Unexpected discovery of beverages and beneficial bacteria supplements

On the market today, abundance of beverage products and beneficial bacteria supplements, advertised as good for users. However, a new study found that many of them do not seem to bring any health benefits.

>>>Does food contain beneficial bacteria as good as advertising?

The probiotic supplement has long been advertised as having a supportive effect on the digestive system. Researchers from University College London (UCL), England have decided to test this by determining whether these products contain many bacteria that live as advertised and whether the bacteria have overcome the acidic environment in the stomach, and then proliferate in the small intestine.

The team conducted tests on eight of the most common probiotic supplements on the market, including live yeast-drinking yogurt, through three evaluation steps. The results revealed, only one of the test products passed the three evaluation stages, but contained fewer probiotics than claimed.

Picture 1 of Unexpected discovery of beverages and beneficial bacteria supplements
Many popular drinks and probiotic supplements on the market, including live yeast-drinking yogurt, have been found to not bring any health benefits to consumers.(Artwork: sheknows)

All the remaining products, although they may contain the same number of bacteria as printed on the packaging, do not reach the number of bacteria surviving through gastric juice and even the bacteria cannot reach the area. pepper " is the small intestine.

The discovery has increased controversy over the benefits of beneficial bacteria on human health. Another new study published once claimed, adding a daily dose of beneficial bacteria can help us stay away from colds.

Believing in the effects of beneficial bacteria, in the UK alone, 3/5 households often buy drinks or probiotic supplements. The market for probiotic products is estimated to be worth up to $ 32 billion worldwide.

Dr. Simon Gaisford, head of research at UCL, emphasized: "Just swallowing the bacteria does not bring any benefit if the stomach then destroys it all."

According to Mr. Gaisford, the beneficial bacteria in liquid form work better than capsules . He recommends that it is best to use probiotics when the stomach is empty, after waking up . Waiting for at least 10 minutes then eating will help reduce the risk of beneficial bacteria being destroyed by gastric juice.