Choosing the Right Probiotic Supplement for You
According to the Medical University of South Carolina, approximately 40% of US seniors suffer from age-related digestive issues every year. Seniors can also experience lower intestinal absorption and reduced uptake of essential nutrients.
Specially formulated probiotics for seniors can alleviate these issues by increasing microbial diversity for better gut health. The balance creates improved nutrient absorption and digestion. It can also help regulate the immune system.
Are digestive symptoms becoming an issue and impacting your quality of life? Introducing probiotics into your diet can help. Read on for guidance on selecting appropriate probiotic supplements for older adults.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed, provide various health benefits. They help restore and balance gut bacteria which can become disrupted due to illness or certain medications. Consuming appropriate doses of probiotics can support seniors' gut health.
Types of Probiotics
Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus are the two most studied and consumed strains of probiotics. Bifidobacteria are mostly used in supplements and food. Benefits of probiotics containing Bifidobacteria include:
- Immune system support
- Reduced growth of harmful bacteria in the intestine
- The breakdown of lactose into nutrients for the body's use
Lactobacillus produces the enzyme lactase, which breaks down milk sugar and lactose. It also produces lactic acid which can be beneficial because it:
- Helps control bad bacteria
- Increases mineral absorption in the body
- Provides muscle fuel
It's found naturally in the mouth, intestine, and other body parts.
Importance of Probiotics for Seniors
The presence of Lactobacillus can decrease with age. According to the National Library of Medicine, medication and diet can reduce gut microbial diversity in seniors. Physiology and lifestyle are also factors.
There is also a link between decreased microbiome diversity and chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
Key Considerations When Choosing Probiotics for Seniors
What are the best probiotics for seniors? Your physician can guide you as they will factor in any other health conditions you may have. However, understanding these key considerations can help you play an active role in your care.
Identify Your Health Needs
Why are you interested in taking probiotics? Is it because of digestive problems or for immune support? Both can be common issues many seniors experience, and probiotics can help.
Identifying your health needs is important, as different probiotic strains target different issues.
Strain Diversity and Specificity
Your individual health goals will determine the right strain for you. Knowing their categorizations, which include genus, species, and strain, can help.
- Genus - the broader category of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus
- Species - Probiotics within a genus that share common features
- Strain - an additional subclassification, usually with unique properties, expressed alphanumerically
Some of the best probiotics for the elderly include Bifidobacterium animalis and Lactobacillus plantarum. Both help your body produce vitamins. If you have other health conditions, you'll need to research which strains are most effective.
Formulation Types
You can choose the most appropriate formulation once you decide on the best strain. Like many other dietary supplements, different forms of probiotics contain varying doses. Probiotic formulation types include:
- Capsules
- Powders
- Liquids
You can take capsules half an hour before a meal so the bacteria can quickly pass through your stomach. Probiotic powder sachets are fine, in or with a cold, non-acidic beverage. You can also take them with a meal.
Probiotic liquids have the fastest absorption rate among the three, helping the good bacteria to work quickly. Capsules, yogurts, or liquids are good formulation options for seniors.
Evaluating Probiotic Product Quality for Seniors
The best way to determine probiotic quality is by reading the product's label. It should state that it contains live and active bacterial cultures. You can use the following factors as a probiotic supplement guide to determine quality:
Colony-Forming Units (CFUs)
Colony-forming units estimate the number of viable bacteria in a sample or dose. CFUs are significant because they are often used as an indication of quality. You'll need to take a dosage containing enough CFUs to see results.
Cleveland Clinic recommends choosing probiotics with at least 1 billion CFUs. However, consult your physician, as this can vary based on individual needs.
Shelf Stability and Expiration Dates
You can determine the number of CFUs by reading the label. It's advised to also check expiration dates and storage conditions to ensure efficacy.
Some probiotics may need refrigeration, while storage is fine for others to maintain potency. Probiotic potency can affect its performance. Ensure yours remains viable to continue enjoying its health benefits.
Common Mistakes Seniors Should Avoid When Taking Probiotics
There is a 'right' way to take probiotics, which will vary based on the type. A lack of results could indicate that you may be doing something wrong.
Avoiding these common mistakes can help you get the most out of your probiotic and improve your quality of life.
Neglecting Medical Advice
It's always best to consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. This is particularly critical if you have existing health conditions and you're taking medication to treat them. Your physician will determine what strain is best based on your medical history.
Neglecting Research and Label Information
Probiotic labels provide important information. You can learn more about strain information, CFU count, expiration, and other ingredients. It will also instruct you on dosage and the best way to take your probiotic, whether with or without a meal.
Choosing Low-Quality Brands
FDA approval is not required before the marketing of dietary supplements. Some probiotics fall into this category.
Risks associated with unverified products include harmful ingredients or contaminants. Get recommendations for trusted brands backed by research that endorses their quality.
Beyond the Gut: Enjoying the Health Benefits of Probiotics
Probiotics can help seniors dealing with age-related digestive issues. Choosing one of the specially formulated probiotics for seniors involves proper research and tailored advice from your physician. You'll see improvements when taking it, especially if you maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
Lakehouse Sheboygan can help you achieve both. We provide supportive services, including medication management, so adding another supplement to your regimen won't be difficult. We also offer a variety of activities to keep you moving and healthy.
Schedule a tour to experience our compassionate community that makes everyday living more enjoyable.