Re: Consumer Report on Probiotics....Unbelievable

[Guest guest]

You're kidding, right? I somehow thought that the commercial,

flavored yogurts had the good bacteria " processed " out of them. Thus

the reasoning behind buying organic, natural yogurts. You mean I can

buy the yummy stuff for my kids???? How about Mc's yogurt? I'm

so confused.

penny

> Consumer Reports magazine did a report on probiotics. I was

> completely blown away at their findings.

>

> Using 2 independent labs, looking for live/good bacteria, they

> tested 14 capsules, tablets and gel caps. They tested 4 liquid

> supplements, 5 yogurts, and 4 yogurt drinks. You aren't going to

> believe the results:

>

> Highest levels of good bacteria, at least 10 billion CFUs:

>

> YOGURTS

> Breyers Fruit on the Bottom Lowfat

> Colombo Light

> Dannon Fruit on the Bottom

> Stoneyfield Farm Organic

> Yoplait

>

> YOGURT DRINKS

> Breyers Creme Savers Smoothie

> Dannon Light 'n Fit Smoothie

> Stoneyfield Farm Smoothie

> Youplait Nouriche

>

> SUPPLEMENTS

> Bio-K Acidophilus/Casei Liquid

> Continental Natural Acidophilus Liquid

> Dannon DanActive Immunity Liquid

> TwinLab Super Acidophilus

>

> High Levels of Good Bacteria, 1-10 Billion CFUs

>

> SUPPLEMENTS

> Country Life Power Dofilus

> Natrol Acidophilus

> Nature Made Acidophilus

> (there are at least 5 more)

>

> Lower Levels of Good Bacteria, LESS then 1 Billion CFUs (this is

the

> mind blower)

> American Health Acidophilus Liquid

> Enzamatic Therapy Acidophilus Pearls (Isn't this Tietlebaums?)

> Primal Defense by Garden of Life?????!!!!!

> Origin (get it at TARGET)

> Sundown Acidophilus

>

> Primal Defense was in the same category as the Target brand!!!

> Primal Defense costs $1.20 and Target brand costs .06!!

>

> Yogurts like Yoplait and Dannon have by far more good bacteria

then

> Primal Defense???!!!We all would had scoffed at anyone thinking

they

> were getting enough probiotics from YOPLAIT. I definetly will be

> rethinking my probiotics and where I spend my money.

[Guest guest]

> Consumer Reports magazine did a report on probiotics. I was

> completely blown away at their findings.

>

You aren't going to

> believe the results:

>

> Primal Defense was in the same category as the Target brand!!!

> Primal Defense costs $1.20 and Target brand costs .06!!

>

I use the Primal Defense, I don't believe the findings in the CR

article. I asked Garden of Life(maker of PD) to comment on the

article. I believe there are 2 sides to every story. When I get a

reply, I'll post it, if I am allowed.

Al

[Guest guest]

What was the bacteria species they tested for?

Was it only one species?

Barb

> Consumer Reports magazine did a report on probiotics. I was

> completely blown away at their findings.

>

> Using 2 independent labs, looking for live/good bacteria, they

> tested 14 capsules, tablets and gel caps. They tested 4 liquid

> supplements, 5 yogurts, and 4 yogurt drinks. You aren't going to

> believe the results:

>

> Highest levels of good bacteria, at least 10 billion CFUs:

>

> YOGURTS

> Breyers Fruit on the Bottom Lowfat

> Colombo Light

> Dannon Fruit on the Bottom

> Stoneyfield Farm Organic

> Yoplait

>

> YOGURT DRINKS

> Breyers Creme Savers Smoothie

> Dannon Light 'n Fit Smoothie

> Stoneyfield Farm Smoothie

> Youplait Nouriche

>

> SUPPLEMENTS

> Bio-K Acidophilus/Casei Liquid

> Continental Natural Acidophilus Liquid

> Dannon DanActive Immunity Liquid

> TwinLab Super Acidophilus

>

> High Levels of Good Bacteria, 1-10 Billion CFUs

>

> SUPPLEMENTS

> Country Life Power Dofilus

> Natrol Acidophilus

> Nature Made Acidophilus

> (there are at least 5 more)

>

> Lower Levels of Good Bacteria, LESS then 1 Billion CFUs (this is

the

> mind blower)

> American Health Acidophilus Liquid

> Enzamatic Therapy Acidophilus Pearls (Isn't this Tietlebaums?)

> Primal Defense by Garden of Life?????!!!!!

> Origin (get it at TARGET)

> Sundown Acidophilus

>

> Primal Defense was in the same category as the Target brand!!!

> Primal Defense costs $1.20 and Target brand costs .06!!

