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Vsl #3

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/9/2017 5:11 PM (GMT 0)
Has anyone ever been on this prescription probiotic vsl #3? From my understanding it can help with ibs and colitis. If so is it helping with any of the symptoms?

Post Edited (Slindsay1015) : 3/9/2017 10:37:07 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 3/9/2017 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
do you mean VSL#3
Posted 3/9/2017 5:36 PM (GMT 0)
Yes.
Posted 3/9/2017 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
Tried the vsl ds#3 prescription and it did nothing for me. Others have had success. Only way to know is to try it yourself.
Posted 3/9/2017 7:37 PM (GMT 0)
I take VSL #3 DS. It works good for me.
Posted 3/9/2017 8:02 PM (GMT 0)
What symptoms does it help with?
Posted 3/9/2017 9:04 PM (GMT 0)
The study I saw showed it to be equally effective when compared to oral mesalamine at maintaining remission, but of no benefit in addition to oral mesalamine. Someone posted an article about the study a while back. You can probably search it out.
Posted 3/10/2017 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
I have been taking VSL#3 for about a week now and it seems to be improving my symptoms. Currently flaring but getting closer to remission
Posted 3/10/2017 2:20 AM (GMT 0)
Are you taking the pills? If so how mant do you take?
Posted 3/10/2017 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
best to taper up so not to alarm you immune system

I got some calming of my gut, and after some doses I just felt wellbeing - kind of a gut-mind connection.

I did find that I got about as much help with stool formation and decreased frequency with a CVS generic senior probiotic with 13 strains. I am not sure it is better than other quality probiotic formulations, just that it is the only one clinically studied. In the end, the best probiotic is the one that fills inthe missing gaps in YOUR gut microbiome. That will vary from person to person. You could get a uBiome profile to have some guidance.

good luck
Posted 3/10/2017 3:09 AM (GMT 0)

Uniform Charlie said...
The study I saw showed it to be equally effective when compared to oral mesalamine at maintaining remission, but of no benefit in addition to oral mesalamine. Someone posted an article about the study a while back. You can probably search it out.

I thought the study found VSL was not quite as effective as mesalamine for mantaining (but close) and that both gave a significant increase in benefit. But I can't find the exact study right now.

In a 2011 book, Advanced Therapy of IBD, 3e Vol 1: Ulcerative Colitis 3rd Edition by Theodore M. Bayless (Author), Stephen Hanauer (Author), there was a chapter on probiotics. VSL and some others showed some evidence for helping bring about remission, and there was parallel evidence for helping to maintain remission. More studies have been done since, but here are links to tables that summarize the studies upto 2011.

I also say research poster finding benefit in microscopic UC

Some of the most recent studies for pediatric UC decided that while there was some benefit, it was not cost effective.
Posted 3/10/2017 5:01 PM (GMT 0)
I take 4-5 a day right now while I'm flaring slightly. They definitely seem to be helping out though as the days go by.
Posted 3/10/2017 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
Most people on this forum though are not taking the VSL 3 dose that is used in research studies. It's a very high dose (I believe 4 Sackets of VSL DS or at least 16 pills per day). If you are only taking 4 pills per day that is a very low dose.

The full dose is very expensive though.
Posted 3/10/2017 9:30 PM (GMT 0)
I take the tablets daily in addition to my meds.

I've found the probiotic helps with gas, bloating and indigestion. Maybe that's just my experience. I've been taking them for 5 years and have only found them to be helpful.
Posted 3/10/2017 9:36 PM (GMT 0)
Jane974 i saw thay on your signature it says a low dose of balsalazide. Can you be more specific? It also says u can only do low doses of mesalamine. Why? I may be in the same boat at you.
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