In the 1950's a probiotic product was licensed by the USDA as a drug for the treatment of scour (E. coli infection) among pigs. In the 1970's Dr. S.K. Dash, uncovered the fact that this probiotic was 97% effective in combating E. coli infection in pigs as did the antibiotic Neomycin Sulfate. So what happened to the great probiotic product? Dr. Dash found that the big pharmaceutical companies used millions of dollars in research, development, marketing and promotion and took over the market with antibiotics - the miracle drug of the time. Probiotic firms lacked funds to compete with the big drug firms in research, development, marketing and promotion, and lost the battle against antibiotic manufacturers. Dr. Dash, in the 1970's rediscovered probiotics and later manufactured and marketed several probiotic products for human and animal uses. While working for the government, Dr. Dash also introduced the quality control standards for probiotics, which are now used by the industry.

    Probiotic products are now available in different formulations with Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Enterococcus faecium and others with or without prebiotic Fructooligosaccharides (FOS). The most common probiotic products are Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidus longum with FOS, and Bifidus infantis and Lactobacillus acidophilus with FOS.

    The major benefits that probiotic product offer:

1. Digest foods and alleviate digestive disorders.
2. Enhance synthesis of B vitamins and improve absorption of calcium.
3. Keeps E. coli in check.
4. Promotes vagina health and keeps yeast in check.

6. Improve immune function.
7. Support the management of acne.
8. Helps maintain normal cholesterol.

    Research shows that seventy percent of women and forty percent of men have yeast infections to some degree as a result of heavy use of antibiotics, cortisone's and poor eating habits. Studies at Minneapolis V.A. Hospital show the average persons in their current life style, hardly have any friendly bacteria in their intestines. Supplementation of certain probiotics shows the presence of these probiotics in the intestine in great numbers. It is apparent that a polluted environment, processed food, chlorinated water and heavy use of antibiotics and other medications can destroy the friendly microflora (probiotics), thus making the body susceptible to yeast infection and other diseases.

    Those familiar with the benefits of probiotic often consume yogurt, a long-recognized source of friendly bacteria. Unfortunately, commercial yogurt often lack the probiotic. Even the commercial yogurt fortified with Lactobacillus acidophilus and sitting on the shelf for several days does not have viable probiotics as they tend to produce bacteria-killing acids. For this reason, fresh, homemade yogurt can be a reliable source of probiotic(s). However, it often fails to provide sufficient amounts for its intended purpose. As yogurt and other foods do not supply the needed probiotics, supplementation of probiotics on a daily basis is highly recommended. Probiotic capsules, tables or powder supplying2 to 5 billions live organisms (CFU) should be taken daily for maintenance and higher quantities are recommended following antibiotic therapy or under conditions of yeast infection, ulcer, cholesterol, digestive disorders and acne.

    All probiotic products are not the same. The name Acidophilus or probiotic does not mean anything unless the probiotic product:

1. Contains the right strain(s)
2. Is viable
3. Remains stable and viable for a long period
4. Has ability to survive in the intestine
5. Produces beneficial effects in the intestine

• Probiotics products sitting on the shelf (without refrigeration) lose potency first. For this reason, refrigerated, viable probiotic products are recommended
• Non-dairy probiotic products are recommeded by health professionals for persons allergic to dairy products and for persons with yeast infection.
• Nitrogen-flushed packaging of probiotics enhances the keeping quality of the probiotics.
• Fortification of probiotics with prebiotic Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) enhances the value of probiotics selectively and enhances their growth in the gut.
• Combinations of unknonw and undesireable bacteria in probiotic products can even be harmful to the human body. Also, combinations of known and friendly bacteria in a disproportionate manner can alter flora balance in the gut.
• The consumer must read current scientific literature on probiotics products, which are refrigerated, viable and non-dairy, and contain superior strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum and with prebiotic Fructooligosaccharides (FOS).