>

> Yogurts like Yoplait and Dannon have by far more good bacteria then

> Primal Defense???!!!We all would had scoffed at anyone thinking

they

> were getting enough probiotics from YOPLAIT. I definetly will be

> rethinking my probiotics and where I spend my money.

[Guest guest]

This article comes from the July 2005 issue. They did take into

consideration that many companies list amounts from time of

manufacture. The test was done considering the time of purchase.

That would make sense since that is when we as consumers recieve it

and use it, not the moment of manufacture.

The article says: ALL products contained the MAJOR GROUPS, or

genera, of probiotic bacteria labeled, but seven supplements-four

pills and three liquids- had far less than the amount claimed at the

time of manufacture.

Most yougurts and drinks which don't list bacteria counts had far

higher counts per serving then supplements. " A reason to boast " .

" The main probiotic genera in yougurt and supplements are

Lactobacillius and Bifidobacterium " . These already live in the

intestines.

" Within these genera are dozens of species, such as Lactobacillius

acidophilus, or strains such as Lactobacillius GG, and results

involving one do not neccesarily apply to another. "

At the time of testing 4 of the 14 pill products had no more than

half of their claimed #. Four of the liquid supplements fell far

short of their claimed #s.

It recommended using well-studied bacteria types (we rarely listen

to the well studied stuff).

The article did say that in theory enteric-coated pills may be

better in that the organisms make it past the stomach and into the

intestines where they belong.

> > Consumer Reports magazine did a report on probiotics. I was

> > completely blown away at their findings.

> >

> > Using 2 independent labs, looking for live/good bacteria, they

> > tested 14 capsules, tablets and gel caps. They tested 4 liquid

> > supplements, 5 yogurts, and 4 yogurt drinks. You aren't going to

> > believe the results:

> >

> > Highest levels of good bacteria, at least 10 billion CFUs:

> >

> > YOGURTS

> > Breyers Fruit on the Bottom Lowfat

> > Colombo Light

> > Dannon Fruit on the Bottom

> > Stoneyfield Farm Organic

> > Yoplait

> >

> > YOGURT DRINKS

> > Breyers Creme Savers Smoothie

> > Dannon Light 'n Fit Smoothie

> > Stoneyfield Farm Smoothie

> > Youplait Nouriche

> >

> > SUPPLEMENTS

> > Bio-K Acidophilus/Casei Liquid

> > Continental Natural Acidophilus Liquid

> > Dannon DanActive Immunity Liquid

> > TwinLab Super Acidophilus

> >

> > High Levels of Good Bacteria, 1-10 Billion CFUs

> >

> > SUPPLEMENTS

> > Country Life Power Dofilus

> > Natrol Acidophilus

> > Nature Made Acidophilus

> > (there are at least 5 more)

> >

> > Lower Levels of Good Bacteria, LESS then 1 Billion CFUs (this is

> the

> > mind blower)

> > American Health Acidophilus Liquid

> > Enzamatic Therapy Acidophilus Pearls (Isn't this Tietlebaums?)

> > Primal Defense by Garden of Life?????!!!!!

> > Origin (get it at TARGET)

> > Sundown Acidophilus

> >

> > Primal Defense was in the same category as the Target brand!!!

> > Primal Defense costs $1.20 and Target brand costs .06!!

> >

> > Yogurts like Yoplait and Dannon have by far more good bacteria

then

> > Primal Defense???!!!We all would had scoffed at anyone thinking

> they

> > were getting enough probiotics from YOPLAIT. I definetly will be

> > rethinking my probiotics and where I spend my money.

[Guest guest]

>>

> Primal Defense was in the same category as the Target brand!!!

> Primal Defense costs $1.20 and Target brand costs .06!!

>

> Yogurts like Yoplait and Dannon have by far more good bacteria then

> Primal Defense???!!!We all would had scoffed at anyone thinking they

> were getting enough probiotics from YOPLAIT. I definetly will be

> rethinking my probiotics and where I spend my money.

I think that there is something more going on with Primal Defense

apart from the probiotics. I take live yoghurt daily but it has never

helped me the way Primal Defense does so maybe its something to do

with the soil based organisms that are in the Primal Defense that is

so beneficial to the gut?

Pam

[Guest guest]

Hi Jelly,

Thanks for the further info. Would you mind also posting that over

on Experimental?

Geez, I'm really having a hard time wrapping my mind around this....

In defense of Primal Defense, without getting into the

graphic details, it has made a big difference to me. So, I'm

confused. I'd love it if the scientific types here could get their

hands on the technical aspects of the testing and give us all an

analysis of that.

Al, please do let us know what you hear from the Garden of Life

people.

