Why you should go easy on prebiotic, probiotic drinks

Supermarkets are today full of drinks that claim to be good for your stomach. Products such as kombucha, probiotic yoghurts, fibre-infused juices and prebiotic sodas are marketed as good for your health with claims that they support digestion, ease bloating and boost immunity. But how much of what they promise is actually backed by science?

“Probiotics are essentially beneficial microorganisms, including both bacteria and fungi, that originate from the foods and drinks we consume,” explains Dr Huzefa Iqbal, a senior medical practitioner at Halcyon Multispecialty Hospital.