Well, the top probiotic for UC is VSL #3. It has the highest count of bacteria per serving, and has a lot of studies to back up its efficacy, as opposed to most over the counter probiotics.
It is, however, the most expensive of the probiotic supplements out there. The clinical trials that proved its efficacy used 3.6 trillion bacteria a day. If you took VSL at that dosage using an average box of 30 sachets that have 450 billion bacteria each, you would go through a single box in 3-4 days. Given a single box costs you anywhere from $60-80 depending on where you buy it, you are looking at $5-700 a month of probiotics.
The good news is there is a version of VSL called VSL DS (Double Strength). It is prescript
ion only. If you can get your GI to prescribe it, there's a good chance your insurance will cover it, and then you'll have access to the best probiotic out there, taking it at maximum levels. The standard boxes are not covered by insurance, as they are available OTC at major pharmacies like CVS.
If you go the VSL DS route, start it slowly as some have reported gas and bloating when starting. You may want to build up to those levels gradually to decrease any bloating.
Beyond VSL, there is a countless number of other brands of probiotics that contain anywhere from 10 - 50 billion bacteria per serving. It is doubtful these brands will have much effect though, given stomach acid kills off a portion of any bacteria that enters it. Lots of members on HW have tried a variety of these more basic supplements, and I'm sure they'll comment here.
Personally, I would just go with VSL if you really want probiotics to be an important part of your treatment regimen.
A final option is to make your own yogurts and/kefir. Some have actually taken a single packet of VSL and made yogurt out of it that lasts for about
a week. That way you stretch one packet of VSL out to a whole week, and get just as many high numbers given the bacteria feed off the lactose and multiply. However, even well made, fermented yogurt hurts a lot of people on here, as dairy products are simply indigestible. I would go the yogurt route with caution, unless you already know dairy isn't an issue.
Hope that helps