Thanks,

Laurie

[Guest guest]

Of course, I'm sure many would like to hear their response. I use

Primal Defense too. I've felt it's one of the more effective ones

I've used. My friends and I have definitely noticed that we build

resistance to various probiotics.

penny

> > Consumer Reports magazine did a report on probiotics. I was

> > completely blown away at their findings.

> >

> You aren't going to

> > believe the results:

> >

> > Primal Defense was in the same category as the Target brand!!!

> > Primal Defense costs $1.20 and Target brand costs .06!!

> >

>

> I use the Primal Defense, I don't believe the findings in the CR

> article. I asked Garden of Life(maker of PD) to comment on the

> article. I believe there are 2 sides to every story. When I get a

> reply, I'll post it, if I am allowed.

>

> Al

[Guest guest]

I'm wondering if there's a clue in the " per serving "

differentiation. A serving of yogurt and a " serving " of Primal

Defense might make the difference?

penny

> Hi Jelly,

> Thanks for the further info. Would you mind also posting that over

> on Experimental?

>

> Geez, I'm really having a hard time wrapping my mind around

this....

> In defense of Primal Defense, without getting into the

> graphic details, it has made a big difference to me. So, I'm

> confused. I'd love it if the scientific types here could get

their

> hands on the technical aspects of the testing and give us all an

> analysis of that.

>

> Al, please do let us know what you hear from the Garden of Life

> people.

>

> Thanks,

> Laurie

[Guest guest]

I don't know about this. I do take probiotic supplements (different ones at different times) whenever I take antibiotics, but I habitually eat Yoplait yogurt because it says it has live cultures in it--and I like the taste. And I continually test negative for yeast infections and do not show symptoms of yeast infections. I think there may be something to the Consumer Reports article.

[infections] Re: Consumer Report on Probiotics....Unbelievable

Of course, I'm sure many would like to hear their response. I use Primal Defense too. I've felt it's one of the more effective ones I've used. My friends and I have definitely noticed that we build resistance to various probiotics.penny> > Consumer Reports magazine did a report on probiotics. I was > > completely blown away at their findings.> > > You aren't going to > > believe the results:> > > > Primal Defense was in the same category as the Target brand!!! > > Primal Defense costs $1.20 and Target brand costs .06!!> > > > I use the Primal Defense, I don't believe the findings in the CR > article. I asked Garden of Life(maker of PD) to comment on the > article. I believe there are 2 sides to every story. When I get a > reply, I'll post it, if I am allowed.> > Al

[Guest guest]

I already posted my rant on Primal Defense on

, so I'll boil it down here:

I'm glad it's working for your both, Al and Penny (and I'm sure

many others). My beef is that the product did not exist before

Jordan Rubin decided to manufacture it. He got well using

Nature's Biotics. Why didn't he just tell everyone about that?

No, he had to make his own -- add some ingredients, and then

overcharge for it, to a patient population who can barely afford

aspirin. And during the past four years, he's created another

dozen or so products, all of which are " essential " , and all of

which one needs to take many capsules each day (some of

them, 9-12 capsules a day). No wonder, if they're so low in

actual live probiotics.

The soil-based organisms found in Nature's Biotics (which is

also an expensive product) can now be found in many cheaper

products. In my humble opinion, Rubin's products are a

shameful ripoff.

But, if they're working for you, I'm sincerely glad!!!

Just my two cents,

Dan

> > > Consumer Reports magazine did a report on probiotics. I

was

> > > completely blown away at their findings.

> > >

> > You aren't going to

> > > believe the results:

> > >

> > > Primal Defense was in the same category as the Target

brand!!!

> > > Primal Defense costs $1.20 and Target brand costs .06!!

> > >

> >

> > I use the Primal Defense, I don't believe the findings in the

CR

> > article. I asked Garden of Life(maker of PD) to comment on

the

> > article. I believe there are 2 sides to every story. When I get a

> > reply, I'll post it, if I am allowed.

> >

> > Al

[Guest guest]

I totally understand where you're coming from Dan. I resisted Primal

Defense for quite a while, even though friends swore by it. My

problem was that I would become resistant to other probiotics, so I

finally broke down and tried it, and it does seem to work. However,

I don't take it super regularly. I took probiotics more consistently

when I was on i.v. abx. but it's always bothered me that they can't

really help you establish any gut flora. Especially if you're on

continuous abx. It's sort of a temporary measure and as such, I only

use them if I'm feeling my gut's getting a bit " off " .

penny

> > > > Consumer Reports magazine did a report on probiotics. I

> was

> > > > completely blown away at their findings.

> > > >

> > > You aren't going to

> > > > believe the results:

> > > >

> > > > Primal Defense was in the same category as the Target

> brand!!!

> > > > Primal Defense costs $1.20 and Target brand costs .06!!

