Probiotics are all the rage these days with studies showing they improve digestion, immunity and dental health. But, according to the New York Times, many products promote their probiotic content, but don’t contain bacteria strains that are proven to have positive health effects.
Because no standard for labeling probiotics is required, many product manufactures can claim they contain “probiotics” or even “lactobacillus,” but these terms aren’t specific enough to determine which strain it is and thus, what health benefit it has been shown to provide.
The article states the recent Dannon class-action lawsuit, which forced the company to add the scientific names of the probiotic strains it uses, will help improve consumer confusion.