How to tell if the good bugs in probiotics are alive

Probiotics also live in fermented foods such as yoghurt. — Dreamstime/TNS

One of my doctors thinks supplements are important, the other thinks they are worthless. It's a continuing mystery. My question: How do I know my (probiotic) supplements are alive? The capsules are kept at room temperature for up to four weeks and the predelivery environment is an unknown.

Not an easy answer to this one. As you stated, it is very important that the probiotics you consume are “live and active.”