Russian-trained microbiologist recommends tips for consumers to achieve effective results from probiotics

Nov 20 2010

With the European Union poised to regulate probiotics, and with probiotic supplement sales increasing dramatically in the United States, Americans need to know what they're buying, and how these products can affect their health.

"Currently, there are not these types of regulations in the U.S. As European regulations raise the bar in the probiotic industry world wide, U.S. consumers are still faced with a confusing array of immune system supplements, ingredients and health benefits claims," said Russian-trained microbiologist Dr. Liubov Shynkarenko, a veteran of Soviet Cold War-era bio-chemical warfare research that led to the development of modern probiotics as immune system supplements. "From moderate health imbalances to serious illnesses, different strains and combinations of probiotics will produce different results with liver, heart and other body systems affected by toxicity."

Now Vice President of Research for the Del-Immune V® probiotic product line, Dr. Shynkarenko recommends the following tips for consumers looking to achieve the most effective results from immune system supplements:

• There are varieties of probiotic strains that can have different effects on each individual. Schedule a micro flora profile with your family health physician or health professional to identify the best kind of probiotic to take based on the specific kinds of bacteria that differ in everyone's body. These strains and combinations efficacy and specificity are what the European Union will be regulating through clinical trials.
• To ensure that the product you are taking includes live cultures, look at the ingredients. The most popular strains of probiotics today belong to Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families. Often, they are only identified on the label by their first initial such as L. or B. Your doctor can help you identify the correct strain for your body and condition.
• Confirm that it is a legitimate company with a credible website, backed up with extensive research and scientific articles on the products as well as testimonials from customers and healthcare providers.

"With Europe and eventually the U.S. conducting trials and regulating the probiotics industry, better products will be developed, and consumers will have access to more information," said Dr. Shynkarenko. "This will lead to better understanding, and give doctors the knowledge they need to advise patients on the proper strains and combinations of probiotic supplements, which will vary between individuals."