What you need to know about lactic acid bacteria

Before buying lactic acid bacteria preparations you should always check:

1. The origin of the bacteria. Are they human specific or derived from the dairy industry?

2. Strength. Minimum 1E9 cfu/g/day is needed.
– The percentage (e.g. 1.5%) is irrelevant unless the strength is given.
– 1E11 cfu/g is not possible, because the bacteria would not be stabile. Impossible and too expensive to realize.
– If less than 1E8 cfu/g we recommend that you buy yoghurt.

3. Stability.
– If too concentrated (more than 1E10 cfu/g) the bacteria are stabile only at temperatures below -30°.
– Bacteria less than 1E8 cfu/g are stabile but effective enough only if you take more than 10 g a day.
– If the product contains any preservative you can be sure that the bacteria are not stabile in the given concentration. This applies to most dairy bacteria.
– Tablet manufacturing process destroys 95% of the bacteria due to the pressure and the temperature.
– Blister packaging destroys 80% of the bacteria due to the heat created during the process.

4. Carrier (prebiotic)
– The carrier has to be as simple as possible.
– Too many substances lead to an increased buffer effect and the product is no longer as effective.
– The interaction of bacteria and carrier has to be tested in relation to the pH level and effect of the product.
– Vitamins and bacteria are incompatible.
– The mixture does not require starch in vivo, only in vitro.
– Inulin should be avoided because it increases the growth of both pathogenic bacteria and bifidobacteria.

5. Does the manufacturer have independent test results showing:
– The impact of the bacteria on the carrier in vivo and in vitro
– Stability in vivo and in vitro.
– That the bacteria produce lactic acid, interferon, interleukin, H₂O₂, natural antibiotics etc.
– Note that many manufacturers refer to tests that they have carried out using strong mixtures, but dilute the mixture before launching the product.
– Stability has to be ensured during the whole process.

6. Have the bacteria been registered as the law requires?

 

 

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