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FAQs
Is 30 billion CFU probiotics too much?
Whether 30 billion CFU (colony-forming units) of probiotics is too much depends on individual factors such as your specific health goals and tolerance to probiotics.
For many, especially those who are new to probiotic supplements, 25-30 billion CFU
could be an appropriate potency to start with, or you could start with a lower potency of probiotics with 10 billion CFU. If you have experience taking probiotics or are seeking targeted support, a higher CFU probiotic in the range of 50-150 CFU could be appropriate. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best dosage of probiotics for your individual needs.
What is CFU in probiotics?
CFU stands for “colony-forming units.” This is a measure used to quantify the number of live and active microorganisms in one serving of a probiotic supplement. It indicates the number of live bacteria that are capable of multiplying and forming colonies when cultured under specific conditions. For example, a probiotic with a 30 billion CFU count should include no less than 30 billion individual live microorganisms. All Renew Life probiotics offer guaranteed potency until the product’s expiration date, so you can be sure you’re getting the CFU count listed on the label.
While a higher CFU count can be a good indicator of a probiotic’s potency, it does not necessarily mean it’s a better product. Instead of simply looking at the CFU, consider whether it contains multiple strains backed by clinical studies, and whether it’s manufactured in a way that ensures the beneficial microorganisms it contains will make it to your gut alive.
How many billion CFU probiotics should I take?
A billion might sound like a lot, but not with probiotic supplements! The ideal probiotic dose ranges widely and depends a lot on your health goals, experience with probiotics, and what the research has shown about specific strains and the doses needed to get the benefits you want. Our probiotics for gut healthrange from 1 billion CFU to 150 billion CFU.*
It’s important to keep in mind that with probiotics, more is not always better. Of course, you want to ensure that you’re getting enough beneficial bacteria to make a positive difference in your gut and overall health. But, if you take too much before your body has acclimated, you could end up experiencing digestive upset.
For the average adult new to probiotics and seeking everyday gut and immune health support, we recommend starting with Renew Life probiotics with 25 to 30 billion CFU, like our Women’s Care Probiotic 25 Billion or Extra Care Probiotic 30 Billion. If you have experience taking probiotics, you could start with probiotics with 50 billion CFU or a higher CFU formula.*
How many billion CFU probiotics is too much?
There isn't a universally agreed-upon threshold for how many billion CFU of probiotics is too much, as tolerance varies among individuals. However, excessively high doses of probiotics may overwhelm the gut microbiota and lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, including symptoms such as bloating, gas or diarrhea. It's generally advisable to start with lower CFU counts (a 25-30 billion CFU probiotic) and gradually increase as needed while monitoring for any undesirable effects. If you experience significant discomfort, you should consult with a healthcare professional for guidance.
How many CFU probiotics do I need?
The number of CFU of probiotics you need depends on factors such as your age, tolerance to probiotics and specific health goals. For general daily maintenance of gut health, probiotics with 25-30 billion CFU are often recommended for adults. However, a higher CFU count may be appropriate in certain situations or for specific health goals. In these cases, 90 billion CFUor 150 billion CFU could be the right place to start. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate dosage of probiotics for your individual needs.
What is the best CFU count for probiotics?
There isn't a single best CFU count for probiotics, as the optimal dosage varies depending on individual factors such as your age, experience with probiotics and specific health goals. For general maintenance of gut health, a daily 25-30 billion CFU probiotic is commonly recommended for adults. (We offer a variety of options when it comes to probiotics with 30 billion CFU.) However, higher doses may be appropriate in certain situation or for specific health goals. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations as it's important to choose a probiotic supplement with a CFU count that aligns with your individual needs.
Does CFU matter in probiotics?
Yes, CFU (colony-forming units) is an important factor to consider when evaluating the potency of probiotic supplements.
CFU indicates the number of live bacteria or microorganisms present in each dose of the probiotic supplement. However, the appropriate CFU count for you depends on individual factors such as your age and specific health goals. It's essential to choose a probiotic supplement with an appropriate CFU count for your individual needs. Renew Life probiotics with 30 billion CFU can be a great place to start, but you should consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
How long does it take for probiotics to work?
