The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #37244

Sheryl Berman, PhD, Professor Department of Basic Sciences, Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Drive, Kenmore, WA 98028 and Diane Spicer, MS, DN, Assistant Professor Department of Basic Sciences, Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Drive, Kenmore, WA 98028, 425-602-3275, sberman@bastyr.edu.

In this pilot study, Lactobacillus dietary (probiotic) supplements in the Seattle, Washington area were analyzed as to safety and reliability. The contents of twenty randomly selected brands of Lactobacillus supplements were cultured for viability. Microorganisms isolated were identified as to genus and species using DNA analysis. Results were compared to contents stated on bottle of supplements.

None of the brands tested had organisms isolated that were identical to those stated on the bottle label. Thirty percent of the brands sampled were contaminated with various other microorganisms and twenty percent of the brands sampled had no growth. From this pilot study, it appears that Lactobacillus dietary supplements randomly examined in the Seattle area are not reliable and may not be safe for the consumer. A larger scale study involving the State of Washington is underway.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify rationale for evaluating purity and viability of Lactobacillus (probiotic) dietary supplements.
• Discuss the problems encountered with purity, viability, and speciation of the the dietary supplements examined and their impact on consumers.
• Evaluate the need for a broad based examination and evaluation of all probiotic supplements for purity, viability and speciation.

Keywords: Community Health, Nutrition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.