Rebecca Wright12.12.06
Sales of supplements containing beneficial organisms (probiotics) have grown rapidly, but a new report from ConsumerLab.com shows that 44% contained fewer viable organisms than claimed or generally known to be effective.
Probiotics have been successfully used in a range of clinical applications that include reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), treating H. pylori infection (a causative agent of stomach ulcers), and treating diarrhea associated with antibiotic use and rotaviral infection. Sales of probiotics have experienced strong growth in recent years, reaching $243 million in 2005, up nearly 20% from 2004, according to Nutrition Business Journal.
Probiotics for Human Use: Only 8 of 13 Pass Tests
ConsumerLab selected 13 probiotic products for human consumption sold in the U.S. and/or Canada. Testing showed that four of these products provided less than one billion viable organisms in a daily serving – the minimum amount generally used clinically. In fact, one of these -- a major pharmacy brand -- provided less than 10% of this minimum level. A fifth product met the minimum but did not contain a higher amount claimed to be in the product at the time of manufacture. Only eight products were found to meet the one billion minimum and contain the amounts claimed on their labels. An additional six products tested through CL's Voluntary Certification Program also met these criteria. Some products provided several billion organisms per day, with one containing 35 billion.
Probiotics for Pets: Only 1 of 3 Pass Tests
ConsumerLab.com also tested probiotic supplements marketed for use by pets. Among the three products selected, one was contaminated with mold and did not even contain its listed amount of probiotic organisms. Another provided only 10 million organisms per day. Only one pet product contained a large dose of viable organisms – 2.3 billion per day.
Probiotics have been successfully used in a range of clinical applications that include reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), treating H. pylori infection (a causative agent of stomach ulcers), and treating diarrhea associated with antibiotic use and rotaviral infection. Sales of probiotics have experienced strong growth in recent years, reaching $243 million in 2005, up nearly 20% from 2004, according to Nutrition Business Journal.
Probiotics for Human Use: Only 8 of 13 Pass Tests
ConsumerLab selected 13 probiotic products for human consumption sold in the U.S. and/or Canada. Testing showed that four of these products provided less than one billion viable organisms in a daily serving – the minimum amount generally used clinically. In fact, one of these -- a major pharmacy brand -- provided less than 10% of this minimum level. A fifth product met the minimum but did not contain a higher amount claimed to be in the product at the time of manufacture. Only eight products were found to meet the one billion minimum and contain the amounts claimed on their labels. An additional six products tested through CL's Voluntary Certification Program also met these criteria. Some products provided several billion organisms per day, with one containing 35 billion.
Probiotics for Pets: Only 1 of 3 Pass Tests
ConsumerLab.com also tested probiotic supplements marketed for use by pets. Among the three products selected, one was contaminated with mold and did not even contain its listed amount of probiotic organisms. Another provided only 10 million organisms per day. Only one pet product contained a large dose of viable organisms – 2.3 billion per day.