The possible power of probiotics

Probiotics have taken the world by storm recently but what actually are they, where can we find them and what do they do?

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts which are commonly found in products like yoghurt, apple cider vinegar and kimchi and have various health benefits. They’re live microorganisms which are often described as "good" or "friendly" bacteria. 

Recently, there has been an influx in advertising of probiotics, specifically aimed at women, claiming to be scientifically proven to fix various health issues. They’re often branded as “gut healing” and claim to boost immunity, reduce bloating and increase energy levels. Now that they’re available in the form of gummies, powders, protein bars, and shots this new health craze has certainly taken over the market. 

However, is that because they are effective or because people are being paid commissions to promote them? Social media has become inundated with adverts for products like this, almost always, with a link to storefronts which openly pay their sellers' commission. 

The biggest seller, FreeSoul, has over a million sales on TikTok and over 56,000 reviews so it’s clear these new companies are doing something right. They claim that their product “focuses on the unique nutritional needs of women in a way no one else does.” Which should be a good thing, so why is there so much controversy?

Well maybe it’s because they have too many specific products in pretty packaging. Freesoul sells supplements for everything (and I mean everything). This includes perimenopausal supplements which they claim use “an effective combination of vitamins, minerals and superfoods to impact wellbeing from a variety of angles.” Upon further research, it seems these supplements are filled with false promises and clever marketing. One look on the NHS website tells you that these products may not do all they suggest as “there’s little evidence to support many health claims made about probiotics.”

So what is it that makes these new “miracle” supplements so popular? Is it the pretty packaging? The stylish water bottles? The influence of the right people? Or do their products actually work? Although there is no direct evidence for the benefits of probiotics other scientific journals have said “the best we can say right now is they won't hurt, and may help.” Now I don’t know about you, but I don’t find that overly convincing. 

I would say therefore that the main reason for the popularity of these supplements is word of mouth. So perhaps instead, you might find apple cider vinegar gummies more effective for bloating, or as a significantly cheaper alternative, prescribed indigestion tablets. It would appear to me that synthetic supplements are a gamble and you’re better off with the natural products or none at all. Currently, there is too much controversy, paid commission and a lack of scientific proof to suggest these products are worthwhile.

Edited by Larissa Kirby