VSL # 3

I see quite a few of you are taking a probiotic called VSL#3. I take an acidophillis daily, but what is this VSL#3. I breifly read of it on the CCFC website.

Is it a stronger probiotic or specifically designed for IBD? Is it helping you guys and where can I get it if it does?

Fill me in..I really want to try things that work for others.

you can also get it in australia.
i tried it for quite a while a few years back during a particularly severe flare.
it did nothing for me.
and it was very expensive.

You can request your local pharmacy to order it for you. I just order it directly from their website as it takes only 2-3 days to get to me, and some pharmacies sell it at a higher price.

However, make sure you take the right amount based on how severe your symptoms are, otherwise it will probably be a waste of money. The recommended doses for the VSL3 packets are:

4-8 packets per day for active UC.
1-2 packets per day when in remission.

Julee...1 packet is equivalent to 2 capsules -- so with the above info you can work out how many capsules you need based on your symptoms.

I had been fighting a flare up for the last couple of months.

I used VSL#3 and my symptoms went away completely for a few weeks. I drink it w Apple Cider.

Today, I had some D and a bit of blood, but I think that my GI tract is being bothered by amoxicillin that I have been taking for a sinus infection. Because of the head pain, I broke down and use Advil too (which I know is a no-no).

Hi LookingFor, you are indeed correct. There is one paper showing its efficacy in pediatric patients. This is the first controlled study published in a peer-reviewed publication. I will attach the abstract below. I count 6 other papers on VSL helping colitis but they weren't published in peer-reviewed journals or weren't well controlled. I just got off the phone with a colleague (a GI at MGH) and he was also aware of it being the first legitimate study. Well anything that works is worth it! Good luck


Am J Gastroenterol. 2009 Feb;104(2):437-43. Epub 2009 Jan 20. Links Effect of a probiotic preparation (VSL#3) on induction and maintenance of remission in children with ulcerative colitis.
Miele E, Pascarella F, Giannetti E, Quaglietta L, Baldassano RN, Staiano A.
Department of Pediatrics, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.

OBJECTIVES: Several probiotic compounds have shown promise in the therapy of ulcerative colitis (UC). However, a strong sustained benefit remains to be seen. Uncontrolled pilot studies suggest that a probiotic preparation (VSL#3) maintains remission in mild to moderate UC and reduces active inflammation in adult patients. Aims of our prospective, 1-year, placebo-controlled, double-blind study were to assess the efficacy of VSL#3 on induction and maintenance of remission and to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the probiotic preparation therapy in children with active UC. METHODS: A total of 29 consecutive patients (mean age: 9.8 years; range: 1.7-16.1 years; female/male: 13/16) with newly diagnosed UC were randomized to receive either VSL#3 (weight-based dose, range: 450-1,800 billion bacteria/day; n=14) or an identical placebo (n=15) in conjunction with concomitant steroid induction and mesalamine maintenance treatment. Children were prospectively evaluated at four time points: within 1 month, 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year after diagnosis or at the time of relapse. Lichtiger colitis activity index and a physician's global assessment were used to measure disease activity. At baseline, within 6 months and 12 months or at the time of relapse, all patients were assessed endoscopically and histologically. RESULTS: All 29 patients responded to the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) induction therapy. Remission was achieved in 13 patients (92.8%) treated with VSL#3 and IBD therapy and in 4 patients (36.4%) treated with placebo and IBD therapy (P<0.001). Overall, 3 of 14 (21.4%) patients treated with VSL#3 and IBD therapy and 11 of 15 (73.3%) patients treated with placebo and IBD therapy relapsed within 1 year of follow-up (P=0.014; RR=0.32; CI=0.025-0.773; NNT=2). All 3 patients treated with VSL#3 and 6 of 11 (54.5%) patients treated with placebo relapsed within 6 months of diagnosis. At 6 months, 12 months, or at time of relapse, endoscopic and histological scores were significantly lower in the VSL#3 group than in the placebo group (P<0.05). There were no biochemical or clinical adverse events related to VSL#3. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first pediatric, randomized, placebo-controlled trial that suggests the efficacy and safety of a highly concentrated mixture of probiotic bacterial strains (VSL#3) in active UC and demonstrates its role in maintenance of remission.

Hey Guys,

Just wanted to let you know regarding cost.  There is also VSL #3 DS (stands for double strength).  Your GI can prescribe it and it is covered if you have a prescription plan.  I send it in to CVS caremark as a 90 prescription and its so much cheaper!  1 packet of VSL #3 DS = 1 reg VSL #3 packet.  Pills are too expensive for the amount recommended. 

Check with your GI's...this could help you guys financially.  I also take Critical care with it.  Though my colitis is super active right now and nothing is really working, but this is helping some...I insides do clam down after I take the VSL #3. 

If you have any further questions please let me know.  I plan on trying Bromelian and Tumeric soon and see if it does anything.

Blue5