Probiotic labels often show very high CFU numbers, which makes people assume that more is always better · So what is CFU really, and what should you actually look at? This article breaks it down
microbes
CFU (Colony Forming Units) is the unit used to count microbes that are alive and able to multiply · It tells you the quantity, but it is not everything, because a strain that suits your goal, and the microbes actually surviving to the gut, matter just as much as the number
1 Is a higher CFU always better?
Not always · A CFU count higher than necessary does not mean better results, and some goals call for a specific strain more than a huge quantity · What you should look at is ‘a strain with research behind it + a suitable CFU + that count still holding up at the expiry date’
2 What to look for on the label
- The strain (identified down to strain level) with research matching your goal
- CFU at the expiry date, not just at the time of manufacture
- Technology that protects the microbes so they survive stomach acid
⚠️ This is a dietary supplement, not a medicine
3 Pair it with prebiotics
Probiotics (the microbes themselves) work better when prebiotics (food for the microbes) are present · So a product with both pre + pro (+ postbiotics) looks after the gut more comprehensively
4 Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How much CFU is enough?
It depends on the strain and the goal; there is no fixed number. ‘The more the better’ is not always true. Look for a strain with research behind it
Do probiotics need refrigeration?
Some products need refrigeration, while others are designed to be stored at room temperature. Check the directions on the label
When is the best time to take them?
Many strains are recommended before a meal or with a meal. Check the specific directions for each product
Do I need prebiotics too?
They help probiotics work better, so a product containing both looks after the gut more completely
- A dietary supplement is not a medicine — it does not prevent, treat or cure disease; it is only an aid for looking after your health
- People with underlying conditions or who take medication regularly should consult a doctor or pharmacist before use, as there may be interactions
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor first
References
- Reviews on probiotics: strain specificity and CFU.
💡 Looking for something to help? Read next: How to choose a probiotic that works 👉