Re: Quality of probiotics

Viability depends on storage requirements of the organism(s) in question and the packaging and how well you follow directions. While I agree, some probiotics require light exclusion (ie. you must keep them in a dark place) and refrigeration for optimal viability, there are some probiotic organisms that do not require the kid glove approach. Culturelle LGG is shelf stable at room temperatures of 70 degrees Farenheit or less and is blister packed in light excluding foil to afford protection from light generated deterioration and from moisture. It is guaranteed to deliver a minimum of 10 Billion live organisms per capsule without being refrigerated. And yes, this is a lyophilized product.

Jarro-dophilus EPS, a broad spectrum probiotic of 8 species, is also generally considered to be shelf stable when the blister packs are kept in the light excluding box, although they do recommend refrigeration if there is any question on the room temperature.

I am sure there are other probiotics that are in these more hardy categories. On the other hand, many L. acidophilus products are not able to withstand shelf storage and do require refrigeration, light control, etc. The key is to closely read the product in hand and know the requirements.