You may have heard the term “probiotic” touted by health professionals or seen the rows of capsules stocked on pharmacy shelves, but what exactly is a probiotic and what does it do? Here, we answer some common questions about these good bacteria supplements, and offer advice for picking the best one for your needs.
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What are CFUs, and how many do I need?
Short for colony-forming units, CFUs represent the number of live microorganisms in each serving of a probiotic. Supplements may boast up to 50 million CFUs per dose, but a larger number doesn’t always mean it has greater health benefits. As a rule of thumb, look for a probiotic product that contains at least 1 billion CFUs.
How often should I take a probiotic?
This will depend on the probiotic brand and its recommended dose, which should be listed on the label. But typically you’ll take one or two capsules daily to ensure you’re reaping the benefits of the good bacteria.
What other information should I look for on the label?
Make sure you check the probiotic’s storage directions, as some probiotics need to be refrigerated. Also, look for an expiration date. Since probiotics are living organisms, they have a specific shelf life and should be consumed before then.
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