> > > >

> > >

> > > I use the Primal Defense, I don't believe the findings in the

> CR

> > > article. I asked Garden of Life(maker of PD) to comment on

> the

> > > article. I believe there are 2 sides to every story. When I

get a

> > > reply, I'll post it, if I am allowed.

> > >

> > > Al

[Guest guest]

Hi gang,

I am not so sure about the good stuff being " processed out " of the

commercial brands, but I have found on my own that the good yogurts,

like Stonybrook Organic have a LOT less sugar and so have to be

better for you in that regard. I have also found for myself, that

the organic yogurts simply taste better, probably because they

aren't so sweet.

I think, when it comes to making yogurt in a manufacturing plant

that they just squirt the biotics in during packaging. By the time

it reaches the store, it's yogurt.

FWIW,

*S*

> > Consumer Reports magazine did a report on probiotics. I was

> > completely blown away at their findings.

> >

> > Using 2 independent labs, looking for live/good bacteria, they

> > tested 14 capsules, tablets and gel caps. They tested 4 liquid

> > supplements, 5 yogurts, and 4 yogurt drinks. You aren't going to

> > believe the results:

> >

> > Highest levels of good bacteria, at least 10 billion CFUs:

> >

> > YOGURTS

> > Breyers Fruit on the Bottom Lowfat

> > Colombo Light

> > Dannon Fruit on the Bottom

> > Stoneyfield Farm Organic

> > Yoplait

> >

> > YOGURT DRINKS

> > Breyers Creme Savers Smoothie

> > Dannon Light 'n Fit Smoothie

> > Stoneyfield Farm Smoothie

> > Youplait Nouriche

> >

> > SUPPLEMENTS

> > Bio-K Acidophilus/Casei Liquid

> > Continental Natural Acidophilus Liquid

> > Dannon DanActive Immunity Liquid

> > TwinLab Super Acidophilus

> >

> > High Levels of Good Bacteria, 1-10 Billion CFUs

> >

> > SUPPLEMENTS

> > Country Life Power Dofilus

> > Natrol Acidophilus

> > Nature Made Acidophilus

> > (there are at least 5 more)

> >

> > Lower Levels of Good Bacteria, LESS then 1 Billion CFUs (this is

> the

> > mind blower)

> > American Health Acidophilus Liquid

> > Enzamatic Therapy Acidophilus Pearls (Isn't this Tietlebaums?)

> > Primal Defense by Garden of Life?????!!!!!

> > Origin (get it at TARGET)

> > Sundown Acidophilus

> >

> > Primal Defense was in the same category as the Target brand!!!

> > Primal Defense costs $1.20 and Target brand costs .06!!

> >

> > Yogurts like Yoplait and Dannon have by far more good bacteria

> then

> > Primal Defense???!!!We all would had scoffed at anyone thinking

> they

> > were getting enough probiotics from YOPLAIT. I definetly will be

> > rethinking my probiotics and where I spend my money.

[Guest guest]

I feel the need to apologize to those who are doing well on

Primal Defense. My last message probably came off as too

harsh for some of you, and that certainly wasn't my intention. It

was directed soley at the maker of the product (who of course

will never read this!) especially his disingenous marketing

tactics, but in no way was it directed towards those who are

benefiting from some of his products.

d.

> > > > > Consumer Reports magazine did a report on

probiotics. I

> > was

> > > > > completely blown away at their findings.

> > > > >

> > > > You aren't going to

> > > > > believe the results:

> > > > >

> > > > > Primal Defense was in the same category as the

Target

> > brand!!!

> > > > > Primal Defense costs $1.20 and Target brand costs

..06!!

> > > > >

> > > >

> > > > I use the Primal Defense, I don't believe the findings in

the

> > CR

> > > > article. I asked Garden of Life(maker of PD) to comment

on

> > the

> > > > article. I believe there are 2 sides to every story. When I

> get a

> > > > reply, I'll post it, if I am allowed.

> > > >

> > > > Al

[Guest guest]

I don't think you need to apologize for your opinion. I think all

sides of a story need to be aired, especially when high prices are

involved.

penny

> > > > > > Consumer Reports magazine did a report on

> probiotics. I

> > > was

> > > > > > completely blown away at their findings.

> > > > > >

> > > > > You aren't going to

> > > > > > believe the results:

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Primal Defense was in the same category as the

> Target

> > > brand!!!

> > > > > > Primal Defense costs $1.20 and Target brand costs

> .06!!

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > I use the Primal Defense, I don't believe the findings in

> the

> > > CR

> > > > > article. I asked Garden of Life(maker of PD) to comment

> on

> > > the

> > > > > article. I believe there are 2 sides to every story. When

I

> > get a

> > > > > reply, I'll post it, if I am allowed.

> > > > >

> > > > > Al