A large body of clinical literature demonstrates that high-quality probiotic strains can be used to maintain immunity and gastrointestinal health in children and adults. This article outlines key points for choosing a quality probiotic product to help you find the best ones on the market that offer specific health benefits.
1. Whether the strains and strains of probiotic preparations comply with national regulations
Before purchasing probiotics, make sure that the strains and strains comply with the "List of Bacteria that Can Be Used in Food" and the "List of Bacteria that Can Be Used in Infant and Young Children's Food" stipulated by the National Health and Family Planning Commission. Among them, a total of 38 strains and subspecies can be used in food, and a total of 13 strains and subspecies can be used in infant food.
In addition, you need to observe whether there is a strain number behind the strain on the product packaging. Without a strain number, there is no way to track all relevant research on this bacterium, and its role is unclear. Therefore, when selecting probiotic preparations, check the correspondence between the strain name and strain number on the product label.
2. Are the types of live bacteria diverse?
Dr. Wang Xin, known as the "Mother of Chinese Prebiotics", pointed out that "probiotic intervention by selecting multiple strains and high-dose mixed bacteria may have faster and better effects than low-dose single strains." In other words, multi-strain, high-dose preparation > single-strain, low-dose preparation. If there is a single strain, the effect will be weak; if there are too many strains, it may be chaotic, with secondary bacteria occupying space and unable to work synergistically; only probiotics with scientific proportions and clear division of labor will be more beneficial to the body.
3. Is the number of viable bacteria sufficient?
Currently, most probiotic preparations on the market are live bacteria preparations. Temperature changes, the acidic environment of the stomach, and bile will destroy the live bacteria. Only the strains that eventually enter the intestine and colonize effectively can play their role. Therefore, when we purchase probiotic products, we need to pay attention to the number of probiotics. The amount of addition is usually marked on probiotic products. Of course, the greater the number of viable bacteria, the better. An appropriate amount is the best.