Probiotics Enteric Coated

Enteric Coated Probiotics

Probiotics provide myriad health benefits, including boosting digestive health, enhancing immune function, balancing mental health and emotions, sharpening cognition, promoting skin health, preventing and alleviating allergies, and helping to maintain vaginal health. Given their impressive therapeutic benefits, it isn't surprising that the popularity of probiotic foods and supplements has been growing steadily over the last couple of decades. They come in capsules, tablets, chewable (wafers and gummies), and powders and drops, and since Probiotics are vulnerable to stomach acid, they are also often offered with an enteric coating. 

Another reason for this increase in popularity is the rising prevalence of digestive disorders and, in parallel, increased consumer interest in digestive health and its far-reaching implications – immunity, cognition, mental health, etc. As a result, research on probiotics within the scientific community has multiplied and revealed many new and exciting therapeutic applications for probiotic supplementation. Given this reality, it should come as no surprise that probiotics have become so mainstream and readily available in various venues, including health food stores, grocery stores, pharmacies, spas, gyms, and many others.  

Enteric Coating Basics 

As the name aptly conveys, an enteric coating is designed to protect probiotic bacteria from the stomach's harsh acidic environment. By bypassing stomach acid, an enteric coating ensures that more live bacteria reach the intestines, where they can colonize and confer their beneficial effects. This is important because the small intestine has a more neutral pH, which is more favourable for the survival and activity of probiotic bacteria.

An enteric coating can be particularly beneficial for certain strains of probiotic bacteria that are known to be susceptible to stomach acid, such as strains of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Interestingly, enteric coating is not a requirement for all probiotic bacteria since some are naturally resistant to stomach acid and can easily survive the digestive process. Moreover, probiotics present in fermented foods or beverages have no issue with stomach acid and can easily pass through the digestive system intact.

Benefits Of Enteric Coated Probiotics

• Controlled Release
• Enhanced Absorption
• Helps Maintain The Potency & Effectiveness Of Probiotic Strains
• Prevents Direct Contact Between The Supplement And The Stomach
• Protects Probiotic Bacteria Against Degradation Caused By Stomach Acid 

Enteric Coated Probiotic Supplements

Enteric-coated probiotics are available in various forms, including:

• Capsules
• Tablets
• Softgels
• Powders
• Chewable tablets

They come in all sorts of potencies, from low to moderate and high doses, for those needing more robust gut support. 

Final Thoughts

The quality of the ingredients used in enteric coatings may vary depending on the manufacturer and the desired properties of the coating. Some are entirely chemical, lab-made, and undesirable, while others are much healthier options. As a general rule of thumb, if the excipients (non-medicinal ingredients) on a product label sound too complex and are chemical-sounding, you'd probably be better off looking at another product. Some of the ingredients to steer clear of in enteric coatings include acrylic polymers like methacrylic acid copolymers (e.g., Eudragit), as well as plasticizers and phthalates like triethyl citrate or polyethylene glycol, which are known endocrine disruptors.