When choosing a liquid probiotic, people often only focus on the types of bacteria or the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) it contains. These matter, but they're not the only things worth considering.
Because not all liquid probiotics are equal, we've put together this guide to the key questions worth asking before you buy.
What should you look for before buying a liquid probiotic?
Some of the most important things to look for when you’re trying to choose a liquid probiotic are:
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any scientific evidence to back it up
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information about the specific probiotic strains
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the CFU count
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any other ingredients, like the type of additives
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storage information
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third-party testing
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whether the claims stack up
Let’s take a look at each consideration in more detail.
Is the liquid probiotic supported by scientific evidence?
Not all liquid probiotics are backed by scientific evidence, so it's worth checking. In particular, look for product-specific research.
In other words, find out whether the company has tested their product to make sure that it works for the specific condition or symptoms you’re targeting.
Choose the right strains
Some probiotics contain one strain of bacteria, while others contain several.
Because not all probiotic bacteria have the same health effects, making sure you pick a strain that fits your needs is vital. For instance, some strains help reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, while others might ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Again, looking for scientific evidence to back up the claims of a probiotic strain is important.
Some liquid probiotics might only mention the species of bacteria. This isn’t ideal, because each species consists of different strains, and each strain can have different health effects. Evidence for one strain doesn't mean the same is true for other strains in that species.
So, when you’re assessing claims about probiotics, look for the names of specific strains. Here’s an example:
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Lactobacillus acidophilus = species
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Lactobacillus acidophilus NCIMB 30175 = strain
Check the CFU
CFU is a measure of how many live bacteria are in a liquid probiotic, and it’s worth checking.
Look for a product with around 10 billion CFUs. More than that doesn’t necessarily mean the product is better, and there may also be good evidence for a probiotic with a lower CFU count.
Beyond bacteria: What else is in there?
Aside from the strains involved and the CFU count, it’s important to check what else the liquid probiotic contains.
This is particularly important if you’re vegan or need gluten- or lactose-free products.
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Vegan: Some probiotics contain animal-derived ingredients like fish oil or gelatine, and many strains are grown on dairy.
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Gluten-free: Certain liquid probiotics may contain gluten, so check the label. Worryingly, some that claim to be gluten-free may still contain traces, so you might want to look for third-party verification (more on this below).
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Lactose-free: Some microbes are grown on dairy, though lactose is unlikely to end up in the final product. If you're particularly sensitive, it may be best to ask your doctor first.
Some liquid probiotics also include ingredients you might want to avoid, like emulsifiers or artificial colours and sweeteners.
How do you store your liquid probiotic?
Certain probiotics, like freeze-dried versions, are shelf-stable and don't need refrigeration. Others, which contain live bacteria, need to be refrigerated so the bacteria can survive until they’re consumed.
This may sway your choice if you don’t have easy access to a fridge or you travel often (more on travelling later).
Transparency matters
When you’re reading liquid probiotics’ labels, look for signs of manufacturer transparency. In particular, look for:
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Guaranteed CFU count until expiry: Some products only state the CFU count at the time of manufacture, which doesn't mean you’ll get that many probiotic strains. Look for a count that's guaranteed until the expiry date.
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Third-party testing: This means that another company has checked the label’s claims, like the strains and CFU count. They may also confirm the absence of contaminants and the suitability for vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free diets.
Are the claims realistic?
Some probiotic manufacturers are less reliable than others. If a label promises a 'detox', a 'dramatic' immune boost, or a 'cure' for any medical condition, be wary:
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‘Detox’ is a meaningless buzzword used to sell wellness products.
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Probiotics can't 'dramatically' boost your immune system, and it wouldn't be good if they could, since a balanced immune system beats an overactive one.
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Claiming that a probiotic ‘cures’ anything is actually illegal.
If a claim seems far too good to be true, it probably is.
Are liquid probiotics practical to use every day?
Most manufacturers suggest taking a liquid probiotic daily, so it's important to choose one that fits easily into your routine. Some factors worth weighing up include:
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taste
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storage
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convenience
Taste
Since you'll be taking it daily, it helps if you enjoy the taste. Some brands have multiple flavours, so you might want to try a few until you find one that you really like.
Storage requirements and travel
Some liquid probiotics need refrigeration, which can be tricky if you're rarely at home. In that case, a shelf-stable probiotic, or one that copes with a few hours out of the fridge, may suit you better.
But if you take it each morning and you're usually at home, a refrigerated option can be just as convenient. Some manufacturers suggest taking a liquid probiotic with food, while others recommend an empty stomach. Depending on your lifestyle, you may have a preference.
Convenience matters
If convenience is your top priority, a shelf-stable liquid might fit into your routine more easily than a refrigerated one.
But if you’re already opening the fridge in your morning routine, a refrigerated probiotic can be just as practical, and having your probiotic there might remind you to take it.
Are liquid probiotics easy to take?
Whether liquid probiotics are easier to take than pills, powders or capsules depends on a few factors. Here are some of the pros and cons:
Pros of liquid probiotics
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Easy to take: Especially if you don’t like swallowing pills or it’s challenging. This might be particularly important for some children and older adults.
