Reviews and Information for Kefir
Probiotics
Trying to find the best probiotic supplements? Our tests found that not all products enough cells (CFUs) to match what's been shown to work. See our results, comparisons, and Top Picks for popular brands and get the evidence for specific probiotic strains for uses such as IBS, diarrhea, gas, allergies and colds, infections, weight loss and more. Plus, get information about proper storage, safety, side effects, and drug interactions with probiotics.
Probiotics Review
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CL Answer
Is it true that yogurt and kefir can trigger migraines?
Learn about the risks of migraines and headaches from yogurt, kefir and other dairy products.
CL Answer
Do I need to take a probiotic supplement if I eat yogurt every day?
Find out if eating Greek yogurt is sufficient to obtain probiotics, or if supplements can still help.
News Release
November 06, 2015
Some Surprising Results from Tests of 43 Probiotic Supplements and Kefir Drinks
White Plains, New York, November 6, 2015 — How many beneficial organisms are in probiotic supplements and kefir drinks? Are any contaminated with pathogens, such as E. coli, and do those labeled as "gluten free" or "99% lactose-free" live up to their claims? To find out, ConsumerLab.
Clinical Update
5/15/2021
Misleading Kefir Claims
Recent testing of several popular kefir beverages in the U.S. found that none contained their claimed amount of live probiotic cells -- although a popular yogurt did. See the results, by brand, in the Kefir section of our Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among probiotic supplements and drinks.
CL Answer
I developed a rash soon after starting a probiotic. Is it possible to be allergic to probiotics?
Find out if probiotics can cause allergic reactions, including skin rashes, and why.
CL Answer
Is the probiotic "Milk Test," as described on many websites, really an effective way to test the quality of the bacteria in probiotic supplements at home?
Is the probiotic "Milk Test" an effective at-home test of the quality of the bacteria in probiotic supplements?
Clinical Update
11/07/2015
Triglyceride-Lowering with a Probiotic
Studies with probiotics have demonstrated modest lowering of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, but the evidence has been mixed regarding triglycerides. A recent study in which a probiotic was added to a kefir drink showed a 17% reduction in triglycerides along with a modest reduction in LDL — effects not seen with the kefir alone. Details are found in the Probiotics and Kefirs Review >>
Clinical Update
5/01/2021
Does Kefir Lower Cholesterol?
Can drinking kefir that contains probiotics, decrease LDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels in people with metabolic syndrome? See what a new study found the Cholesterol-Lowering section of our Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among probiotic supplements and drinks.
Clinical Update
1/31/2016
Probiotic May Help Prevent ADHD
A study found that none of the children given a specific probiotic around infancy (as well as to their mothers) developed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), compared to 14% of those given a placebo. Details about this preliminary but intriguing study and the commonly-available probiotic used are found in the Probiotic Supplements and Kefirs Review >>
Clinical Update
6/21/2015
Probiotic Foods and Social Anxiety
A new study shows that consumption of fermented foods like yogurt and kefir (which are likely to contain probiotic organisms) was associated with lower levels of social anxiety. This suggests that such foods may serve as a low-risk intervention for reducing social anxiety. More about the study is found in the Probiotics Review >>
CL Answer
Best Supplements to Prevent Age-Related Muscle Loss
Discover the top supplements to prevent age-related muscle loss after 60. Learn how protein, fish oil, vitamin D, and more can help maintain muscle strength and combat sarcopenia.
CL Answer
What is the best way to take curcumin? Is it better to take it all at once or in divided doses?
Find out the best way to take curcumin and turmeric supplements to increase absorption and bioavailability, plus the best way to cook with turmeric spice. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
Which vitamins and minerals should be taken together or separately?
Find out the best way to take vitamins and minerals and which vitamins and minerals should be taken together or separately for proper absorption. ConsumerLab answer explains the best way to take vitamins and minerals.
CL Answer
Which supplements, foods or diet and lifestyle changes help relieve acid reflux (heartburn), and which worsen it?
Find out which supplements and foods can help relieve acid reflux, and which can make it worse.
CL Answer
7 Tips to Avoid Getting a Pill Stuck in Your Throat
Some pills can be difficult to swallow and can even become lodged in the throat or cause damage to the esophagus. Learn seven practical tips to help avoid getting pills stuck in the throat.
