Is Vsl#3 Available At My Local Pharmacy
Yes, however some pharmacies may be temporarily unable to obtain VSL#3® due to a supply chain issue. Please call ahead to check availability before visiting your local pharmacy or email for help locating product in the retail setting.
If you are looking for an option to help manage your UC, talk to your doctor about VSL#3® 450B Unflavored Packets.
VSL#3® is a probiotic medical food intended for the dietary management of Irritable bowel Syndrome , Ulcerative Colitis , and an ileal pouch. VSL#3® is intended to be used under medical supervision.
Alfasigma USA, Inc.
Does Vsl3 Help With Gas
With the exception of changes in abdominal bloating, VSL#3 had no effect on other individual symptoms: abdominal pain, gas and urgency. All patients tolerated VSL#3 well. Conclusion: VSL#3 appears to be promising in the relief of abdominal bloating in patients with diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.
A Great Survival Rate Until Administration
Another factor is the number of live probiotics at the time of administration. Most companies will list their CFU count at the manufacturing time, which is safer to declare, because bacteria can easily die during transportation, or on the shelf. VSL #3 is freeze dried, and the technology allows bacteria to survive without food. VSL 3 should last through “best use by” date and even longer at refirgeration temperatures, that is 39-46°F, or 4-8°C. Once the bottle is opened though, it is recommended to take it without interruption, and keep it in the fridge. If you order by Internet, it is safer to choose the expedited delivery. The manufacturer instructs the resellers to respect the refrigeration requirements, and to educate buyers about properly storing the product. The product is shipped with a cold pack, if you don’t receive it with a cold pack, refuse the package. The bacteria should survive for up to two days at normal temperatures, but it is safer to avoid as much as possible the exposure.
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Effects Of Vsl#3 On Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease that might be associated with the bacteria from the oral cavity and even the gut. Two studies assessed the ability of VSL#3 to protect against AS in ApoE/ mice. They demonstrated that VSL#3 had a beneficial effect on AS and perhaps worked by significantly reducing the development of atherosclerotic or aortic plaques and biomarkers of vascular inflammation. Vascular cell adhesion molecules and intercellular adhesion molecules were shown to be reduced by VSL#3 in both two studies. One study indicated that VSL#3 was able to significantly lower gelatinase matrix metalloproteinase-9 , but another plasma atherosclerotic biomarker, total plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, was significantly elevated by the combination of telmisartan and VSL#3. The reason for this is not clear. The administration of VSL#3 effectively decreased the percentage of CD36 positive cells among circulating macrophages.
How Is It Different To Other Probiotics
VSL#3 states that their probiotic differs because the quantity and variety of bacteria that it contains. It is also more widely researched than the majority of the probiotics on the market. For example this study suggested a positive impact on ulcerative colitis while this study suggests it can help IBS. .
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What Is Vsl#3 Probiotic
VSL#3 probiotic is a probiotic nutritional supplement that contains 8 different strains of live lactic acid bacteria. Each serving contains 112.5 billion live bacteria, although there are different versions of the supplement that contain 225 billion, 450 billion, and 900 billion live bacteria as well.
The supplement is officially classified as medical food due to its high potencies: this isnt your average probiotic supplement you would pick up from Walmart. Its a pharmaceutical-grade medical food designed to treat the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and other harmful diseases.
There are four different types of VSL#3 probiotic supplements, including:
VSL#3: 112.5 billion live bacteria VSL#3 Junior: 225 billion live bacteria VSL#3 Packets: 450 billion live bacteria VSL#3 Double Strength Packets: 900 billion live bacteria
The VSL#3 DS supplement is so powerful its only available through prescription. Its classified as a prescription only medical food on the official VSL#3 website, VSL3.com.
Vsl #3 Dosage And Efficiency
There is no doubt that VSL #3 is efficient for treating IBS and Ulcerative Colitis. There are numerous studies, and this is probably one of the most researched probiotic supplements on the market. The product from Sigma Tau Pharmaceuticals has the highest dose of probiotics to begin with. This is one of the factors contributing to its efficiency. However, the scientific studies suggest that the recommended serving is not enough for serious issues like Ulcerative Colitis. Here is a study that reported positive results using 3,600 billion bacteria per day. This dosage is a few times the serving size, and this is one of the reasons they recommend being supervised by a physician. Make sure you start with a low dose, and you increase your dose gradually. This will help you avoid the side effects.
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Use In Hepatic And Metabolic Disorders
In summary, L. acidophilus and L. acidophilus containing preparations have been widely used as probiotic therapy, often in synbiotic formulations. Most clinical trials use a combination of probiotic agents, hampering the ability to distinguish effects of a single species. Additionally, as L. acidophilus has an origin in dairy science, it is often delivered in a yogurt vehicle, which may have probiotic effects as a stand-alone product. Similarly, administration with a pre- or symbiotic component likely would have independent effects on the native microbiota. Nevertheless, a positive influence of L. acidophilus on health and disease is widely reported in clinical trials .
