Probiotic strain names can look complicated, but a few simple label checks can help you choose with confidence. Here’s how to understand the names, compare live culture counts and make sense of Lactobacillus gasseri research.
🕒 5 min read
Which strains do you need, and what should you look out for when buying a probiotic supplement? Start with your health goals, then use the label to see exactly what a product contains. You can explore the Healthspan probiotics range or use our guide below to narrow down your options.
How to read a probiotic label
A probiotic name has three parts: the genus, species and strain. For example, in Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM®, Lactobacillus is the genus, acidophilus is the species and NCFM® identifies the strain. The letters and numbers help you match a product to the bacteria used in a study.1
The strain matters because research on one strain does not automatically apply to another, even when they belong to the same species.2
- Look for the full names: check the ingredient list for strain codes as well as species names.
- Check the daily serving: a count per capsule and a count per two-capsule serving are different amounts.
- Read the live culture count: CFU means colony-forming units, a measure of viable microorganisms. Higher numbers are not automatically better.
- Check shelf life and storage: look for a culture count guaranteed through the expiry date, and follow the storage instructions.
- Check suitability: consider capsule ingredients, allergens and any dietary preferences.
Probiotics for general wellness
If you’re exploring probiotics as part of your everyday routine, compare the named strains and the evidence relevant to your goals. There is no universal minimum number of strains that makes a supplement ideal for everyone.2
Super20® Probiotic is one example of a supplement that clearly lists its strains. Its five-strain formula provides 20 billion live cultures per capsule; the table below explains the names you’ll see on its label.
Super20® Probiotic
Five named strains in a convenient daily capsule
- 20 billion live cultures per capsule
- Includes Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07
- Vegan-friendly and lactose-free
- No refrigeration required
Probiotic strains at a glance
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are familiar names on probiotic labels. Some bacteria previously grouped under Lactobacillus now have updated genus names, so you may see different terminology on newer labels.2 The examples below show why checking the strain code is useful.
| Species name | Strain code | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Lactobacillus acidophilus | NCFM® | An example of a complete strain name on the Super20® Probiotic label. |
| Bifidobacterium lactis | Bi-07 and Bl-04 | Two different strains of the same species, both included in Super20® Probiotic. |
| Lactobacillus paracasei | Lpc-37 | Another of the named strains in Super20® Probiotic. |
| Bifidobacterium bifidum | Bb-02 | The fifth named strain in Super20® Probiotic. |
| Lactobacillus gasseri | SBT2055 (also called LG2055) | Studied in fermented milk in abdominal-fat research. This strain is not included in Super20® Probiotic. |
You can check the full formula on the Super20® Probiotic product page. The L. gasseri example comes from published research, rather than this product’s ingredients.3
What is Lactobacillus gasseri?
Lactobacillus gasseri, often shortened to L. gasseri, is a bacterial species that has attracted interest in weight-management research. SBT2055 is one specific strain studied by researchers. Seeing “L. gasseri” on a label tells you the species; the strain code gives you the more precise identity.
Lactobacillus gasseri benefits: what has research found?
A 2010 trial in 87 adults with higher BMI and abdominal fat found reductions in abdominal fat and body weight from baseline in the group consuming fermented milk containing SBT2055 for 12 weeks.4
A later trial in 210 Japanese adults studied the same strain in fermented milk for 12 weeks and also reported reductions in abdominal fat from baseline in the active groups. These results relate to the strain, food format and participants studied; they do not establish that every L. gasseri supplement produces the same outcome.3
Choosing a Lactobacillus gasseri probiotic for weight management
If this is your main interest, look for the exact strain name and check whether the product’s dose and format match the research being cited. That makes a comparison more useful than choosing on the species name or the biggest culture count alone.
Weight-management research is promising in some areas, but results across probiotic studies are mixed.2 Build your routine around balanced meals, regular activity and realistic goals, with any supplement chosen to fit that wider plan.
Can I just take a supplement and hope for the best?
A probiotic fits into a wider gut-health routine. Eating plenty of fibrous vegetables, fruit and wholegrains, alongside general lifestyle improvements such as managing stress, gives you a practical foundation for everyday wellbeing.
Fermented foods can add variety too. Yoghurt, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut are familiar options, although not every fermented food contains live cultures or a clinically studied probiotic strain.1 Check the label if you’re looking for a particular culture.
Ready to compare options? Visit our probiotics category or find the right probiotic for you.
Probiotic strains and Lactobacillus gasseri FAQs
What is the best probiotic with Lactobacillus gasseri?
Start with the strain and your reason for taking it. SBT2055 is one strain used in abdominal-fat research. Look for a clearly named strain, a stated daily dose and evidence for that exact formula. A species name alone is not enough to identify a match to a study.3
Can Lactobacillus gasseri help with weight loss?
Some trials of SBT2055 in fermented milk have reported changes in abdominal fat and body weight over 12 weeks. Those findings are encouraging, but they are not a guarantee for every person or every product. Choose with the study details in mind and keep your wider weight-management routine consistent.4
What are the benefits of an L. gasseri probiotic?
The most useful answer depends on the strain. SBT2055 has been investigated for abdominal-fat outcomes; other strains need their own supporting research. When comparing products, ask which strain it contains and what evidence supports the benefit you want.3
Does Super20® Probiotic contain Lactobacillus gasseri?
No. Its current formula contains L. acidophilus NCFM®, B. lactis Bi-07, L. paracasei Lpc-37, B. lactis Bl-04 and B. bifidum Bb-02. It provides 20 billion live cultures per capsule. See the product label and directions for the full details.
What does CFU mean on a probiotic label?
CFU stands for colony-forming units and indicates the number of viable microorganisms. Check whether the amount is stated per capsule or per daily serving, and whether it is guaranteed through the product’s expiry date.2
Are more strains better in a probiotic?
A good comparison starts with the evidence for the strain or combination and your health goals. A longer ingredient list does not, by itself, tell you which product will suit you best.1
Can I take a probiotic every day?
Follow the product’s directions and recommended daily serving. Probiotics generally appear safe for people with a healthy immune system. If you have an existing health condition or a weakened immune system, speak to your doctor before taking them.5
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