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Where to buy vsl 3 probiotic in the U.K./ London?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 5/6/2017 11:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

I want to try probiotics, & gathering from the forum the vsl3 is the most popular & helpful here. Also read abt boulardii. But will try one at a time.
I know we're not all located & based in the same place. So any U.K. Or Londoners that use & buy this can you recommend a reliable source? I read it has to be kept in a fridge. So if purchased online how does that work? If there's any stores you know that would be great help.
Also is there any side effects to look out for? How much do I take initially? I've never tried any probiotics before.

Thanks.
Posted 5/6/2017 5:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mia,

I buy directly from the vsl3 website here https://www.vsl3.co.uk/index.php and it is delivered with a couple of ice packs to keep the package cool, when going through the checkout, you are able to select delivery day so I pick a day when working from home so I know I'm in to receive the delivery. It's expensive and can add up so I tend to take half a sachet each day and go up to 1 sachet a day when flaring/have taken antibiotics or generally feel I've got a little extra money that I can splurge(!). I have purchased online from other suppliers in the past but prefer the security of buying from vsl3 directly since I figure storage conditions for the sachets are as they should be.

SG
Posted 5/6/2017 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much for the reply! Will check them out. Do feel they made a difference?
Have you tried your GP or GI for a prescription? That way you pay less? Worth a try, I heard some people have got it covered but no one I know in the UK.
Posted 5/6/2017 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
I've tried both the GP and GI and can't get it covered as the NICE guidelines only recommend VSL3 for pouchitis.

I'll admit to not taking VSL3 as regularly as I should have in the past but now I'm taking it most days, I just add it to my morning smoothie, I've also started taking Kefir (also thrown in the smoothie). I can't say I noticed an immediate difference but I'm doing okay since my last flare ended a couple of months ago. If I can't stay in remission, the GI wants me on Infliximab so I am doing all I can to try and stay in remission. My view is the VSL3/Kefir has to be doing something good and extra probiotics can't hurt...

Oh, I did notice I was a little gassy and bloated when I first started on the vsl3 so maybe start off with 1/3 or 1/2 a sachet for a bit and then increase. You can add the vsl3 to cold drinks (not fizzy though if I recall correctly). I have only ever had it mixed in with yoghurt for breakfast or a smoothie.
Posted 5/6/2017 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
That's a sham isn't it, I hope that changes.
I will give it a try, start with small amounts & build up.

I notice in your signature you take L - glutamine I've been reading up on this a lot lately as it's been recommended. Do you have any advice on what type as I know there's on one that's more easily absorbed & what dosage? Again does this have side effects?
Sorry for all the questions. Trying a different approach & supplements hoping to find longer remission.
Thanks stargirl10.
Posted 5/7/2017 10:43 AM (GMT 0)
I can buy it at my local pharmacy but it is £20 for 7 or 10 days supply. It is so expensive I cannot justify buying it.
Posted 5/7/2017 12:45 PM (GMT 0)
It really is expensive hence why I wondered if I could pay the NHS fee instead if the were to be prescribed. I have found them for £49.99 for 30. Still expensive!
The onset to my UC was 3 diff course of antibiotics, within months of each & then food poisoning which kicked off initial symptoms. Reading about leaky gut, which I wouldn't be surprised if I had it. Wanted to try something that could aid or "heal". In hope of longer remission periods.
It's all about trial & error I guess. Sometimes i spontaneously go into remission despite what I'm eating or meds. Can get very confusing 😩
Thanks for your replies x
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