How do probiotic bacteria from yogurt or nutritional supplements survive the very acidic stomach environment to do you any good in your gut?

Answer 1

Nutrition supplement companies that sell probiotics use what is called probiotic encapsulation technology (PET). This is a protective coating around the supplement that protects it as it passes through the acidic environment of the stomach. Companies typically use alginate, carrageenan, whey proteins that have an amphoteric character, gelatin, or chitosan. These substances are designed to have a low solubility in acidic environments so they clear the acidic envoronment; however, when they reach the intestines the pH rises and thus so does the soubility.

Only a small amount of nonencapcilated probiotics pass through the stomach into the gut. This is why I recommend those that have taken antibiotics recently to use these supplements to repopulate the gut rather than relying solely on dietary sources.

Answer 2

There are many such bacteria that tolerate acidic environments. The normal flora of the stomach has such bacteria.

Answer 3

If probiotic pills are encapsulated with an acid resistant coating, the bacteria will be protected and able to colonize the intestines.