🌿 Gut Health · 4 min read · September 6, 2026
Probiotics Explained: What CFU Means and What to Look For
By Mark & Terri Klapperich, Shaklee Independent Ambassadors
The short answer
CFU stands for colony-forming units, a count of live bacteria per serving. More is not automatically better; the strain and whether it has been clinically studied matter more. Shaklee's Optiflora DI delivers 10 billion CFUs of 4 strains including Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, proven in clinical studies to support digestive and immune health.*
CFU: the number on the label
CFU is how many live organisms are in a dose. Products range from 1 billion to 100 billion. A huge number on the label tells you nothing about whether those strains do anything useful.
Strains: the part that matters
A probiotic is only as good as its strains. Look for named strains with study history. Optiflora DI includes Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, one of the most-studied probiotic strains for digestive health.
What Optiflora DI is shown to do
Shaklee lists these benefits:*
- ✓Support intestinal flora balance and good bacteria
- ✓Maintain regularity
- ✓Reduce occasional gas, bloating, and constipation
- ✓Add good bacteria to the gut, supporting immune health
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Should a probiotic be refrigerated?
Optiflora DI is shelf-stable. Store it as directed on the label.
When should I take a probiotic?
Consistency matters more than timing. We take Optiflora DI with breakfast.
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