Scientists from the University of London tested eight probiotic products three times, and only one product passed the test. Dr Simon Gaisford, from the School of Pharmacy, University of London, who led the study, said: "If the stomach can kill those bacteria, swallowing them is not good."
Researchers investigate whether those products contain as many microorganisms as they claim, whether these bacteria can pass through the acidic environment of the stomach and reach the small intestine.
Four of them-align, Biobalance, Bio-Kult and probio 7-failed separate tests. Yakult yogurt contains enough microorganisms, but it failed in the next two stages of testing, while its competitor Actimel failed in the number of viable bacteria in the stomach. Only Symprove, a barley drink, passed all the tests. Microorganisms in VSL#3 products can survive in gastric acid environment and reach small intestine. But the number of bacteria is less than it claims.
This study used the gastric juice of pigs, and the final result will be published in the journal of beneficial microorganisms. The debate about whether probiotics are beneficial is a good supplement. Researchers suggested earlier this week that eating a certain amount of probiotics every day can prevent colds.
Bio-Kult claims that their probiotic supplements have been thoroughly studied. Yogurt (Yakult/Yakult) said that another separate study showed that the survival number of these bacteria in the human intestine was at a high level.
Six out of ten British families often buy probiotic drinks or supplements, which often claim to be rich in "friendly microorganisms" that are beneficial to health. The estimated value of the global probiotic market is 654.38+09.7 billion pounds.
Dr. Gaisford said that liquid probiotic drinks are more effective than probiotic capsules, and it is recommended to take them on an empty stomach after waking up. Taking probiotic products every ten minutes can reduce the chance of these bacteria being killed by stomach acid.
Dr. Rob Hicks said that probiotics are a phenomenon, and its amazing results hope to help consumers make more informed choices. He said: "When some chronic diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, cannot be effectively treated, these probiotics should be used as a health guarantee. Many products claim to be effective, but the European Food Safety Agency says there is no evidence that probiotics are good for health. "