What should you look at when choosing a probiotic?

Probiotics are a category where the label tells you a lot, once you know where to look.

Is the strain fully identified?

A microorganism's name has three levels: genus, species and strain. In Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (formerly Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG), Lacticaseibacillus is the genus, rhamnosus the species and GG the strain code.

A label giving all three tells you more than one giving only the genus, because research is done on specific strains rather than on a genus as a whole.

Is a higher CFU count better?

CFU counts microorganisms that are alive and able to multiply. A larger number is not automatically more suitable.

What to read alongside it is when that number is guaranteed. Some labels state the count at manufacture, others at the end of shelf life. Those are very different things.

How is it stored?

Some formulations need refrigeration; others are made to hold at room temperature. This matters more in practice than people expect, particularly in hot weather and when travelling.

Read the storage instructions before deciding.

Is a prebiotic included?

Some formulations include prebiotic fibre as well, which is referred to as a synbiotic. That is a question of composition, not of quality.

The Food Division's addendum of 31 October 2025 set out claim wording for chicory inulin and fructo-oligosaccharide, together with conditions on the amount per serving and the amount per day. Those are figures to read off the label.

Which format is easier?

Capsules, sachets and chewables differ in convenience and portability. The format you will actually keep taking matters more than the one that reads best on a label.

What should you check before buying?

The อย. food serial number, expiry date, storage instructions, allergen information, and servings per pack against price.

If you are taking antibiotics or managing a health condition, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

Dietary supplements are not intended to prevent, treat or cure any disease.