Table 6.1. Clinical Studies Involving L. acidophilus as a Major Component
| Strains Used |
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Can Probiotics Cause Blood Clots
As probiotics are thought to help the bodys production of Vitamin K, which can thicken the blood, there is concern that taking natural bacteria or live cultures supplements will reverse the effects of taking warfarin. However, there is currently no evidence showing that probiotics lead to thickening the blood.
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Where Can I Buy Vsl#3
References
How Do You Know If A Probiotic Is Working
Signs Your Probiotics Are Working When you take a high-quality probiotic supplement, you may notice several positive changes in your body, ranging from improved digestion and more energy, to improved mood and clearer skin. Oftentimes, the first and most immediate change individuals notice is improved digestion.
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How Does Vsl#3 Work
VSL#3 works by colonizing the gastrointestinal tract with helpful probiotic bacteria. These bacteria line the walls of your GI tract, protecting your gut from pathogens and harmful bacteria.
By raising levels of probiotic bacteria in your gut, you accomplish two things:
Optimize The Efficiency Of Your GI Tract Improve Your Immune System Functionality
Heres how VSL#3s manufacturer explains the supplement:
At the cellular level, VSL#3 positively affects a variety of substances that are involved in gut function. This is important to ensure the correct absorption of nutrients and to maintain barrier function.
There are a total of eight different strains of probiotic bacteria in each capsule of VSL#3, including all of the following:
Bifidobacterium Breve Lactobacillus Bulgaricus Streptococcus Thermophiles
VSL#3s manufacturer claims that this combination of bacteria has been chosen for its ability to work synergistically:
The potential ability of individual strains become more successful when put together than used alone.
What Is A Probiotic And How Can It Help Me
Your digestive tract contains trillions of bacteria. Most bacteria are considered good bacteriathe kind that keep you healthy.
But you also have bad bacteria. People with conditions such as IBS have more bad bacteria than good bacteria in their digestive tract. More bad bacteria can cause problems that lead to uncomfortable and even debilitating symptoms, as well as anxiety that comes from having to cope with those symptoms.
VSL#3® is an advanced probiotic option that provides multiple strains of bacteria needed to restore the necessary amount of good bacteria in your digestive tract to manage your condition.
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Vsl#3 Efficacy In Attaining Response
The aggregate rate of attaining a response among patients treated with VSL#3 was 54.9% compared with 29.3% among patients treated with placebo . The OR of experiencing at least a 3-point reduction in UCDAI while on VSL#3 compared with placebo was 3.03 The risk difference between the VSL#3-treated and the placebo-treated groups was 0.26 , and the number needed to treat to achieve a reduction in UCDAI of 3 points or more in 1 patient was 34 .
The efficacy of VSL#3 compared to placebo in achieving 3-point decrease in UCDAI.
Side Effects Of Vsl #3
I thought I would touch on this, since many people have a hard time understanding some of the changes while taking this probiotic. VSL #3 is not like any other probiotic, because of the massive amount of probiotic organisms, needed to make a visible change, there can be consistent side effects.
One side effect is a consistently more urge to go to the toilet. You will go there more often than usually, but this is a good thing. It just annoys people who are not used to it. You can even get diarrhea at first. Dont discourage, is normal.
Another side effect is gas and bloating. You can get serious abdominal pain, and Sigma Tau, for obvious reasons, doesnt make this very clear for customers. They kind of mention it, but thats all.
The best thing to do when you have too much gas or abdominal pain is to reduce the dose. You probably need a week or two to adjust the dose to what you body needs. For some people can take even longer. The gas is normal when you change the intestinal microflora. It is a consequence of readjusting the balance of the intestinal microbiome. After the adjustment period, the side effects should subside.
The side effects are one of the reasons Sigma Tau recommends people to talk to a doctor before taking this. A doctor supervision while taking VSL#3 is the best course of action. However, many physicians are not familiar with the product, and they will be reluctant to recommend it.
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Is Vsl#3 Still Available For Purchase
VSL#3® is available at select retail pharmacies as well as online by clicking on the BUY NOW button at the top of this page. VSL#3® was temporarily unavailable while a packaging update was implemented, the sale of VSL#3® was not prohibited.
If you are looking for an option to help with your UC, talk to your doctor about how a probiotic like VSL#3® can help.
If you are looking for an option to help with your IBS, talk to your doctor about how a probiotic like VSL#3® can help.
Evaluation Of Disease Activity And Quality Of Life
Symptoms were assessed and physical examination performed immediately prior to randomisation and every two months for 12 months or until relapse.
Endoscopic and histological evaluations were made before and two months after randomisation, and then at 12 months or at relapse. Grading was according to the PDAI. For endoscopic evaluation, one doctor at each institution performed a flexible sigmoidoscopy, during which two biopsies were taken for histological assessment of the extent of acute inflammation.
