No, there is a big difference between different probiotic products. The probiotic effect needs to be shown in clinical studies, i.e. studies in humans. Different strains of bacteria have different properties and thereby different effect. Many probiotics are only labeled containing “Lactobacillus acidophilus” and not specifying whether it is Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 or Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM – strains that differ from each other equally much as an apple from a cat.
No, it is not the number of strains nor the amount of bacteria that determines whether a probiotic supplement has effect. It depends on which strain or strains the product contains. For some strains, a relatively low amount of bacteria is needed, while other strains require a larger amount. Further, most multi-strain products on the market lack clinical studies for the correct combination of strains. Health benefits of a probiotic need to be proven in human clinical studies.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Prebiotics are non-digestible food content that stimulate the growth of bacteria in the digestive system in ways claimed to be beneficial to health.
No, there are big differences between different probiotic products. Health benefits of a probiotic need to be proven in human clinical studies. Different probiotic strains have different properties and because of that will have different effect in the human body.
