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- Large amount of prebiotic may upset stomach
- Unknown potency
Dr. Ohhiras Probiotics is backed by over 20 scientific studies and recommended by digestive health and immune system support health care providers. Although it contains 12 probiotic strains, it’s not clear how many culture forming units are included so it’s potency is unknown. Additionally, the product contains large amounts of prebiotic additives that may cause stomach upset in some people.
CHOOSING A BRAND
How Colony Forming Units Are Measured And Cultivated
In microbiology, a colony forming unit is used to estimate the number of viable cells of bacteria or fungi in a sample. Its easier than counting the number of cells themselves. Individual cells are very small and some may be dead whereas others are alive.
To measure the number of colony forming units, a bacterial culture of the microorganism is added to an agar plate in a microbiology laboratory.
Often, this requires serial dilutions of the original sample, as the original sample might be very concentrated.
Its important to keep track of the number of times the sample was diluted, also called the dilution factor. If the sample is too concentrated, you will see a large area of bacteria, instead of the individual colonies.
After a few days of tracking the bacterial growth, the colonies can be seen as a cluster of bacteria or fungi growing together. These colonies are counted. Then you use a specific formula to calculate CFU.
A single colony often has a circular pattern. The reason why CFUs matter especially for probiotics is because they indicate how many living beneficial bacterial cells you ingest with your probiotic.
In order for the probiotic to be effective, the good bacteria you swallow should be alive. Otherwise youre just flushing money down the toilet, literally!
How Does This Information Come Into Play When Shopping For Probiotics
We can draw a few conclusions from this information. First, there is a minimum amount of daily probiotics that is necessary to achieve most of the desired probiotic benefits, but that amount is much lower than most probiotic companies suggest. Second, the probiotic variants with tens of billions of CFU per serving are providing far more than is necessary for general gut health. This could mean they are better suited for those suffering from chronic digestive conditions, but it could also mean that higher CFU counts are necessary to compensate for poorer survival rates. Its impossible to say without seeing survival research for a specific brand. Unfortunately, it seems few companies have performed research on survival rates, so only a few companies have this information publicly available. Finally, the rotaviral diarrhea example demonstrates that more is not always better. CFU counts matter, but only to a point. Elements like timing, survival rates, preexisting conditions, diversity of strains, and individual microbiota composition can all have an impact on the needs of an individual and the effectiveness of a probiotic. Its important to consider all of these factors when searching for a probiotic supplement.
1Bertazzoni, E., Donelli, G., Midtvedt, T., Nicoli, J., & Sanz, Y. . Probiotics and clinical effects: is the number what counts?. Journal of chemotherapy , 25, 193212.
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Recommended By 1md Nutrition’s Gastroenterologist
Dr. David Kahana
As a gastrointestinal doctor with years of experience under my belt I’ve seen my fair share of patients come in with common intestinal concerns. I most often recommend two things. These two things work time and time again and I have watched in amazement as they instill confidence in my patients.
First, getting the proper nutrition can and will improve your health substantially. Most people already know this.
Second, using a good, solid probiotic can help support your digestive, immune and overall health.* This surprises a lot of my patients. I can’t believe how small of a percentage of people dealing with typical digestive upset use probiotics regularly.
When my patients ask me what probiotic is best, I recommend 1MD Nutritions Complete Probiotics Platinum®. It has 11 different strains and guarantees 51 billion live cultures per capsule. It also contains an effective dosage of Nutraflora prebiotic fiber that will ensure these cultures get the fuel they need to really make a difference in your gut.*
1MD Nutritions formula does not contain any unnecessary fillers. I consider this to be the most complete probiotic on the market today.*
Is A Higher Cfu Count Better
Who deals with numbers like 10 Billion, 50 Billion, and even 150 Billion on a daily basis? You can go years without using numbers with three commas in them! Yet, when it comes to understanding how many CFUs you need in your probiotic, youre presented with these numbers as if you are supposed to understand what they mean. Do you need 10 Billion, or 30 Billionor, gulp, 150 Billion CFUs in your probiotic?!? Is more really better? Lets take a closer look.
For a refresher, CFUs stands for colony forming units. They denote how many bacteria in probiotics are able to divide and form colonies. If probiotic bacteria is able to colonize, we know that it is alive. And getting live bacteria into your gut is what probiotics strive to do.
Remember your body has about 100 trillion naturally occurring bacteria living in you at any time. Thats about five pounds of bacteria in your body. Yeesh! All the more reason to make sure it is supported by healthy, live bacteria.
But how many CFUs do I need to supplement my existing internal bacteria?
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Clinical Studies And Scientific Evidence
Developing a multispecies/multistrain probiotic is not as simple as to just combine bacterial strains that are commonly known to have a positive impact. You have to know which bacterial strains work well together, rather than competing with each other.
In a groundbreaking study, scientists examined the gut microbiome of identical twins. They concluded that our gut bacteria play a critical role in the metabolic processes in the body, and that there is an intense interplay between our gut bacteria and our body.
