Reading a supplement label properly can help you unlock important clues about what’s actually in it and how to use it. And when it comes to reading a label for probiotics, it’s a little different than what you’re probably used to from other supplements. Instead of milligrams (mg) or international units (iu), you’ll see numbers like 10 billion or 20 billion. However, those aren’t the only details to look for. Here’s the right way to read a probiotics supplement label so you can know exactly what you’re buying.
Purchasing probiotics is a little different than purchasing other nutritional supplements, because probiotics need to be alive to work. Plus, reading the label can help you make sure your product is safe and trustworthy. So how do you actually read a probiotics supplement label? Here are some key details to look for.
A CFUs number: CFUs are “colony forming units.” This number refers to the number of living bacteria in your supplement. You may also see this referred to as “live cultures.” It may also simply say “probiotics” and not “CFUs, because CFUs are usually listed as a total count. For example, 20 billion probiotics is the same as 20 billion CFUs or 20 billion live probiotic cultures.
Other ingredients: If your probiotics supplement contains any other ingredients, they should be included on the label.
% Daily Value: Most supplements have a “% Daily Value” section that refers to the recommended daily intake for that nutrient. On a probiotics supplement, you will see a series of asterisks instead of a number. This means that a daily value has not been established. For probiotics, there is no official recommended dose because it hasn’t been established how many probiotics are beneficial on a daily basis.
Serving size: This refers to the amount that needs to be consumed to receive the benefits of the supplement.
Use by date: A use by date tells you how long the supplement will deliver live probiotics to your body. Because probiotics are living microorganisms, they need to be consumed in a timely manner. After that date, the amount of live probiotics will likely have decreased in number.
Bacteria names: You need to know exactly what bacteria you are receiving, and this should be spelled out on the label. Most supplement labels include the genus and species – sometimes they will also include the strain of bacteria. Let’s take Bacillus Subtilis DE111, for example. “Bacillus” is the genus, “subtilis” is the species, and “DE111” is the strain. If the probiotics label doesn’t tell you what species you’re getting, it should be avoided because you won’t know what you’re getting.
Storage information: Proper storage is important for probiotics because they are living organisms. If the environment is too hot or too moist, it can weaken the strength of your probiotics. Most probiotic labels will have instructions to store them in a cool, dry place. Storage information helps ensure the quality and safety of probiotics.
Recommended use: The suggested or recommended use section on a probiotics label tells you how to get the best results from your supplement.
FDA disclaimer: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) disclaimer on your probiotics supplements simply means the FDA has not evaluated or approved claims. However, the FDA does regulate the dietary supplements industry. If you do not see an FDA disclaimer, this is a serious warning sign that your supplements aren’t going through the best manufacturing practices.
Teami Gut Love is a daily probiotics formula that contains 20 million probiotics in seven different strains – and you can find all of the information you need right on the label. We promise probiotics transparency, so you can find all seven strains it is formulated with. These seven strains deliver diverse bacteria to support digestive health:
You’ll also find directions for how to use your probiotics. Since this is a powder formula, it’s easy to get your probiotics in one scoop. All you have to do is mix it in water or a smoothie! There are two flavors to choose from: Unflavored and Triple Berry (which adds a touch of sweetness to plain water). Gut Love’s suggested use is to consume with a meal; however, you can still use it during the time of day that works best for you.
Another detail you’ll find on the label is what Gut Love is made WITHOUT. Gut Love is vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy/soy-free, sugar-free, corn-free, and contains NO binders. We really wanted to create a probiotics supplement with everyone in mind!
When it comes to choosing a probiotics supplement, it is important to have all of the information you need in advance. Looking for clues on the label will help you maximize your probiotics supplement and get exactly what you need for your health and well-being.