Did You Know: How Your Probiotic is Prepared is Critical

by | Feb 28, 2017 | Probiotic Blog, Probiotic Education

blog scientistsProbiotic supplements are a fantastic way to improve general health. They help to bolster the immune system, improve digestion, and crowd out harmful bacteria in the gut. Most manufacturers of probiotics like to brag about how many billions of live cultures their probiotics include in each dose, but what they don’t tell you is that number of cultures is only one factor to consider when choosing a probiotic. One of the most important things to know when choosing a probiotic is how the probiotic is prepared.

The way a probiotic is delivered doesn’t matter

Whether it’s in tablets, capsules, or liquid form, the method of delivery for your probiotic has little impact on its effectiveness. The important part is that the probiotic is prepared in a way that allows it to withstand the storage process and the delivery process. The goal is to deliver the maximum possible dosage of living cultures to the intestines. Research indicates that anywhere from 80-99% of unprotected live probiotic cells will be killed off by the stomach acid before reaching the gut. Only through proper preparation are the majority of probiotics able to survive the journey through the stomach.

What is proper preparation?

Well, that part is still a work in progress. Companies are trying a wide range of preparation methods.  Some companies are freeze drying their probiotics before packaging them, while others are trying various microencapsulation preparation processes, including spray drying, extrusion, emulsion, and phase separation, but research indicates that none of these methods have significantly increased the number of shelf-stable, viable probiotic bacteria.1

How is Probonix prepared?

We’re glad you asked! The unique method of preparation used for Probonix has been proven to protect the probiotic bacteria very effectively. The cultures in Probonix are saturated in a solution that places the individual bacteria in a temporary static state that protects them against stomach acid. While in this static state, the bacteria are able to effectively adapt to whatever environment they are currently in, making them much less susceptible to adverse environmental conditions like stomach acid. Only once they reach the intestines do they become activated to provide their many benefits.

After you’re sure that the method of preparation is up to snuff, you can choose the delivery method based on personal preference.  Some people prefer to take their probiotic in tablet or capsule form, but a liquid probiotic is worth considering for many reasons. Liquid probiotics are easy to take in a cold beverage, and they are considerably easier to give to children and elders because there is no danger involved compared to swallowing large pills. Regardless of the product you choose, make sure you are regularly taking a probiotic to improve your gut health.


1https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12400637/

People who liked this blog also read these:

About the Author

Ryan Bentley, MD, PhD, DC

Co-Founder, Medical Director | Dr. Ryan Bentley is a physician, researcher, author, educator and national speaker. He has a passion for health and helping people live their best possible lives. Dr. Bentley and the doctors Humarian uniquely formulated the Probonix line of probiotics to address the needs of their patients and those suffering from a variety of health conditions.