One of the most common questions about probiotics is simple: what happens to them in stomach acid?
Can probiotics survive stomach acid?
Survival varies by microorganism, strain, formulation, dose and exposure conditions. Some probiotic strains tolerate acidic conditions better than others, so there is no single answer that applies to every probiotic product.
For strain-specific examples, see our guides to LGG® and stomach acid and BB-12® and stomach acid.
Why capsule choice matters
A standard capsule normally releases its contents relatively quickly after swallowing. A delayed-release capsule is designed to postpone opening under gastric conditions, which can be useful when the contents are sensitive to acid.
Standard HPMC or DRcaps®?
Standard HPMC capsules are suitable for many dry powders. DRcaps® delayed-release capsules are HPMC capsules and are designed for applications where a later release is preferred. They should not be described simply as “enteric-coated”, because they use a different approach and do not have a conventional enteric coating.
What about multi-strain probiotics?
Different strains can have different acid tolerance. The number of strains alone does not tell you whether delayed release is necessary. Look at the individual strains, the finished formulation and the manufacturer’s storage and usage instructions.
Practical point for DIY encapsulation
If you are filling your own probiotic powder, keep the powder dry and follow its storage requirements. Choose the capsule size according to powder volume and density rather than assuming a stated milligram amount will always fit the same capsule size.
Choosing a capsule for your dry powder? Compare all DRcaps® delayed-release sizes and check the fill volume before buying. Our Size 000 clear DRcaps® product page includes pack options; actual suitability depends on your formulation.
Important: This article is general information and is not medical advice.
