WebMD defines probiotics as ‘live bacteria and yeasts that are good for you’, while Food and Organization (FAO) of the United Nations – has one of the best definitions of probiotics – as “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.”

The word ‘Probiotic’ literally translates to “for life” and is has been associated primarily with bacteria and yeast that have beneficial effects to both humans and other animals. Looking back at history, this original observation can be attributed to Eli Metchnikoff – A Russian born scientist and Nobel Prize winner – while working at Pasteur Institute early last century who observed that:

Different probiotic strains have been studied in different conditions. Even though a combination is usually useful, some of the conditions require a specific and particular probiotic-strain

The individual number of viable probiotics is known as CFU (Colony Forming Unit). This is actually a microbiology measure used to describe and quantify bacteria of all types (not just probiotics).

CFU is therefore an important concept in quantification of probiotics. As a measure of the amount of probiotics, it is also used to track and qualify the viability of good bacteria through production, storage, transportation and final delivery to your gut.

All (most) Probiotics will state on their label the amount of probiotic species/strains they contain per serving in CFU. This should be the amount expected at the time of purchase. However, this is not always the case.

Probiotic viability is a major issue. The ability to keep good bacteria viable from production and manufacturing, storage in warehouse & pharmacy, transportation and finally in your hands is a massive challenge.

WHO and FAO have provided guidelines of the amount of viable probiotics that should be contained in a product before claims of health benefits can be made. This number is currently a concentration of 10⁶ to 10⁷ CFU (Colony Forming Units)

How well probiotics are preserved to match the label claims is a very important factor in making the right choice. There is no use of label claim of 100 billion CFU, but only a fraction of that is available to your gut.

Studies have shown that the die-off rate after manufacture of commercially available probiotics is very high. In one study, the rate of die-off was 3-log CFU/g within 60 days after manufacture. ²⁴. In simple terms, that is over 99.9% death rate from what is stipulated during manufacture or label claim.

There are four main ways of “preserving” probiotics and ensuring the label claim is valid 1)Overage 2)Capsules 3)Cold Chain 3)Microencapsulation