If you've ever shopped for a probiotic, you've probably noticed some very big numbers on the packaging.
10 billion. 50 billion. 100 billion CFU.
When one product contains 20 billion and another contains 100 billion, it's easy to assume the second one must be better.
But when it comes to probiotics, more doesn't automatically mean better.
In Week 4 of The Gut Truth, we're looking beyond the numbers and exploring what you should actually consider when choosing a probiotic.
What does CFU mean?
CFU stands for Colony Forming Units.
In simple terms, it's a measure used to indicate the number of viable microorganisms within a probiotic product.
CFU counts are important information, but they're only one part of the picture.
A larger CFU count alone doesn't tell you whether a particular probiotic is the right choice, or whether the microorganisms it contains have been studied for a particular purpose.
That's where the strain becomes important.
It's not just how many – it's which ones
Think about hiring a team to complete a specialist job.
Would you rather have 200 random people turn up, or a smaller team of people who have been specifically trained and have experience doing exactly what you need?
It's a simple analogy, but it helps explain why the biggest number isn't necessarily the most useful way to compare probiotics.
Different probiotic microorganisms – and importantly, different strains – can have different characteristics.
So rather than looking only at the number of CFUs on the front of the packaging, it's worth taking a closer look at exactly what you're getting.
Why does the probiotic strain matter?
Throughout The Gut Truth, we've talked about the gut as an ecosystem.
It's home to a huge and diverse community of microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiome.
Probiotics are equally varied.
Even when two probiotic products contain microorganisms belonging to the same species, they may contain different strains.
Researchers therefore look at specific probiotic strains when investigating their potential effects.
That's why it's useful to look beyond a general species name and ask whether the particular strain within a product has been researched.
What should you look for in a probiotic?
Rather than simply reaching for the packet with the largest number printed on it, there are several useful questions you can ask.
What specific strain does it contain?
Look beyond the general name and see whether the manufacturer identifies the particular strain used.
Is there research behind that strain?
Evidence relating specifically to the strain is more informative than broad claims about probiotics in general.
Can the microorganisms survive the journey?
A probiotic has to contend with conditions within the digestive system, so formulation and viability matter too.
What else is in the product?
Some formulations combine probiotics with other ingredients, including prebiotics, which provide a food source for microorganisms within the gut.
In other words, there's considerably more to consider than one impressive-looking number.
Are high-CFU probiotics bad?
No – and that's not the point we're making.
A product having a high CFU count doesn't automatically make it good or bad.
The important thing is context.
CFU count, the microorganisms included, their specific strains, the formulation and the evidence behind them all help build a more complete picture.
At PH Life, we'd rather help you understand what those things mean than simply tell you to look for the biggest number.
Knowledge first
That's really what The Gut Truth has been about so far.
We've explored the gut microbiome, discovered the fascinating connection between the gut and brain, looked at what probiotics actually are and now examined what those billions on probiotic packaging really mean.
Because when you understand more about the science, you're better equipped to make informed decisions about your own health and wellbeing.
And now we're ready for the next part of the story.
Next in The Gut Truth: Meet MaXilin
Next time, we'll properly introduce you to MaXilin, a recent addition to the PH Life range.
We'll look at what makes its approach different, what's actually in it and the thinking and research behind the product.
If you'd like to find out more about MaXilin before then, get in touch with the PH Life team and we'll be happy to provide more information.
Here’s to a happier, healthier you.
The PH Life Team