An evaluation of nine probiotics available in South Africa, August 2003.

The objective of the study was to test the quality of nine probiotic products sold as dietary supplements in South Africa. An independent laboratory was engaged to determine the species of bacterium /bacteria in each product and to analyse the number of living cells per gram of product. In only 3/9 products did the species of bacteria on the label correspond to the actual content, and five of the products contained sufficient bacteria to be able to produce an effect. Both L. reuteri products tested, in South Africa sold under the brand names Reuteri Straws and Reuteri chew tablets, were among the few products that fully lived up to the quality criteria.

Conclusion: In a quality test (probiotic species identification and survival of bacteria) the two products with L. reuteri were among the products completely fulfilling the quality criteria.

Reference

An evaluation of nine probiotics available in South Africa, August 2003.
Elliot E, Teversham K. (2004) South African Medical Journal 94:121-124.