Probiotics testing for Align and Culturelle

FYI. An independent consumer lab tested two of the more popular brands of probiotics and found some deficiencies. Vitamins and supplements are not regulated by the FDA so these kinds of problems can occur. To get around this you could check out the independent lab results or find a major manufacturer that cannot afford to get the reputation for sloppiness that will ruin sales. Caveat Emptor.

"# 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."

Don't be afraid to try it.  First thing my doctor gave me when diagnosed along with Canasa - while waiting for blood tests, etc.  My diarrhea was reduced and stool firmed up in about 2 weeks.  I have been taking it since every day - almost 2 years and I take 2 when taking antibiotics.  I have not had diarrhea for months.  I do have IBS also.

ElaineNY

I buy my Align on ebay - many sellers - last I got 4 months (if you take one) for about $50.  Just check out the seller and expiration dates.

ElaineNY