Relapse was defined as an increase in the clinical PDAI score of 2 together with an increase in the endoscopic PDAI score of 3 compared with the baseline score at remission after antibiotic therapy.
The primary outcome of this study was the cumulative maintained remission rate at 12 months, by intention to treat analysis.
Health related QOL was a secondary outcome, and was assessed at study entry, every two months during the study, and at the time of relapse. The IBDQ assesses bowel, systemic, and emotional symptoms as well as social function. The IBDQ score ranges from 32 to 224 .
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Buy Vsl 3 Probiotic Medical Food Online
- HIGH-POTENCY FORMULA: This digestive-health supplement delivers 450900 billion CFUs of probiotics.
- MULTI-STRAIN PROBIOTIC: It contains 8 individual strains of live bacteria for stomach support.
- GENTLE ON YOUR GUT: This dairy-free probiotic provides support without causing gas or bloating.
- DAILY PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENTS: Mix this advanced probiotic powder into cold food or drinks.
- RECOMMENDED: VSL#3 is highly recommended by physicians for the management of ulcerative colitis.
Is Vsl #3 Efficient
First of all, when we compare probiotics, we need to compare apples to apples, and make sure we understand what a specific strain of probiotics can do for our health, and what other options are on the market. This is rather difficult, because FDA did not approve any probiotics as drugs, so any health claims have to be within the approved frame for supplements. There is an initiative to change that, but it could take a while until it gets implemented. This means that the efficacy of probiotics for treating certain conditions can only be suggested. Thats why you dont see any probiotics manufacturer making claims. VSL 3 makes no difference, they have to abide the rules. So how do we know if a probiotic supplement is good, and what conditions it treats? There are a couple of reliable sources of information, besides the suggestions made by the manufacturer. The scientific literature about all the strains in the probiotic blend tells us what the product was designed for. This is a reliable source of information, based on scientific evidence. Then, there is the anecdotal evidence, and the product ratings. People will also vouch for a product when it helps them. The reviews and the ratings of probiotics are a key marketing approach. Ratings can be manipulated, and we can’t rely 100% on them, but it’s easy to see if a review is fake, and VSL doesn’t seem to use this type of marketing.
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How Should I Take Vsl#3
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Check your product label to see whether you should take this product with or without food.
Mix the oral powder with cold water or a non-carbonated drink or soft food . Eat or drink this mixture right away. Do not save it for later use.
You may also open the capsule and sprinkle the probiotic into a cold drink or cold soft food, following the same directions for the oral powder.
Mix this product only with a cold liquid or soft food.
Store this product in the refrigerator, do not freeze. Heat or humidity may affect the live bacteria in this product, making it less effective.
Throw away this product if the expiration date on the label has passed.
If you need to store this product out of a refrigerator, it will keep for up to 2 weeks at room temperature without affecting the live bacteria. Protect the probiotic from heat, humidity, and direct light.
Study Medication And Compliance
The probiotic preparation used in this study was VSL#3 . VSL#3 3 g sachets contain 300 billion bacteria/g, comprising four strains of lactobacilli , three strains of bifidobacteria , and one strain of Streptococcus salivarius subspthermophilus. Placebo sachets contained maize.
Compliance was assessed by counting the dispensed and returned sachets, as well as by questioning patients. Compliance rate was calculated by dividing the number of taken sachets by that of dispensed sachets.
Medication consisted of either VSL#3 6 g once daily in the evening or identical appearing placebo sachets. Patients took the sachets for 12 months, provided their pouchitis did not relapse.
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Effects Of Vsl#3 On Obesity And Diabetes
VSL#3 has been shown to significantly decrease body and fat mass during a high-fat diet compared with placebo. In overweight adults without diabetes, VSL#3 was able to significantly reduce total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and very-low-density lipoprotein concentrations and increase high-density lipoprotein concentration.
Effects Of Vsl#3 On Chemical Barrier Function
The chemical barrier includes bile, digestive fluid, lysozymes, mucopolysaccharides, other chemical substances, and antibacterial substances secreted by the intestinal tract. Mucus secreted by goblet cells in the intestinal epithelium forms a first-line protective mucus layer which is able to prevent foreign pathogens from penetrating the barrier into deep tissue. VSL#3 was able to increase basal luminal mucin content by 60% in Wistar rats, and it was suggested that VSL#3 regulated mucin gene expression and mucus secretion by increasing MUC2, MUC3, and MUC5AC gene expression in IEC. The changes in MUC2 and MUC5AC were more prominent than MUC3 . Besides, VSL#3 was reported to induce ileal bile acid deconjugation and fecal bile acid secretion. It exerted this effect by inhibiting the intestine-liver farnesoid X receptor-fibroblast growth factor 15 axis, which resulted in increased cholesterol-7-hydroxylase and sterol-12-hydroxylase gene expression. Besides, fecal bile acid secretion was associated with increased bile salt hydrolase transcription and enzymatic activity in VSL#3-treated mice.
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