How do I Choose the Best Probiotic Tablets?

Choosing the best probiotic tablet can be a difficult process, especially for people who are unfamiliar with medications and supplements. For best results, look for probiotics that contain powdered organisms at a density of at least one billion per gram. In addition, be sure to remember to look for probiotic tablets that contain only a single strain. If you have questions while choosing a probiotic, be sure to consult with your doctor.

One of the most important first steps in choosing the best probiotic tablet is to look for tablets in the right form. Typically, these tablets come filled with either powder or liquid probiotic organisms. Many people believe that liquid probiotics are more natural and thus more effective. Research shows, however, that powdered probiotic capsules have not only been found to be much more effective, but also have a longer shelf life than probiotics in liquid form. Be sure to read the labels of the probiotic tablets that are being considered carefully in order to ensure that you have chosen your preferred form.

Next, look for probiotic tablets that contain at least one billion probiotic organisms per gram. Typically, probiotic tablets are sold with densities ranging anywhere from a few million to several billion organisms per gram. Sometimes, people are concerned about supplementing their diet with this number of probiotic organisms. But research has found that doses of probiotics that contain less than at least one billion probiotics per gram will have only minimal effects on your health. Consult with a pharmacist if you have a difficult time finding probiotic tablets that contain a high level of the organisms.

When choosing the best probiotic tablet, it is also important to look for tablets that contain only one strain of a specific probiotic. The two most popular strains include L. acidophilus and B. bifidum, both of which are commonly prescribed for over-the-counter use. While it may seem like a good idea to look for tablets that contain a combination of both of these probiotics, this can actually be quite dangerous. Instead of getting high levels of two different types of probiotics, you will instead significantly decrease the effectiveness of both varieties.

Finally, for best results, be sure to consult with your doctor before making a final decision. He or she should be able to provide some guideance on which specific brand of probiotic tablet is right for you. If you have a hard time scheduling a visit with a physician, consider searching online reviews of the specific probiotic tablet you are interested in. Often, these reviews will have detailed information regarding side effects and effectiveness of the tablets.