The date is part of the potency claim
ODS advises looking for CFU information through the use-by date rather than only at manufacture. Live counts can decline, and labeled storage conditions matter. Once the supported period has passed, the original number should not be treated as a current measurement. [1]
Do not infer the result from the package alone
An intact package may still contain viable organisms, but their amount is not established by appearance. Conversely, visible damage or unexpected changes should not be ignored. Contact the manufacturer about the exact product rather than relying on a blanket rule that every expired probiotic is equally effective or dangerous. [1]
Avoid compensating for unknown potency
Imagine a user takes twice as many old capsules to replace presumed lost organisms. The surviving amount is unknown, so the calculation has no dependable basis and increases other ingredients. Use an in-date product that fits the intended plan, and obtain clinical advice when the person is medically vulnerable. [1][2]
| Example | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Count guaranteed through expiry | A dated statement |
| After that period | Current count is not established |
| Double serving | Cannot correct an unknown loss |
Sources for this article
- Probiotics - Health Professional Fact Sheet
Source consulted: 2026-09-20. This is a reference resource, not a claim that we conducted the studies or tested a product. - Probiotics: Usefulness and Safety | NCCIH
Source consulted: 2026-09-20. This is a reference resource, not a claim that we conducted the studies or tested a product.