Do Probiotics Survive Stomach Acid?
Some do, many don't. Your stomach is a pH 1.5-3.5 death trap. Only specific strains with enteric coating or natural acid resistance survive the journey. Most cheap probiotics are dead on arrival.
The Numbers
How much scientific truth is there?
How much is just marketing?
Marketing vs Reality
What Marketing Says
- "Billions of live cultures"
- "Survives stomach acid"
- "Reaches your gut alive"
- "Clinically studied strains"
What Science Says
- Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have varying survival rates. Some strains handle acid well, others don't.
- Spore-forming probiotics (Bacillus) survive stomach acid better.
- Enteric coating significantly improves survival rates.
- Timing matters: taking with food raises stomach pH, improving survival.
Reality Check
The "10 billion CFU" on the label means nothing if those bacteria are dead when they reach your intestines. Many brands test CFU at manufacturing, not at time of consumption after stomach transit. You might be swallowing expensive bacterial corpses.
What To Do Instead
- 1Choose strains with documented acid resistance (Bacillus coagulans, certain Lactobacillus strains).
- 2Look for enteric-coated or delayed-release formulas.
- 3Take probiotics with food. The higher pH helps survival.
- 4Refrigerated isn't always better. Stability depends on strain, not temperature.
The Exception
Some probiotics work differently. Saccharomyces boulardii (a yeast) survives acid well. Spore-based probiotics are designed to withstand harsh conditions.
The Bottom Line
Not all probiotics survive. Choose strains with proven survival rates or enteric coating. Otherwise you're gambling.
Related Supplements
But Wait...
Look for survival studies on the specific strain. Reputable brands publish this data.
More Myths to Bust
About this information: Our recommendations draw from peer-reviewed clinical trials, systematic reviews, and the same medical databases your doctor uses. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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