Probiotics have been linked to better digestion, immune health and brain development; however product labels often tout benefits not proven for the strain used. An article in the Globe and Mail said while marketers make health-related claims, some health experts say scientific proof is often overestimated.
Most natural-product shoppers are well versed in probiotics, which are live organisms, usually beneficial bacteria, that can change or restore the intestinal flora. For centuries, probiotics have been in foods, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, miso and other fermented goods. More recently, consumers can take probiotics via pills, powder form and other fortified products.
The article said some products claim they contain probiotics, when in fact they do not as defined by World Health Organization (“live micro-organisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host"). Some of the organisms found in products have not been proven to offer health benefits in human studies, and thus are not true “probiotics."
Even if the products contain beneficial probiotics, the article noted, different strains offer different benefits. And, health benefits only come if a product contains enough of the organisms. However, many labels don’t specify the amount or type of bacteria used in the product.
The article noted some companies, such as Dannon, do list specific bacteria strains that have been proven in clinical trials. But, even Dannon settled a $35-million lawsuit last year over health claims. The result of the suit forced the company to offer more explicit labeling.
Probiotic proponents say probiotics have been shown to offer benefits, such as helping with some types of diarrhea, bowel regularity, colds and irritable bowel syndrome. However, they noted in the article that it’s imperative for shoppers to examine the labels, read company literature and research to determine if a particular product contains true probiotics in efficacious levels.
The Globe and Mail reported regulatory bodies are attempting to exert more control over the probiotic industry, noting the International Probiotics Association is planning a labeling method that would include a minimum bacterial count and an identification of the bacterial strain. And, in Europe, a move is being made to require companies to provide scientific evidence to support their labeling.
In Canada, where the Globe and Mail is based, Health Canada developed a probiotics monograph, which includes detailed information on acceptable health claims, associated doses, source materials and required risk information. Health Canada also has a document that explains when health claims can be made about food. The department Web site states food products with probiotic claims must also provide “specific, validated statements about the benefits or effects of the micro-organism."
The article also touched on prebiotics, which are non-digestible foods that help probiotics flourish. Prebiotics must also be carefully vetted, according to the article.
Research on both pre- and probiotics can be found online, on sites such as PubMeb, however experts would like companies to make information more available to consumers.