Yogurt Bacteria Supplements Often Duds, Dangerous
(Philadelphia, Reuters Health, 11/12/02)

When Dr. Sheryl Berman of Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington, and colleagues analyzed 20 lactobacillis supplements that were being sold in local health food stores, the researchers found that few contained live organisms and some were even contaminated with antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Lactobaccilli are beneficial organisms found in the digestive tract. When people ingest these bacteria in supplements or in yogurt, the cultures must be unadulterated and live in order to have a favorable effect.