Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that, when taken in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Increasingly referred to as “friendly” or “good” bacteria, they assist in a healthy balance of gut microbiota, leading to better digestion, immune function, and overall health. Probiotic counting is the field where our scientists specialize at Chromak Research, supporting manufacturers with product strength verification, regulatory support, and label claim substantiation.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics consist primarily of beneficial strains such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces. Probiotics naturally exist in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut, as well as in food supplements. Viability and number of probiotic strains play a major role in effectiveness, and hence, correct counting is an important aspect in the production of probiotic products and quality control.

Why Probiotic Enumeration Is Important

Correct probiotic enumeration ensures:

Compliance with FDA and cGMP regulations

Support of label claim

Product consistency and potency

Increased customer trust and brand credibility

Under FDA CFR 21 Part 111 in the United States, probiotics are dietary supplements, which entail strict compliance with good manufacturing practices (cGMP). Our lab at Chromak Research is FDA-registered, cGMP compliant, and ISO 17025:2017 certified performs precise and reliable probiotic testing services.

Methods of Probiotic Enumeration

We at Chromak Research offer a variety of probiotic enumeration techniques designed to meet certain formulation and regulatory needs:

Plate Count Technique (Colony Forming Units - CFU)

This traditional, culture-dependent method is dependent on serial dilution of the sample and inoculation onto selective agar media. Colonies are enumerated after incubation and expressed as CFU per gram or milliliter. It is easy and globally acceptable but requires appropriate media selection and prolonged incubation times.

Flow Cytometry

This is a fast and high-technology method that measures live, injured, and dead cells with fluorescent stains and laser detection.

Flow cytometry is accurate process in providing cell viability data and is particularly used in the enumeration of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Bifidobacteria in multicomponent preparations.

Most Probable Number (MPN) Method

Suits low levels of microorganisms, the statistical technique calculates viable counts by estimating growth within a set of diluted tubes or wells. MPN tables are used to interpret results, which are particularly useful when plate counting cannot be done.

Quantitative PCR (qPCR)

Molecular methods such as qPCR quantify strains using DNA amplification. These methods are very sensitive and specific, even in complex microbial communities, but require specialized equipment and personnel.

Viable Cell Count by Microscopy or Staining

Direct visual monitoring of viable cells is encompassed here, typically involving the use of fluorescent viability stains and microscopy. Though not popular in commercial analysis, it provides quick evaluation of probiotic viability.

Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH)

FISH allows the visualization and enumeration of individual microbial cells in their native habitats without the need for culturing. FISH is exceptionally useful for ecological and niche-specific research in which other methods of enumeration fail.

Why Chromak Research for Probiotic Enumeration?

Our experienced microbiologists at Chromak Research understand all of the primary enumeration methods and possess flexibility and precision based on your product’s exact composition and regulatory requirement. If you are developing a new probiotic product, maintaining batch-to-batch consistency, or meeting labeling requirements, our lab supports you through each step of your quality control process.

We work with manufacturers to:

  • Select the best enumeration method
  • Report and interpret results
  • Meet FDA, cGMP, and global regulations

Speak with Us About Precise Probiotic Enumeration

Chromak Research provides precise, accurate, and regulation-compliant probiotic analysis. Partner with us as your contract lab for enumeration, potency testing, and total microbiological quality control.

Call us now to learn how we can help with your probiotic product development and ensure consumer safety and satisfaction.