Walk into any pharmacy, and you'll find dozens of probiotic supplements promising digestive health benefits. Yet many people report little to no improvement when taking these supplements. The reason? Strain specificity - a crucial factor that most brands conveniently ignore.
Not all probiotic strains are created equal. Think of probiotics like dogs - whilst they're all canines, a Chihuahua and a Great Dane have very different characteristics. Similarly, different probiotic strains, even within the same species, can have vastly different effects on your body.
The scientific community has known this for years. Research shows that specific strains are effective for particular conditions, whilst others may have no effect at all. For example, studies demonstrate that Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM specifically helps with IBS symptoms and digestive comfort - but only this exact strain, not just any L. acidophilus.
Another critical factor is survival. Many probiotics don't survive the journey to your gut. They're either killed by stomach acid or degraded by improper storage. Even if the label claims "billions of CFUs," these numbers are often meaningless if the bacteria are dead on arrival.
This is where strain selection and product formulation become crucial. When choosing a probiotic, look for:
- Specific strain names (not just species)
- Research backing that exact strain
- Proper storage requirements
- Guaranteed potency until expiry
That's why we developed Daily Gut Balance using L. acidophilus NCFM - the world's most studied probiotic strain. With over 60 clinical studies backing its effectiveness, this specific strain has proven benefits for digestive health. Plus, it's stable at room temperature, ensuring you get the full benefits in every dose.