An independent in vitro study has explored the mechanism of action and survivability of 8 commercially available probiotic products in the UK, finding that liquid-based formulations outperform capsule or powder formats.
Popularity of probiotics has grown hugely, but there is still a lot of confusion among consumers and healthcare professionals about how to choose a suitable product. Researchers at University College London School of Pharmacy therefore wanted to understand the impact of different types of delivery system (liquid, powder, capsule) on the health and survival of the bacteria using different gastric tolerance tests in the laboratory.
Published in Beneficial Microbes, the independent study demonstrated that recovery of viable organisms per dose is the same as or better than the stated label claims for liquid-based formulations like Symprove, but lower than the stated claim for freeze-dried products (powder, capsules). The researchers hypothesised this was because the freeze-drying process which is used to create powder/capsule formulations, dehydrates the bacteria which makes them ‘inactive’ or ‘dormant’ and can affect their viability.
The study also found that liquid-based products like Symprove gave superior results in terms of survival compared with the freeze-dried products, particularly the 4 capsule products tested. In fact Symprove demonstrated superior survivability to all 7 probiotics tested, including capsules, powder and yoghurt drinks.
Prof Simon Gaisford of University College London School of Pharmacy who led the study, said: "Symprove is different from other probiotics because it is water-based, which means bacteria are already active in the liquid when the person drinks it. It also limits exposure to gastric juices and digestive enzymes in the stomach ensuring the bacteria reach the gut alive.”
The full published paper is available in Beneficial Microbes (Fredua-Agyeman M & Gaisford S. Beneficial Microbes. 2015;6(1):141–151).
About Symprove:
Symprove is the UK's No.1 live and active bacteria supplement*.
Founded in 1986, Symprove has spent decades investing in independent scientific research to help build a better understanding of the gut microbiome and the role it plays in overall health.
Unlike many supplements, Symprove's unique water-based formula is designed to deliver live and active bacteria to the gut, where they can have the greatest impact. It contains four strains of live and active bacteria, is suitable for everyday use and is free from dairy, gluten and artificial additives.
Today, Symprove is available on subscription from symprove.com and at leading UK retailers including Tesco, Boots, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Superdrug, and Holland & Barrett.
For more information, visit www.symprove.com.
For samples or more information, please get in touch with press@symprove.com or call 01252 413 600.
* Source Euromonitor International Ltd; Consumer Health 2026ed., Symprove retail value sales, UK 2025 data
