Probiotics are beneficial for maintaining overall gut health, restoring the balance of gut microbes after antibiotics or digestive problems, and enhancing your immune system.
Here are a few key points to consider when choosing a probiotic supplement:
Understanding the CFU count
Colony-forming units (CFU) indicate the quantity of live bacteria in a probiotic product and are typically listed on the label. While CFU count is an important factor to consider, a higher CFU does not necessarily mean a more effective supplement. It’s essential to choose a CFU count suited to your specific health needs.
Most healthy adults can consume probiotic supplements with a moderate to high CFU range, typically between 25–70 billion or more. However, factors like age, existing medical conditions, digestive health, and sensitivity to higher CFUs should also be taken into account to determine the ideal CFU level for each individual.
For children, the recommended CFU dosage is generally lower, with typical ranges of 4–25 billion for children, 2–6 billion for toddlers, and 1–2 billion for infants under 6 months. Be sure to read the product description, usage instructions, and cautionary advice for each supplement before making a choice.
Understanding probiotic strains
Apart from CFU, having a basic understanding of the various strains of probiotics can also help in choosing the right probiotic supplement. Strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium longum, and Bifidobacterium bifidum are considered effective for supporting digestive health, while Lactobacillus rhamnosus is known for enhancing immunity.
Probiotics containing multiple strains offer broader benefits, such as promoting digestive regularity, supporting immune function, or targeting specific conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
At Healthy Planet, we offer a wide range of probiotics from trusted brands in various forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, and chewables, to support general wellness, immune health, gut health, and more.