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Flexible dosing: Measuring out doses can be easier with liquids, as splitting pills and capsules can be hit-or-miss.
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May contain live, active cultures: Some refrigerated liquids deliver live rather than freeze-dried bacteria.
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Easy to mix: Blending your dose into a drink or meal can make this part of your routine more convenient.
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Some include fermented ingredients: This may mean added beneficial compounds produced during fermentation.
Cons of liquid probiotics
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Shorter shelf life: Some liquid probiotics require refrigeration and may lose potency faster than freeze-dried capsules.
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Careful storage required: Extreme heat, cold or light may reduce the number of live organisms.
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Variable potency: The number of live bacteria may decline between manufacture and consumption, so it's worth checking for a guaranteed CFU count until expiry.
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May contain added ingredients: Some products include sweeteners, artificial flavourings or preservatives that you might prefer to avoid.
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Taste: This depends on your preferences.
How Symprove approaches these considerations
At Symprove, we know how hard it can be to choose a liquid product that’s right for you, so we've kept all of these factors in mind when designing ours.
Water-based formulation
Symprove is water-based, meaning the microbes remain alive from manufacture through to consumption. So unlike the freeze-dried bacteria in pills or powders, ours get to work quickly, with no need to rehydrate first.
This is why Symprove’s products need refrigeration – it keeps them alive longer.
Our water-based formulation also helps the friendly microbes weather your stomach acid, so they can thrive as they pass through your gut.
Evidence-backed strains
Symprove’s liquid product contains science-backed strains:
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Lactobacillus acidophilus NCIMB 30175
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Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NCIMB 30173
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Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus NCIMB 30174
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Enterococcus lactis NCIMB 30176
Symprove’s CFU count
Symprove contains 10 billion CFUs, guaranteed until the end of its shelf life, not just at the time of manufacture.
This helps ensure that a good number of bacteria make it through your stomach alive and get to work in your gut.
Ingredients kept simple
At Symprove, we try to keep our ingredients list simple, so you won't find emulsifiers, gluten, dairy, lactose or animal products in it.
Also, all of our flavours and colours are natural.
Third-party verification
To ensure our products are consistently of the highest quality, a third party assesses them.
Every batch of Symprove is quality-tested at our in-house laboratory by expert microbiologists, and periodically, these tests are validated by external, accredited labs. Together, these checks confirm the CFU count, the strains and the absence of contaminants.
Also, batches are regularly tested to make sure there’s no gluten or lactose.
Symprove health claims
Because Symprove is a food supplement, not a medicine, we can’t legally make specific health claims ourselves. Instead, we let our Trustpilot reviews speak for themselves.
Frequently asked questions
Here are the answers to some common questions:
What does Symprove taste like?
Symprove comes in four flavours: Original, Mango and Passion Fruit, Strawberry and Raspberry, and Pineapple.
According to reviews, customers enjoy the taste and say it isn't synthetic or too sweet.
Why should Symprove be taken on an empty stomach?
Food stays in the stomach for around 2 to 4 hours while stomach acid helps break it down, and this acid can kill off sensitive microbes if they linger too long.
Liquid, though, passes through the stomach much faster. That's why we suggest taking Symprove on an empty stomach, so it won’t get held up while food is digested and will reach your gut more quickly.
Why should I wait before eating after taking Symprove?
Because Symprove is a liquid, it moves through the acidic stomach faster than food, giving the friendly bacteria a better chance of reaching your intestines alive.
So, we suggest waiting at least 10 minutes before eating.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Missing a dose is nothing to worry about. Just start again as usual the next day.
Can I travel with Symprove?
Yes, you can travel with Symprove. If you have an opened bottle that you want to take with you, keep it in a cool bag so the microbes stay happy.
For unopened bottles, you can simply pop them in your bag and refrigerate them once you arrive. Very hot or cold conditions can affect the friendly bacteria, but Symprove is robust, and most everyday temperatures won't be a problem in the short term.
How should I store Symprove?
Store unopened Symprove bottles somewhere cool and dark. Once opened, keep it in the fridge and use it within 10 to 14 days. Avoid freezing or heating Symprove, as extreme temperatures kill the friendly microbes.
Can children take Symprove?
Yes, Symprove is safe for children. We recommend giving them 1 millilitre per kilogram of body weight. So, if a child weighs 30 kg, you’d give them 30 ml.
Sources
A four-strain probiotic exerts positive immunomodulatory effects by enhancing colonic butyrate production in vitro. International Journal of Pharmaceutics. (2019). Link.
Comparative survival of commercial probiotic formulations: Tests in biorelevant gastric fluids and real-time measurements using microcalorimetry. Beneficial Microbes. (2015). Link.
Efficacy of probiotics for irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. (2022). Link.
Probiotics for the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Healthcare. (2022). Link.
Probiotics, your friend or foe? (2015). Link.
Rebuilding the gut microbiota ecosystem. Environmental Research and Public Health. (2018). Link.
