According to a recent Beverage Industry report, probiotic beverages are the hottest bottled drinks to claim space in your grocer's refrigerator section. Their labels say they can do everything from detoxifying the body to giving you a boost of energy.
While the FDA hasn't approved any health claims for any probiotics, and these "good bacteria" aren't considered essential to our diet, probiotics have become important in maintaining a healthful gut and stronger immunity, says Jackie Newgent, RDN, CDN, author of The With or Without Meat Cookbook. "Probiotics help maintain the natural balance of organisms in our intestines and can help treat and potentially prevent GI issues, such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and those resulting from antibiotic treatment," she says. Here's the deal on whether your gut and your wallet need to add probiotic beverages to your diet and grocery cart.