The Truth About Kombucha: Is it Really a Probiotic?
Kombucha, a fermented tea drink, has gained popularity in recent years due to its purported health benefits.
One of the most touted benefits is its probiotic properties. However, experts say that not all kombucha products are created equal and some may not contain any live microorganisms at all.
Experts define a probiotic as a live microorganism, typically a bacterium or yeast, that provides health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. However, not all kombucha products meet this definition, and some may not contain any live microorganisms at all.
Professor Robert Hutkins, author of Microbiology and Technology of Fermented Foods, notes that kombucha may contain some beneficial microorganisms, but the evidence for its probiotic effects is limited.
“Kombucha is not a probiotic in the classical sense. To be considered a probiotic, a product must contain live and active microorganisms, be specifically identified down to subtype or strain and demonstrate a health benefit in randomized controlled trials,” says Hutkins.
A recent study found that many commercial kombucha products contained little to no live microorganisms, raising concerns about the efficacy of these products.
Experts advise consumers to exercise caution when selecting kombucha products, looking for third-party verification of a product’s probiotic status.
