Probiotics

[faith]

Does anyone really know when the best time to take probiotics for it to be most effective? I have been reading some conflicting things about this. I was always under the impression it should be with meals (I know I read that somewhere) so that the probiotics have something to grab onto while it passes through to the intestines? But now I have read that the stomach has a higher acidity while eating and that could destroy much of the probiotics before it gets to the intestines (which is more alkaline?) and so you should wait 1 hour after meals, when stomach acidity is at its lowest? I also read that "enteric coated" capsules are good so it can survive the acidity of the stomach and then start to dissolve when it gets to the intestines, but my son won't swallow the capsule, I have to empty it in juice. And of course there is also the thought that much of the live probiotic could be dead by time they get on the shelf and thus are thus useless by the time it is ingested.

 

We have been using Klaire Labes pro-biotic complex, with 5 bil cfu's in each capsule, and it is refridgerated. I have read so much conflicting opinions on this, so am curious if anyone knows if any of this matters? I can not figure out what is the right information?

 

Thanks

Faith

[kim]

Faith,

 

I don't remember where I got the info. but I have been under the impression that the probiotics are best given away from food too. It seems many people say they give them at bed time.

 

I have the same confusion about whether probiotics will survive long enough to populate the area of the gastro tract that needs it, if they are not in capsule form. I think some of them that live in the "upper tract" can be taken in the form of yogurt or kefir, but if you're lacking a strain that is found further along, you may need a coated form?

 

I have read that the refrigerated ones have a better chance of remaining active, however, it seems many that do not require refrigeration have a good reputation too. Are the Klaire's coated or require refrigeration?

 

I give a refrigerated capsule form before bedtime.