Probiotic labels are full of jargon: "CFU", "14 strains", "delayed-release", "with inulin". This guide decodes what those terms actually mean — as composition and delivery facts — so you can read a probiotic label properly.
For transparency: probiotics (live microorganisms) have no authorised health claims in the UK — in fact the word "probiotic" itself is treated as an implied health claim in marketing, which is why responsible brands describe them by composition (strains, counts, delivery) rather than by what they might "do". That's exactly what this article does.
What does CFU mean?
CFU stands for Colony-Forming Units — the standard way of counting live microorganisms in a probiotic. It measures how many viable cells are capable of forming a colony, i.e. the count of live cultures in each serving. When our Probiotic states 100 billion CFU, that's the count of live cultures per serving at the stated point. It's the headline number people compare — though, as below, the number isn't the whole story.
Is a higher CFU always better?
Honestly, not necessarily. A very high CFU count is meaningful only if the cultures are appropriate strains and actually survive to where they're needed. A sky-high number on its own doesn't automatically beat a well-formulated, well-delivered lower count. So treat CFU as one important spec among several — alongside strains and delivery — rather than the single thing that matters.
What does "14 strains" mean?
Different probiotic strains are different specific types of microorganism (for example, various Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains). A multi-strain product like our 14-strain formula provides a broader range of cultures rather than relying on a single type. We go deeper on the strains themselves in the best probiotic strains.
What is a delayed-release capsule?
This is the delivery part, and it matters because of stomach acid. A delayed-release (or acid-resistant) capsule is designed to protect the live cultures as they pass through the acidic stomach environment, helping more of them reach the intestines where they're intended to act. It's a formulation answer to a genuine challenge — we explain that challenge fully in do probiotics survive stomach acid.
What is inulin in a probiotic?
Inulin is a type of dietary fibre that acts as a prebiotic — a food source for beneficial gut bacteria. Including inulin alongside the live cultures makes a product a "synbiotic" (probiotic + prebiotic together). It's there on a composition basis: the prebiotic fibre complements the live cultures. For the distinction, see prebiotic vs probiotic.
The takeaway
CFU is the count of live cultures per serving; strains are the different types of microorganism; delayed-release protects cultures through stomach acid; and inulin is a prebiotic fibre that feeds beneficial bacteria. Judge a probiotic on all of these together, not CFU alone. Our 14-strain, 100 billion CFU Probiotic is built with these in mind. For how to use one, see using probiotics: after antibiotics and how long they take.
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, immunocompromised or managing a medical condition, speak to your GP or pharmacist before starting a new supplement. Signed, Dr. Miron, Founder of Pure Vitamins UK.
