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Culturelle Probiotic

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/11/2011 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
"# Align claimed to contain 1 billion live bacteria when manufactured “and an effective level until as least the “best by” date. ConsumerLab.com testing revealed that only 530 million bacteria were viable. However, a clinical study of the bacteria (Bifidobacterium infantis 35624) in Align showed that it could reduce symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) at a dose of just 100 million. ConsumerLab.com found that the product exceeded this amount, so the product’s claim to provide an effective dose is correct. Whether or not a higher dose might offer greater efficacy is not known.

"# Culturelle claimed to provide 10 billion cells in a daily capsule through the “best used by” date; ConsumerLab.com found only 5.8 billion viable cells. It is not clear whether this is a sufficient dose. Most clinical studies with Lactobacillus GG have used 10 to 20 billion viable cells per day. A dosing study (Saxelin 1991) using the bacteria in Culturelle (Lactobacillus GG) found that a daily dose of 1.5 billion cells was not able to colonize the gut, but a dose of 15 billion was. The amount found falls between these two dosages."

Normally I use VSL#3 but I went on vacation two weeks ago and decided that I should travel with probiotics that did not require refrigeration. My two main candidates were Align and Culturelle. The above reviews are from ConsumerLab.com. Both brands of probiotics are proven to be effective. I chose Culturelle because, unlike Align, it did not contain any extraneous fillers and binders in their capsules. And since ConsumerLab said the label may not be accurate as far as viable cells per capsule, I decided to take 3 to 5 capsules per day. You can never take too many probiotics. VSL#3DS is almost a trillion cells per packet.

I could not believe how effective Culturelle seemed to be. It almost seemed to make me immune to junk food, (I know but I was on vacation):-).

Of course everyone is different. Recently there was a posting showing that research has determined that most of us fit into one of three major categories of internal gut flora. Apparently Lactobacillus GG in Culturelle is very compatible with my individual internal flora. The bad news is that 5 capsules of Culturelle per day is almost as expensive as VSL#3.

Post Edited (BabeintheWoods) : 6/11/2011 3:11:42 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/11/2011 10:00 PM (GMT 0)
I just bought Culterelle last night and started it.  I also take VSL#3 but wanted to add something else.  I really hope it works.  I had never heard of it before but saw it at the store.
Posted 6/12/2011 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
I was out on Culturelle for a short time, but not long enough to see effects. Good to hear it's working...I may add that to my VSL as well. Also, VSL can technically go without refrigeration for up to a week...but who knows how many cells are dying in that time. I generally feel okay if my daily pills out of the fridge for a day, though.
Posted 6/12/2011 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks BITW,
that is good to know since our annual August vacation is coming up and no refrigeration for the first 10 days. I am a faithful VSL#3 user but will try out Culturelle in advance.
Posted 6/12/2011 5:24 PM (GMT 0)
All of the probiotics you listed are various lactic acid bacterias. If one needs to be refrigerated then all of them do. One is just recommending it IMHO
Posted 6/12/2011 6:15 PM (GMT 0)
My Culturelle experience:

Years back, I started taking 2 capsules of Culturelle for some odd reason during a flare up (in the end of an unsuccessful taper), and within a week my symptoms disappeared. I was in remission for 3 years, and I only took the basic dose of Asacol 1 x 3 in addition to the 2 Culturelle capsules. Why, what - I do not know, it just happened.

During those three years, my Culturelle was not refrigerated, and I bough several months supply at one time.

I finally got my GI doc to write a script for VSL#3DS for me (I pay only $25 copay for the $500 product), and I have been taking it for a few years. In addition to the VSL, I do still take Culturelle. It's rather cheap ($20) and not included in the VSL#3DS, although Lactobacillus Acidophilus is, which is a similar excellent bacteria strain used a lot in Europe.

When I have special needs, I take other probiotics, such as the Florastor.

There is a probiotics for everyone's needs. I chose Culturelle and VSL#3DS in addition to the special need products.

Here is a link to one old study: www.gastroendonews.com/download/ProbioticFood_GEN0909_WM.pdf

Why BabeintheWoods took 5 capsules daily is an interesting question. The manufacturer recommends 2 for vacation purposes. But, if it does not hurt, take 5 or 10. To enjoy a vacation is worth every penny. I'm happy to hear that the OP had great time and the Culturelle worked.
Posted 6/12/2011 8:26 PM (GMT 0)
I take one Culturelle everyday and digestive enzymes at least before one meal or as many as 3 meals. They help but I am suffering from diverticulitis and am having a colonoscopy in a few days to see what's going on since I've already been on 2 rounds of 2 strong antibiotics and still can hardly eat anything without pain, and the pain can become quite severe.
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