They also found that certain gut bacteria work best in teams to perform specific functions. These findings emphasize the approach taken at OMNi-BiOTiC®, where our products are carefully combined multispecies probiotic supplements with a significant understanding for the tasks performed by each strain.
At OMNi-BiOTiC®, we have researched bacterial strains for 25 years. Our researchers understand what each strain we use in our products does, how they work together and how much of each strain is needed for optimal results.
In addition, the final probiotic combination is tested for efficacy, first in the laboratory and then in clinical studies with people.
This deep scientific research and testing is, unfortunately, not the norm for probiotics. However, it is very important and immensely influences the efficacy and safety of a product
Renew Life Ultimate Flora Extra Care Probiotic 50 Billion Live Cultures 90 Vegetarian Capsules
- April 1 2023 Expiration Date
The length of time for the expiration date or best used before date depends on the type of product, as well as the brand.
Perishable items generally have shorter expiration dates. Although our warehouse is fully air-conditioned, these more fragile items are put in cold storage for maximum freshness.
Our receiving department does its best to verify and then enter the correct expiration dates for all incoming products. However, discrepancies do occur from time to time. This being said, the exceptionally high turnover at iHerb ensures that our inventory is among the freshest in the industry.
- Date First Available: October 8 2020
- Shipping Weight:Switch to Imperial unitsShipping WeightThe Shipping Weight includes the product, protective packaging material and the actual shipping box. In addition, the Shipping Weight may be adjusted for the Dimensional Weight of a package. It is important to note that certain types of products will often require protective packaging material. As such, these products will reflect a higher Shipping Weight compared to the unprotected product.
- Product code: REN-12109
- Non GMO Project Verified
- Potency, Quality and Purity Guaranteed through Expiration
At Renew Life, we are 100% devoted to your well-being. Thats why we use more clinically studied strains than the leading brand.
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How Many Times In A Day Is It Recommended To Take A Probiotic
As mentioned, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to probiotics, so it is crucial to figure out what works for you. Luckily, there is a lot of research that you can draw upon to help make a more educated decision when taking probiotics. The efficacy of your probiotics depends heavily on the dosage of your probiotics.
For example, a study in the American Family Physician August 2017 issue indicated that a dosage of a minimum of five billion colony-forming units per day was more effective when compared with lower dosages . Research from Harvard Health Publishing encourages people to take this in one dose per day, rather than taking several smaller doses.
Webber Naturals Probiotic 30 Billion 8 Probiotic Strains
Probiotic 30 Billion from Webber Naturals contains 8 strains of friendly bacteria to support healthy intestinal flora, digestive health, and immune system function. This critical care formula helps manage digestive discomforts such as gas, bloating, and bowel irregularities, and helps reduce the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. No refrigeration required.
- Convenient one-per-day critical care formula
- Restores and maintains healthy intestinal flora balance
- Includes strains shown to help digestion and enhance immune system function
- Reduces incidence and severity of traveller’s diarrhea and antibiotic-associated diarrhea
- Contains 75 billion active cells at time of manufacture
Recommended Reading: Is Probiotic Good For Ibs Diarrhea
Can Probiotic Products Be Used While Taking Antibiotics
Antibiotics can have negative side effects on our health because they disrupt the balance of bacteria in our body. Probiotics can help balance these levels of bacteria, which may help lessen the side effects. For example, antibiotics can cause diarrhea, but research has associated consumption of the Lactobacillus rhamnosus,LGG® probiotic strain with fewer cases of diarrhea when taking antibiotics.2, 3 When combining antibiotics with probiotic supplementation, it is suggested that the probiotics are taken a few hours after the antibiotics.
Are All Probiotic Supplement Brands The Same
Absolutely not. Probiotic brands can differ greatly in their ingredients, potency, purity, and effectiveness. Some things to consider:
- What types of beneficial bacteria does the product contain?
- Does it contain additives?
- How many CFUs does each capsule contain?
- Is the product gluten-free and dairy-free?
- Does the company offer free shipping and money back guarantee?
Choosing one from the many available can be challenging. In our recently updated list of the top five probiotics, NativePath took the top spot.
Disclosure Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy
The information contained within this site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have, expect to have, or suspect you may have any medical condition, you are urged to consult with a health care provider. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or medical conditions. Results are based on the Natural Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
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Improved Cognitive Function And Memory
The gut and the brain stand in direct communication, and our gut bacteria produce important messenger signals and substances for the brain. If the gut flora is out of balance, this can affect these processes.
In a clinical study, healthy participants took OMNi-BiOTiC® STRESS Release for 4 weeks. They reported improvements in mood, memory, focus and concentration.
How To Tell If The Bacterial Colonies In Probiotics Are Working
Many people immediately think of better digestion when they hear probiotics. Its true, beneficial bacteria in the gut play a very important role in proper digestion.
Improvements in digestion is often one of the first benefits people notice when taking probiotics. This may be more regular bowel movements, less bloating or gas, fewer cravings and less fatigue after meals.
The good bacteria in the gut support many other important processes in the body. These include: nutrient absorption, boosting the immune system, and even improved cognitive function, mood, and sleep.
