What’s in a Name? How to Decode Probiotic Strains
Raise your hand if you’ve read the label of a probiotic bottle and been thoroughly confused by the multi-syllabic, hard-to-pronounce, vowels-upon-vowels list of probiotic strains.
Well, you’re not alone. That’s why we’re sharing exactly what goes into Routine’s unique probiotic formula so you can understand what’s in the bottle and what you’re putting into your body. We’re big believers in empowering you to understand your own health needs without requiring a PhD in biology to do so.
When it comes to probiotics, what’s on the nutrition label is taxonomy, the scientific approach to naming and classifying organisms. Probiotics are identified by three monikers: a genus, species, and an alphanumeric strain. For example, Lactobacillus (genus) rhamnosus (species) HN001 (strain). That three-step formula works similarly across nature, too. Think dog = Canis (genus) lupus (species) golden retriever (breed) or cat = Felis (genus) catus (species) Siamese (breed).
One of the most important parts of the three-word name is the strain because each holds potential for a unique health benefit, like regulating digestion. We’re all about transparency, which is why we want you to know exactly what’s in Routine’s clean, complete formulation:
- Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 to improve digestion
- Bifidobacterium lactis BL-04 to boost immunity
- Bifidobacterium lactis B-420 to help manage a healthy weight
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14 to protect vaginal health
We pored over scientific journals to choose these specific strains, ensuring that they have the extensive studies to back up the benefits. You can read more about our research (and read the studies yourself!) here.
FAQ
- How do the specific strains of probiotics mentioned in the article interact with each other within Routine's formula? Are there any potential synergies or conflicts between them?
- Can the benefits mentioned for each strain be generalized to all individuals, or are there specific factors (such as age, health conditions, or diet) that might affect their effectiveness?
- While the article briefly mentions the extensive studies supporting the chosen strains, are there any potential side effects or contraindications associated with these probiotics that readers should be aware of before incorporating them into their routine?