Walk into any health shop or search online for gut health and you will quickly find products promising to transform your microbiome.
But what does the science actually tell us?
And how can you tell whether a live bacteria supplement has good evidence behind it? First, what is a probiotic?
The term probiotic refers to live microorganisms that provide a health benefit when consumed in adequate amounts.
But there is an important detail that is sometimes missed. Probiotic research is usually strain specific. This means evidence for one bacterial strain cannot automatically be applied to every other strain. It is also why looking at the evidence behind the finished product matters. What should you look for?
When assessing research, consider:
Who conducted the study?
Independent research can provide valuable reassurance.
How was the study designed?
Randomised controlled trials can provide stronger evidence than observational research.
How many people took part?
Larger studies can provide a clearer picture, although size is not the only measure of quality.
What exactly was tested?
Research into one bacterial strain does not necessarily prove that another strain will have the same effect.
Why does Symprove talk so much about survival?
For live bacteria to have the opportunity to reach the gut, they first need to survive the journey there.
The stomach is highly acidic, which creates a challenging environment for microorganisms. Symprove was designed around this problem. Its bacteria are suspended in a water based solution rather than being freeze dried, and the strains are fermented using germinated barley extract as part of the manufacturing process. Independent research has investigated whether Symprove's bacteria can remain alive, survive passage through the stomach and reach the lower gut.
Science is not about making the biggest claim
Good science is often about being careful with what we say. It means understanding what a study actually showed rather than turning a promising finding into a guarantee.At Symprove, this evidence led to the development of a daily liquid containing four strains of live and active bacteria.
The science is the starting point. Your individual microbiome is where the story continues.