J Scott Weese1. 1. Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Canada.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate contents of commercial probiotic products marketed for veterinary or human administration. DESIGN: Microbiologic culture assay. SAMPLE POPULATION: 8 veterinary probiotics and 5 human probiotics. PROCEDURE: Quantitative bacteriologic culture was performed on all products, and isolates were identified via biochemical characteristics. Comparison of actual contents versus label claims was performed. RESULTS: Label descriptions of organisms and concentrations accurately described the actual contents of only 2 of 13 products. Five veterinary products did not specifically list their contents. Most products contained low concentrations of viable organisms. Five products did not contain 1 or more of the stated organisms, and 3 products contained additional species. Some products contained organisms with no reported probiotic effects; some of these organisms could be pathogens. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Most commercial veterinary probiotic preparations are not accurately represented by label claims. Quality control appears to be poor for commercial veterinary probiotics.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate contents of commercial probiotic products marketed for veterinary or human administration. DESIGN: Microbiologic culture assay. SAMPLE POPULATION: 8 veterinary probiotics and 5 human probiotics. PROCEDURE: Quantitative bacteriologic culture was performed on all products, and isolates were identified via biochemical characteristics. Comparison of actual contents versus label claims was performed. RESULTS: Label descriptions of organisms and concentrations accurately described the actual contents of only 2 of 13 products. Five veterinary products did not specifically list their contents. Most products contained low concentrations of viable organisms. Five products did not contain 1 or more of the stated organisms, and 3 products contained additional species. Some products contained organisms with no reported probiotic effects; some of these organisms could be pathogens. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Most commercial veterinary probiotic preparations are not accurately represented by label claims. Quality control appears to be poor for commercial veterinary probiotics.
Authors: Gillian E Gardiner; Pat G Casey; Garrett Casey; P Brendan Lynch; Peadar G Lawlor; Colin Hill; Gerald F Fitzgerald; Catherine Stanton; R Paul Ross Journal: Appl Environ Microbiol Date: 2004-04 Impact factor: 4.792