Author questions probiotic efficacy and regulation

6 articles · Updated · The Conversation · May 5

During research for a microbiome book, the writer examined pharmacy products costing £17.99 for 30 capsules and containing 2bn to 25bn live bacteria per dose.
The article says labels make vague gut-health claims, rely on bacteria already deemed safe before 1958, and often avoid proving effectiveness under qualified health-claim rules.
It adds most swallowed bacteria are destroyed by stomach acid, surviving probiotics usually last only days, and people with weak immune systems may face infection risks despite probiotics' popularity.

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