Caveat emptor. "Probiotics" might not be what they seem.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether commercially prepared probiotic products contain viable organisms, as claimed by their manufacturers, particularly whether products labeled as containing Lactobacillus did so. To identify and quantify as many species as feasible and to compare them with the contents listed on labels.


METHODS
Randomized, double-blind trial.


METHODS
Community hospital in Chilliwack, BC.


METHODS
Trial of 10 randomly chosen brands of probiotic preparations bought over-the-counter in British Columbia's lower mainland. Only products claiming to contain lactobacillus were included in this study. Viable organisms in each probiotic brand and quantities of Lactobacillus in each product.


RESULTS
None of the 10 products tested matched their labeled microbiologic specifications. Two brands grew nothing aerobically or anaerobically. No Lactobacillus grew in five brands, although their labels stated that this was the main species. Eight brands contained viable cells, but only 10% of the number stated by their manufacturers.


CONCLUSIONS
Most product labels did not adequately identify or quantify microbes. Use of probiotics should not be recommended at this time.
Huff
Brenda A
BA
bhuff@nisgaahealth.bc.ca
D001955:British Columbia; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005515:Food Labeling; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000254:growth & development*; D019936:Probiotics / Q000592:standards*; D011897:Random Allocation