Scientists say “probiotic” label misused by food industry, misunderstood by consumers.
The Chicago Tribune (6/18) reports, “Probiotics…have broken out of the dairy case and are colonizing other areas of the supermarket” because they are “thought to aid digestion and support the immune system.” But as more manufacturers fortify their foodstuffs, experts are beginning to “caution that the word ‘probiotic’ is widely misused by the industry and misunderstood by consumers.” Currently, “there is no standard definition of probiotics, according to the” FDA. “But scientists generally say the term refers to foods, beverages, or supplements containing live microorganisms that studies show promote health when people take enough of them. Without studies, products shouldn’t be called probiotic.” Comment: one more piece of false advertising, usually from Dannon for their Yogurt, who are currently being investigated by the European Union for false statements.. There are a number of beliefs among credible clinicians, for specific purposes but few if any clinical studies that support these beliefs.
