! Once you have mastered the method, it usually takes less than 30 minutes to prepare the milk for incubation.

The Kombucha Kraze: What You Need to Know Part II

January 17, 2020

In the past couple of blogs, we have been discussing how probiotics are popping up everywhere - in coffee, cereal, dog food, and cleaning products. We explained spore-forming bacteria and why they are convenient to the manufacturer but may have no benefit to the consumer. Then, we took a closer look at kombucha -- we went over the ingredients in the drink, the heavy sugar load often associated with these drinks, common homebrew issues, some risks for biological and chemical contaminants...