Industry Trends

The Consumer Council reviewed 40 probiotic supplements available on the market, finding significant variations in product quality and providing consumers important purchase guidance. The test covered 6 women, 11 children and 23 general probiotic samples, with prices ranging from HK$99 to HK$788. The daily cost ranged from HK$5.3 to HK$52.6 per daily serving suggestions.

Strain Label Completeness Raised Concerns

The test showed that only 15 products clearly listed all probiotic strain information on packaging. More than 60% products failed to fully disclose the genus, species, or strain number and one product didn’t label any relevant probiotic information and only the description “comprehensive probiotics developed by a local university.” The Consumer Council noted that the efficacy of probiotics was “strain-specific,” and those without strain number couldn’t confirm the scientific research evidence.

Safety Risk Warning: Two Samples Contained *Enterococcus faecium

The test found that two samples contained Enterococcus faecium, a bacterial species with high risk of antimicrobial resistance and not recommend for human consumption by international organisations. Experts reminded consumers to check whether the packaging clearly indicating the strain number and to avoid products with vague ingredient label.

Practical Purchasing Recommendations

The Consumer Council and experts recommended consumers to consider the following points when purchasing probiotic products: look for patented strain codes and human clinical data and with specific strain numbers, ie. HN019, BB-12, and LGG. For daily consumption, a recommended intake of 10 billion to 50 billion CFU, as higher doses might not bring additional benefits. To choose products with acid-resistant encapsulation technology to improve the survival rate of live bacteria reaching the intestines; and choose clear ingredients, avoiding high sugar and excessive artificial additives.

For those with frequent constipation, considered formulas based primarily on Lactobacillus plantarum; for those with nasal allergies or allergic constitutions, suggested formulas containing Bifidobacterium lactis .