Probiotics Powder vs Capsules for Infants and Kids

Probiotic nutritional supplements are available in a wide variety of forms including capsules, tablets, liquids and bulk powder.

There are many benefits to using probiotic powder instead of the more commonly known forms.

Powder supplements allow for dose flexibility, custom combination formulas tailored to individual needs, and the cost per dose is relatively inexpensive when compared to pre-dosed or pre-formulated capsules, pills and tablets.

Probiotics are the healthy bacteria which live naturally within the human body. They are found throughout the gastrointestinal tract, on the skin and in the mouth.

The digestive tract is home to trillions of these tiny microbes, some which are helpful to our wellbeing and others which are not.

Preserving the balance between beneficial and pathogenic bacteria is imperative if good digestion and health is to be cultivated and maintained.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

Top Probiotics Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Effects of Probiotic Powder

Collectively, the bacteria in the GI tract are referred to as gut microflora.

Imbalances in the microflora (known as dysbiosis) has been linked to many digestive disorders including IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Crohn’s Disease, bloating, obesity, gas, abdominal pain and discomfort, diarrhea and constipation.

Typically, about 80% of the microbial flora population is considered probiotic (good), and about 20% are considered unhealthy.

In daily life, we encounter and ingest all varieties of both good and bad bacteria and yeast. Once these microorganisms enter the digestive tract, they begin to compete for colonization space and dominance.

When the scales tip due to diet, exercise, illness, antibiotic use, or for some other reason, poor digestion, gas, bloating, illness, constipation, diarrhea or other dysfunction can result.

Probiotics work by breaking down the foods we eat and converting them to acids, hydrogen peroxide and other necessary chemical compounds. This occurs due to a unique fermentation process. By creating an acidic environment in the early stages of digestion, unfriendly bacteria are unable to live or reproduce.

As the partially broken down food is passed along to the small and large intestine, enzymes, bacteria and yeast continue to break foods down into smaller and smaller molecules which can be harvested for nutrients and passed on to the rest of the body.

Buying Probiotics in Powder Form

Buying probiotics powder supplements can be both convenient and cost-effective. Individuals who know what species and strains are needed can mix their own combination formulas which are geared specifically to their own health needs.

Besides offering better overall digestive health, people mixing their own formulas report better immune function and more appropriate immune response, as well as a decrease in symptoms associated with chronic digestive disorders like IBS and Crohn’s.

Different individuals may require varied dosages of some probiotic organisms. Probiotics powder allows for experimentation and individualized formulations.

Furthermore, depending on the source, freeze-dried powders will contain larger quantities of CFUs (colony-forming units) per dose.

Sources

Although some of the larger manufacturers of nutritional supplements offer a few products in bulk powder form, the cost savings aren’t comparable to those available from specialty probiotics suppliers found online.

These are typically smaller companies who specialize in sales of bulk powders to manufacturers and individuals wishing to manufacture their own capsules or tablets.

Powder probiotic supplements are typically bought in large batches by the purveyor, after which they are broken up into lots containing several ounces or grams. Buying larger lots will save more money, but if experimenting with the benefits of certain species or strains, buying smaller lots is more reasonable.

When selecting probiotics powder supplements:

• Verify the expiration or “good until” date for the batch
• Ascertain the powder is the correct species and strain needed
• When possible, check user reviews of the products being purchased
• Buy only from reputable online shops or health food stores

Many online shops will send a small sample of their product to an independent laboratory for testing and verification before offering it to their customers.

Shops that do this typically post the lab results on the same page as the product offering to assure consumers of the quality of their wares.

Can Negative Side Effects Occur?

Most people experience no side effects when adding a probiotic powder supplement to their daily regimen, though mild symptoms such as bloating, gas or abdominal discomfort are sometimes reported.

These symptoms usually subside with continued use. Individuals who experience any minor side effects can lower the dose easily if using probiotics powders, by simply decreasing the amount of powder being used. Taking a lower dose for 3-4 days before increasing to a higher dose is recommended.

Some individuals should not use probiotics powder supplements. People whose immune system has been compromised should not use probiotics unless under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Some probiotics have been reported to have serious side effects for individuals with heart valve replacement.

Review

Probiotics in powder form are versatile, convenient, safe and affordable. They are available from probiotic specialty shops online and often come with lab verification of species and strain.

Individuals needing multiple probiotic strains are able to create a single daily probiotic supplement containing exactly what their body requires for good digestive health and bowel maintenance.

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