Probiotic Myths in America: Separating Hype from Health

Probiotics have become one of the most talked-about supplements in recent years. Walk through any pharmacy or scroll online and you’ll find shelves full of products promising to support digestion, immunity, and overall wellbeing. But with popularity comes confusion (and plenty of misinformation).

Let’s break down some of the most common myths about probiotics, and what science and experience really tell us.

Are all probiotics the same?

It’s easy to assume that every probiotic capsule delivers the same benefits, but the truth is more complex. Different strains of bacteria have different roles - some help with digestion, others influence the immune system, and some support nutrient absorption or gut balance.

Quality also varies depending on how those strains are grown, combined, and preserved. For example, Dr. Ohhira’s multi-strain formula is created through a long, natural fermentation process that allows beneficial bacteria to develop in a living ecosystem, producing not just probiotics but the nutrients they need to thrive.

Does a higher CFU count mean the probiotic is better?

CFU stands for “colony-forming units,” or the number of live bacteria in a product. It sounds logical that more must be better, but that’s not necessarily true. The strength of a probiotic depends on the quality and resilience of its strains, not just how many are listed on the label.

Through natural fermentation, probiotics adapt to changing conditions, becoming stronger and more stable - meaning fewer CFUs can sometimes be more effective than billions of fragile, freeze-dried cells.

Do all probiotics need to be refridgerated?

Not always. While many products do require refrigeration to stay alive, some are designed to be shelf-stable. Dr. Ohhira’s probiotics, for instance, remain viable at room temperature thanks to their three-year fermentation process, which encourages only the hardiest bacteria to survive.

So refrigeration isn’t a sign of quality - it simply reflects how the bacteria were produced and preserved.

Do you get enough probiotics from food?

Fermented foods like yoghurt, kimchi, and kombucha can contribute to a healthy microbiome, but they don’t necessarily provide the diversity or stability found in a well-formulated supplement. The bacteria in foods may not survive stomach acid or stay in the gut long enough to make a meaningful difference.

Supplements can help bridge that gap, especially when they combine beneficial strains with the nutrients that support their survival.

If I’m healthy, do I still need probiotics?

Even people who feel well can benefit from supporting their gut microbiome. Everyday factors such as stress, travel, diet, or medication can alter the balance of bacteria in the digestive system. Maintaining microbial diversity helps the body adapt - supporting digestion, energy, and immune resilience over time.

Probiotics aren’t just for fixing problems; they’re part of ongoing health maintenance.

Do probiotics actually influence health?

The gut is home to roughly 70–80 percent of the body’s immune cells, and an imbalance of gut bacteria has been linked to a range of issues, from low energy and poor digestion to mood changes. Research continues to show that maintaining a healthy microbiome can influence many aspects of wellbeing — so while probiotics aren’t a cure-all, they play a meaningful role in overall health.

What you see on the label is always what you get

Unfortunately, not all probiotic products live up to their claims. Independent testing has shown that some supplements contain fewer live bacteria than stated — or entirely different strains. Counterfeit or improperly stored products can also lose potency before they reach consumers.

That’s why it’s always best to buy directly from a trusted supplier or the brand’s official retailer to ensure authenticity, freshness, and full effectiveness.

The Bottom Line

Probiotics are far from hype - but understanding how they work, and how they’re made, is key to choosing wisely. When produced using time-tested fermentation methods and backed by rigorous quality standards, they can be one of the simplest ways to support long-term gut and immune health naturally. And with Dr Ohhira’s probiotics, you can always trust that what you read is what you get. Shop the collection here.