As probiotics become more visible and accepted in the U.S., there is a need to adhere to this definition. Often, the term is used without meeting the minimum criteria of being alive when administered, having been documented to have a beneficial physiological effect on humans, and, when used, posting truthful claims about content or performance in a product.
No worldwide legislative body currently regulates the use of the term “probiotic.” As a result, much abuse exists and many misconceptions are promoted through the Internet, consumers, manufacturers and even some scientists. The following offers a perspective on 10 common myths about probiotics.