Probiotics for oral health: Udo’s Choice Super 5 stood out!
Some probiotic products are directed at oral health; to reduce plaque, protect against cavities, promote gum health, or protect from sore throat, ear ache and bad breath. Probiotics support healthy yeast levels, including Candida levels, because they establish large, healthy populations of friendly bacteria that compete with harmful yeast trying to take up residence. This means that oral health probiotics may also help control yeast in the mouth and throat, known as thrush.
But probiotics cannot be helpful if they fall below a critical number of viable bacteria. In fact, there is virtually no chance that a probiotic regimen will be of benefit if the numbers of viable bacteria consumed are below a critical threshold. A study was done where 2 batches of each of 5 brands of oral health probiotics were tested, to see which retained viability. All 5 had Lactobacillus and Streptococcus bacteria. The authors had no conflict of interest with any of the brands tested.
Key takeaways from the study:
• Recovery of viable bacteria from the different brands varied greatly.
• Udo’s Choice Super 5 lozenge stood out from the rest numerically.
• Udo’s Choice Super 5 lozenge stood out from the rest statistically.
• Udo’s Choice was the only brand for which the number of viable bacteria recovered met the recommendations for daily dosage of a probiotic regimen.
• No viable bacteria were recovered from Garden of Life lozenges*.
You can read the full study here. Udo’s Choice Probiotics (US/CA) boast some of the largest bacterial counts available at time of manufacture so that even by the expiry date you still get the optimum amount of probiotics—and this confirms it!
The Udo’s Choice products have an even greater value because the bacterial count found on the label reflects only the number of viable or active bacteria in the product. We use the most accurate and specific methods to assess the bacteria, despite the increased time, effort and cost, to assure that damaged or ineffective bacteria are not included in the count.
The bacterial count at time of manufacture is also much higher than the “best before” date count, to compensate for the 2% monthly decrease that generally occurs with probiotics. Refrigeration ensures maximum potency and stability, however, Udo’s Choice Probiotics can be left unrefrigerated for short periods of time, making them convenient for travel. All Udo’s Choice Probiotics may be frozen to further prolong their life.
Udo’s Choice® Super 5 Probiotic Lozenges (US/CA) help to support healthy gums, teeth, digestion, good breath, and intestinal flora. They should be dissolved slowly in the mouth after eating to maintain a healthy mouth and microflora. They boast a unique combination of 5 friendly bacteria with 2 billion viable cells per lozenge (at date of manufacture), and have a delicious raspberry flavor that makes it easy for both children and adults to take. These are ideal for travelers or those with sensitive digestive systems.
*The Garden of Life lozenges were tested using both aerobic and anaerobic incubation atmospheres but no bacteria were recovered under either condition.
About the author: Dana RemediosHolistic Nutritionist Dana Green Remedios, RHN, RNCP has a passion for helping others break through their blocks to greater health, wealth, and happiness, working with transformational mind-body tools. The Vancouver-based educator and coach answers your questions in English, French, and Spanish as a Specialist working in the Product Information Department at Flora, and is a regular contributor to the FloraHealthy blog.
