Probiotics have gained a lot of popularity in recent years, as more and more people become aware of the benefits they can provide for gut health. With this popularity, a number of different types of probiotic supplements have made their way onto the market, including shelf-stable probiotics. But, do these really work?
What are Shelf-Stable Probiotics?
Shelf-stable probiotics refer to probiotic supplements that don’t require refrigeration to maintain their efficacy. As the name suggests, these probiotics can be stored on shelves, much like other vitamins and supplements, before being consumed.
The Myth of Shelf-Stable Probiotics
Many manufacturers of shelf-stable probiotics claim that their products are just as effective as those that require refrigeration. However, research suggests that this is not the case.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that need to be protected from heat, moisture, and light. If not stored under the correct conditions, the probiotics can become damaged, reducing their effectiveness. Shelf-stable probiotics are often exposed to temperature changes and environmental factors during transportation and storage, which can cause the probiotics to become less effective or even completely inactive.
The Importance of Probiotic Viability
Viability is a critical factor in determining the effectiveness of a probiotic supplement. A probiotic needs to have enough viable microorganisms to provide a health benefit. Most research indicates that a minimum of 1 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) per dose is needed to get the desired effect. Anything less than that may not have any impact on gut health.
Shelf-stable probiotics may not have enough viable organisms to meet this minimum threshold. Without proper storage and handling, these supplements may have far fewer live microorganisms than what is stated on their labels, rendering them far less effective.
The Problem with Heat
Heat is a major issue for probiotics. The ideal temperature for most probiotics is between 35-45°C. But, any exposure to temperatures above this can cause the microorganisms to die off or become inactive. Some shelf-stable probiotics may even contain spores, which can resist heat, but these spores need to be activated before the probiotic can be effective. If not activated properly, the probiotic may end up doing more harm than good.
Who Needs Refrigerated Probiotics?
If shelf-stable probiotics don’t work as well as their refrigerated counterparts, who should be using refrigerated probiotics? There are a number of different scenarios where refrigerated probiotics may be a better choice:
- Those who are taking antibiotics and need a high-dose probiotic supplement to help replenish their gut flora
- Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with cancer, AIDS, or chronic infections
- Individuals with digestive disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis
- Those who are looking for a targeted approach to gut health, such as specific strains or combinations of strains that are known to be effective for certain conditions
The Bottom Line
The myth of shelf-stable probiotics is just that – a myth. While these supplements are tempting for their convenience and ease of use, they may not be as effective as refrigerated probiotics that have been properly stored and handled. To get the most out of a probiotic supplement, it’s important to choose a refrigerated product that contains at least 1 billion CFUs per dose, and to store it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. By taking these steps, individuals can benefit from the positive effects of probiotics on their gut health.
