Indian scientists anticipate the government will enact regulations for probiotic foods by January 2010. Probiotic products have increased dramatically in recent years as consumers have looked to dietary supplements to provide added health benefits.

Probiotic foods contain live micro-organisms. Among its purported benefits are healthier digestive systems and stronger immune systems.

Some of the concerns include:

1. How much the body absorbs from probiotic foods;
2. How much probiotics must be consumed for discernible health benefits;
3. The purity of live probiotic strains; and
4. Whether purported probiotic strains are still alive in a product.

Experts have questioned some dubious health claims. With safety, efficacy and reliability concerns, product standards as well as uniform marketing guidelines could alleviate any consumer confusion.

Probiotic products are among the most recognized functional foods in the United States. However, regulators have not adopted set standards governing health claims or product purity. Given their growing commercial presence, regulators should look to create standards to hold manufacturers accountable.

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