How to Pick a Probiotic That Works

Only ⅓ of probiotic brands have clinical studies to back up their health benefit claims [1]. This misinformation can easily make choosing probiotic supplements challenging. A high-quality probiotic can enhance your gut health, support your immune system, and target symptoms of certain health conditions. In order to achieve these benefits, you must find a multi strain probiotic with beneficial bacteria verified by clinical studies. Here's everything you need to know about finding a good probiotic for your health goals!

How to Choose a Probiotic

Shopping for probiotics doesn't need to be confusing. However, there are millions of dietary supplements out that have misleading labels on their products. Therefore, consumers must do some research for themselves before purchasing a new probiotic. Here are some key things to look out for when choosing a good probiotic.

Probiotic Strains Should Be Listed

Many companies list their bacteria at the genus level. Seeing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium on a label is great at all, but it doesn't confirm that the formula will give you the benefits you intend to achieve.

Good bacteria species have hundreds of strains within their classification. Just listing probiotic species like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium doesn't give you a full scope of the formula's benefits.

It's like using the word "bread" to describe rye, asiago, and white sandwich rolls. Sure, they're all forms of bread. However, each option provides different flavor and nutrition. In some cases, they might even provide unwanted side effects.

For instance, pumpernickel bread might mess up your digestive health, but sourdough bread digests just fine. They're both breads but have completely different reactions with your body.

Bacteria are the same. As an example, we include Lactobacillus plantarum (DR7) in our Mood Enhancer psychobiotic because it has been shown to boost serotonin levels that support a healthy mood [2].

Meanwhile, scientists selected Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Rosell 11) for our Metabolic Booster weight management probiotic because it's been shown in studies to suppress stress induced inflammation which contributes to added weight [3].

Probiotic Strains Should Be Clinically Backed

Claims without science are just that. Claims. All of the strains in a probiotic should have a purpose in the formula. In order to verify that the probiotic has a benefit, there needs to be a study to support it.

At Ombre, we formulate multi-strain probiotic formulas that are backed by clinical studies. Scientists chose probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus plantarum (KABP-013) to be in our Heart Health probiotic. That's because this strain has shown in studies to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation associated with high blood pressure [4] [5].

Both of these health conditions are commons symptoms of poor heart health. By using science-verified strains in probiotic supplements, you can target specific symptoms to promote an intended health benefit.

CFUs Should Match Clinical Efficacy

The strength of a probiotic blend is denoted on the label as colony-forming units (CFUs). Probiotic strains are microscopic living beings. Therefore, one probiotic supplement can have upwards of 100 billion CFUs!

There can always be too much of a good thing. Sometimes too much of a specific strain can counteract the benefits or even cause an adverse side effect, like diarrhea or cramping.

On the opposite side, not enough of a specific strain might also not promote the desired health benefits. Therefore, a high-quality probiotic should have CFUs that align with the clinical studies behind their health claims.

For instance, the number of CFUs of Lactobacillus reuteri (RC-14) chosen for Restore was done to ensure the supplement targets bacteria behind yeast infections and restores a healthy pH balance within the vaginal microbiome [6].

Pills are Free-from Allergens

Millions of people are turning to probiotics to counteract some of their long-term symptoms. Many of these symptoms are a result of chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation can be triggered by many factors. However, allergens are a primary culprit.

Many manufacturing facilities experience cross-contamination from processing items that may include potential allergens. These allergens can contaminate probiotic pills.

In addition, many manufacturers use gluten or additives as fillers. They make pills easier to swallow or are used as preservatives.

All of Ombre's targeted probiotics are free-from allergens, including:

• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
• Gluten
• Soy
• Dairy
• Nuts
• Eggs

It is counterproductive to use probiotics that contain allergens to fight the effects of chronic inflammation caused by allergens. Reclaim your wellness with clinically backed probiotics.

Withstands Stomach Acids

The whole point of colony-forming units is so that these probiotic strains colonize the colon. The only way to achieve this is to bypass your stomach acids.

Ombre goes the extra mile to ensure efficacy. Our targeted probiotics are engineered with a vegetable cellulose casing. This design allows for a higher survival rate of the live cultures. It also enhances the transit time for probiotics.

Shelf Stability

Remember, probiotics are living cultures. They might not make it to their expiration date if not stored properly. You must keep your probiotics in a cool, dry place.

Try to avoid sunlight as much as possible. Think of how a photo on a store window degrades with time. Sunlight causes the quality of probiotics to degrade, too.

Ensure the viability of your beneficial bacteria by purchasing a high-quality probiotic shipped in a light-blocking CSP-vial. In addition, this vial has built-in moisture control. Therefore, your probiotics will stay shelf stable up to 24 months!

Feel your best! Target your symptoms and meet your health goals with Ombre's clinically backed probiotics. Not sure which blend is right for you? Take our quiz today!

Resources

[1] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-019-05077-5

[2]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30882244/ 

[3]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22146691/ 

[4]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23017585/ 

[5] Not yet published - will post soon!

[6]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19703242/