Getting picky about probiotics.

Continuing our in-depth coverage of probiotics (you don't type that phrase everyday), The Fitness Nerd points today to an article in the New York Times that takes a much more analytical look at these little stomach helpers.

Consider Lactobacillus, a probiotic that comes in a number of strains, among them: Lactobacillus GG (often called LGG), which can be found in the diet supplement Culturelle as well as several milk products in Finland; L. casei DN114 001, included in Dannon products; and L. casei Shirota, found in Yakult, a popular probiotic drink from Japan.

Studies show that all of these strains are associated with reducing diarrhea; LGG, among the most studied, has also shown a benefit in treating atopic eczema and milk allergy in infants and children, according to a 2008 report in The Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. Meanwhile, both LGG and Dannon’s L. casei strain have been shown in studies of children attending day care to reduce illness.

“Lactobacillus is just the bacterium,” said Gregor Reid, director of the Canadian Research and Development Center for Probiotics. “To say a product contains Lactobacillus is like saying you’re bringing George Clooney to a party. It may be the actor, or it may be an 85-year-old guy from Atlanta who just happens to be named George Clooney. With probiotics, there are strain-to-strain differences.”

Normally, this is the part of the post where I make some glib, hilarious remark. Only problem is, Reid sort of stole the show with his George Clooney zinger. Champagne comedy, Gregor. You'll win that funniest-scientist-of-the-year award for sure!