Despite the promise and potential of probiotics and prebiotics for improving human health, there is also way too much hype. From “cures” for diseases, to anti-aging, to weight loss, to improved virility, these products are promoted for just about anything and everything. For lay consumers, it is hardly possible to sort out claims supported by science from those intended simply to make money.
It’s even challenging for physicians to figure out which products are backed by science and which ones they can recommend to patients. Now we are seeing some push-back. This article in the New York Times from 2018 is a case in point. The writer notes potential benefits for probiotics, but then suggests that most studies fail to provide evidence that they work. While I and others disagree with this assessment, it’s true that not every study shows improvement. Of course , that’s the nature of clinical science.
So how and where should consumers and health practitioners go to obtain accurate and unbiased information on probiotic, prebiotics, and gut health? Of course, universities are a good start, but not many have gut health programs or maintain websites devoted to providing this information. You are fortunate that the Nebraska Food for Health Center is located at UNL, and the faculty associated with that Center conduct outstanding research and give lectures in class to convey the latest science on gut health (including FDST 280!). There are also several credible organizations that provide this information, including the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP).
Perhaps some of these products will eventually obtain FDA or EFSA-approved health claims. As noted in class, these organizations have set a very high bar for gaining health claim approval. Until then, it may not be easy for consumers to have confidence that the probiotic in their yogurt will actually improve their health.