You’ll find on the market today various probiotic supplements and probiotic-enriched products, such as yogurt and milk. But are they actually necessary?
- There are many strains of probiotics and the benefits vary for each.
- The quantity of probiotics is indicated per serving on its packaging;
- A sufficient number of probiotic bacteria must be ensured throughout the shelf life of the product;
- Probiotic strains must be approved by Health Canada and have their name on the label.
- Supplements offer a much higher amount of probiotics than fortified foods.
- It is advisable to consult your family pharmacist for an informed choice on the quantities and type of strain to consume.
- It is important to verify which strain is used and the results of clinical research;
- Always ensure that the product has an NPN number to confirm its approval by Health Canada;
- It is advisable to follow the storage instructions of the product perfectly in order to preserve its quality and efficiency;
- Always respect the indicated expiry date.
Probiotics benefits
The digestive system contains 100,000 billion bacteria – that’s 10 times the number of cells in the entire human body! Formerly known as intestinal flora, the community of microorganisms that live in the intestines is now referred to as the intestinal microbiota.
These bacteria, both good and bad, form a complex ecosystem. Among them are probiotics, which are essential for good health. For example, they facilitate digestion, halt the proliferation of infectious bacteria and help regulate bowel function.
The balance of the intestinal microbiota can, at times, become disrupted due to age, diet, illness or antibiotic use. Diarrhea is the main symptom of this imbalance. When this occurs, probiotic supplements or products enriched with probiotics are helpful.
Probiotics are naturally present in the digestive tract. If you eat well, are in good health and do not have any digestive problems, you do not really need to consume products enriched with probiotics.
If, however, your intestinal microbiota is out of balance, it might be a good idea to take probiotic supplements or eat foods enriched with them. Certain strains, such as L. casei GG, S. Boulardii and Enterococcus LAB SF68, may be beneficial, among other things, to reduce the length and severity of diarrhea caused by:
- Antibiotic use
- Certain medications
- Traveller’s diarrhea
- C. difficile infection
These products are special because the bacteria they contain are able to reach the intestines alive, where they lend a helping hand to existing bacteria. Probiotics do not, however, permanently colonize the host, which is why they need to be consumed every day.
Pharmacy services
Are you experiencing diarrhea? Do you have more questions about probiotics? Just ask your family pharmacist for advice!!
