Selection criteria for probiotic supplements

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Feb-March, 2003 by Dr. S.K. Dash

For this reason, it is advisable that one should take a proven probiotic supplement daily. Probiotic supplements containing L. acidophilus, Bifidobacterium species and FOS with two to five billion live cells (2-5 x [10.sup.9] CFU) should be taken daily just before breakfast or between meals for maintenance. Remember, if the probiotic supplements are not refrigerated and viable, they will offer no health benefits. Also, if these supplements are not taken in sufficient quantities, they will produce no results.

Although probiotics play a key role in good health, they are not intended to be a substitute for a good healthy diet and active lifestyle. All these things work best together and the synergism of one helps the other! Use of probiotics or any other supplements for therapeutic reasons should be taken with the advice of a health professional who has knowledge and expertise in probiotics and other supplements.

Correspondence:

Dr. S. K. Dash

UAS Laboratories

5610 Rowland Rd #110,

Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343 USA

952-935-1707

Fax 952-935-1650

dash@uaslabs.com

References

(1.) Donahue, D.C. et al Safety of Probiotic Bacteria, Lactic Acid Bacteria. 1998, p 369-383

(2.) Fuller, Roy. History and Development of Probiotics. Probiotics - The Scientific Basis 1992, p1-8

(3.) Dash, S.K. How to Select an Acidophilus Supplement. The Garden Within 1989, p 12-18

(4.) Havenaar, R. et al. selection of Strains tar Probiotic Use. Probiotics - The Scientific Basis. 1992, p 210-224.