IPRO

What is IPRO™?

IPRO™ (International Probiotic Standards) is a certification specifically designed for probiotic ingredients and finished products. IPRO™ helps companies be more transparent in how their probiotics are manufactured, handled, tested, stored, shipped, and labeled.

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria naturally found in the body, especially the gut. The word comes from the Greek “pro,” meaning “promoting,” and “biotic,” meaning “life.” We can consume probiotics from foods, such as yogurt and fermented foods, or from supplements. Getting enough probiotics is important for maintaining a healthy balance between good and bad (disease-causing) bacteria.

How Much Do You Need?

There are many different probiotic organisms, so there is no set dosage. Some probiotics are dosed by weight or by the number of live organisms they contain (typically measured as Colony Forming Units [CFUs]). When starting any new supplementation regimen, we recommend asking your healthcare provider for advice. Probiotics are live microorganisms, so companies must have tightly-controlled quality systems in place.