Furthermore, scientists have investigated the connection between the gut and different diseases. They have already discovered a connection between an imbalance in our gut bacteria and illnesses including anxiety, depression, Alzheimers Disease and migraines.
Depending on your overall health, you may notice some of the following positive effects when taking a high-quality probiotic, which will also signal that your probiotics are working. For more information on how to tell if your probiotics are working, check out our blog post on this topic.
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A Closer Look At Colony
Research has shown that probiotics, both high and low CFU count, influence the host and support in reducing occasional digestive symptoms.*14,15The results of a double blind, placebo controlled, dose-ranging study showed greater benefits for those taking a higher CFU count capsule when compared to half the dose or placebo.16With each capsule containing 50 billion CFU of lactobacillus, the group receiving two capsules had a superior reduction in symptoms when compared to the other two groups, highlighting the use of a higher count of 100 billion CFU.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 randomized control trials evaluated the effect of probiotics on transit time. The general analysis of these multiple trials was that probiotics, at a dose ranging from less than 1 billion up to 17.2 billion CFU, improved stool frequency.*
However, study results assessing higher CFU probiotics suggest a different subset of benefits. A randomized controlled trial looked at the use of 450 billion CFU lyophilized bacteria or placebo for gastrointestinal health.18The results showed no significant improvement in transit measurements or bowel function scores between the placebo and the control group however, there was improvement in occasional abdominal bloating. Those receiving the daily probiotic did not see any change in other outcomes measured.
Probiotic 30 Billion Benefits
I recommend probiotics to everyone. In fact,probiotics are one of the four essential supplements that I recommend my patients take every day. We have more bacteria in and on our bodies than we have actual human cells in our body. We live symbiotically with them, and when they are in balance, they promote optimal digestion and immunity, both of which are crucial to every aspect of your health and well-being.
My Probiotic Capsules 30 Billion are one of the best formulated maintenance probiotics available. When I formulated my 30 Billion strength probiotics, I chose 14 of the most important strains, and made absolutely sure that there were enough viable CFUs in each capsule to support digestive health and immune function for those looking for the perfect level of daily probiotic maintenance.
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Why Probiotic Plus Prebiotic For Women
Bronsons Womens Probiotic 50 Billion CFU Plus Prebiotic provides 16 freeze dried strains for healthy immune, digestive and urinary tract support.* Freeze drying technology enables preservation, stability, and superior quality by allowing many more beneficial bacteria to survive compared to other processes. Bronsons Womens Probiotic additionally provides Cranberry plus D-Mannose to support urinary tract health and Inulin Prebiotic fiber to support the growth of good bacteria.* Laboratory tested, NON-GMO at our state-of-the-art cGMP registered facility in New York.
Perhaps The Most Important Supplement We Offer
Emerging research is showing that maintaining a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in your intestines is even more important than initially understood. Beyond gastrointestinal and immune health, a healthy microbiome can help many body functions.
TrueLife PB is formulated to help you with this goal. It combines six probiotic strains providing a robust 30 billion probiotic cells per capsule with two prebiotics, fructo-oligosaccharides and ACTAZIN a high quality extract of New Zealand green kiwifruit. Prebiotics act as a food source for live probiotics, helping them flourish and grow.
As important are the extra steps taken to maximize the number of probiotic cells that arrive alive in your intestines. It starts with the FloraFit probiotic strains, which are specifically cultivated under harsh conditions so they develop the ability to adapt and survive in the various environments the probiotic cells will encounter while traveling through your digestive tract.
Next is a special vegetarian capsule called DRcaps®. The DRcaps® dont begin releasing the powder till about 52 minutes after you take TrueLife PB at which time the capsule is leaving the stomach and about to enter the intestines. DRcaps® effectively handles concerns you may have about the probiotics surviving the trip through the stomach without the use of coatings or undesirable solvents or chemicals.
All of this makes TrueLife PB an ideal and potent every day probiotic supplement.
Recommended Reading: Blackmores Probiotics Womens Flora Balance
What Does My Subscription To Ds
Your monthly subscription includes a 30-day supply of DS-01. Your first months shipment is your Welcome Kit. It includes a reusable glass jar holding your first months supply, some Seed reading materials, and a complimentary travel vial that holds a weeks worth of your DS-01, so you never miss a day on the go.
Ultimate Flora 50 Billion
- 50 billion live cultures per serving
- 12 diverse strains
- Vegan friendly, Soy Free and All Natural
- Essential Ingridients*93%93%
- Return Policy*91%91%
- Overall Score*95%95%
Ultimate Flora came in 3nd place in our survey. Its no wonder because Ultimate Flora is a great product with 30 Billions CFUs which is in the range of the recommended dosage. Many people that we surveyed complained about the fact that this brand offers only 30 capsules per package. So it does get expensive to buy 60 capsules.
Another complain some customers had was that Renew Life Ultimate Flora only offers a 60 days return policy.
*Individual Results May Vary Ratings are based on USHealthReport.org Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.
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