The time it takes for probiotics to work varies depending on factors such as the specific strain of probiotics used, dosage, your individual constitution and health goals.
It takes time to balance your microbiome, so don’t expect overnight results. But with consistent daily supplementation, you could begin to feel results in as little as two weeks, or more commonly within roughly four to six weeks. Patience and consistency are key when it comes to getting the gut- and immune health-supporting benefits of probiotics.*
Can you take too many probiotics?
While there isn't a universally agreed-upon threshold for how many billion CFU of probiotics is too much, it is possible that high doses of probiotics may lead to gastrointestinal upset. Excessive probiotic consumption can overwhelm the gut microbiota and disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria, resulting in side effects such as bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort or diarrhea. A probiotic with 25-30 billion CFU is often a good place to start if you’re new to probiotics, but you should consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
When should you take probiotics?
Probiotics can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. However, some experts recommend taking them with a meal or shortly before eating. Before you eat, your stomach has a lower concentration of stomach acid because your body has not yet begun to produce it in the large quantities needed to digest your food. Taking your probiotics while your stomach acid is low can help ensure that more healthy bacteria survive and colonize your gut, where they can go to work supporting your digestive health and immune system.*
There’s one notable exception to the rule about taking probiotics before or with a meal. If your probiotic comes in delayed-release capsules, the exact timing of when you take it is less important. That’s because these capsules are designed to protect the beneficial bacteria inside, so they survive any exposure to stomach acid and reach your gut alive.
What is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics?
They might sound similar, but prebiotics and probiotics are not interchangeable.Your body needs both since they work together synergistically to keep your digestive system happy and healthy.*
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers and sugars that selectively stimulate the growth or activity of desirable microorganisms. Essentially, they act as food for probiotics. Examples of prebiotic fibers include inulin, XOS (xylooligosaccharides) and FOS (fructooligosaccharides). They occur naturally in many plant foods including bananas, asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, chicory, garlic and onions.
Probiotics, on the other hand, are live microorganisms that perform a multitude of functions in your gut and throughout your body. Without prebiotics, probiotics don’t have the fuel they need to survive, reproduce and get their job done. And without probiotics, there’s no one to consume and digest the healthy prebiotic (and other) foods your body needs to thrive.*
Do probiotics expire?
Yes, you’ll see an expiration date printed on most probiotic supplement packages. Probiotics have a limited shelf life because they contain living microorganisms, which are sensitive to light, heat and moisture, and can become less active—and therefore lose potency and effectiveness—over time, reducing the product's efficacy. Therefore, it's essential to check the expiration date on probiotic supplements before use and to store them properly according to the manufacturer's instructions to maintain their potency.
Renew Life probiotics have their expiration date printed on the bottom of the box and on the bottle. Thanks to innovative stay-fresh bottles, our probiotics are guaranteed to retain their full potency and effectiveness until that expiration date. For example, Renew Life probiotics with 30 billion CFU are guaranteed to contain 30 billion live cultures in each capsule until the product expires.
How long does it take a probiotic to work?
The time it takes for a probiotic to work depends on multiple factors, including the specific probiotic strain, the dosage or CFU count, your unique constitution and your health goals.
Balancing your microbiome takes time, so don’t expect immediate results—whether you’re taking probiotics with 30 billion CFU or 150. But with consistent daily use, you could begin to feel results in as little as two weeks, or more commonly within about four to six weeks. Be patient and consistent, and you will likely experience the benefits of supporting your gut microbiome balance with probiotics.*
Which probiotic strains are best?
The best probiotic strains include specific clinically studied Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains that have been shown to provide benefits including support for gut and immune health. Some of the most well-researched Lactobacillus strains include L. rhamnosus GG, L. paracasei Lpc-37® and L. acidophilus NCFM®. Some examples of Bifidobacterium strains with clinically documented health benefits include B.lactis BB-12, B. lactis Bi-07 and B. lactis HN019.*
Probiotics for immune health and gut health support will also generally provide a diverse assortment of strains that have been clinically studied and shown to be effective. *