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VSL #3- capsules or packet?

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Posted 12/23/2012 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

I am planning to put in an order today for VSL #3. Never tried it before. Which is better- the capsules or powder? I am honestly a fan of capsules but I will take whatever works best. Thank you.

Heather
Posted 12/23/2012 4:36 PM (GMT 0)
I am getting VSL#3 DS on Wednesday. I'm getting the capsules. I never tried it either.
Posted 12/23/2012 4:40 PM (GMT 0)
Is the DS one better than the regular kind?
Posted 12/23/2012 4:40 PM (GMT 0)
Anyone know of a good website where I can get it? The local supermarket can order it for me for 101 dollars and change.
Posted 12/23/2012 4:41 PM (GMT 0)
The DS is covered by my insurance. The VSL #3 is not. I don't think there is any difference other than what is covered and what is not.
Posted 12/23/2012 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
I don't think the DS version comes in capsules. If insurance does not cover VSL I vote for capsules. The capsules make it easier to take in a number of different ways. First, the capsules are 112.5 billion cultures each and it is a whole lot easier to regulate how much you want to take instead of having partial packets. Second, the capsules you just pop down like, well, a capsule instead of having to mix with with something to consume it. Third, since you are just downing a capsule you really don't have to worry about the taste factor. Several report that VSL tastes yuckey.
Posted 12/23/2012 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
Weird. The pharmacist said the DS comes in capsule form. I'll find out on Wednesday. Also, the DS, in powder form is gluten free and is tasteless.
Posted 12/23/2012 5:01 PM (GMT 0)
I don't believe the DS comes in capsules it is in a powder packet that you mix with liquid.  I have started taking it about 2 weeks ago.  I started with the capsules which I ordered online VSL#3, but I found out my insurance pays for 20 packets of the DS version for a copay of $50.00.  The DS version has much more beneficial bacteria per packet, so I only take half a packet per day so I can spread it out over a 30 day period, for cost savings.

I must say I feel much better after starting the VSL#3 and hope you find the same.

 

Posted 12/23/2012 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
i know the capsules don't have additives like the packets do so that is a plus. i've always taken the packets anyways just because of the higher bacteria count. obviously, you won't taste a capsule going down, but you will definitely taste the VSL in packet form. it is a noticeable taste in any drink you put it in. i like both the flavors- lemon and regular- and find them pretty delicious.

also, i've never seen VSL DS in capsule form.
Posted 12/23/2012 6:01 PM (GMT 0)
When do you take it? In the morning or night?
Posted 12/23/2012 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
The packets have a higher live bacteria count than capsules. The DS version is twice as strong. I have always bought direct. They ship in a very nice cooler pack and if you order in the winter the ice is always solid with the regular 2 day shipping. I think it is worth buying it direct as poor storage could definitely degrade the strength.

http://www.vsl3.com/

I am one of the kooks that make yogurt out of it. One box lasts me about 18 months and I have yogurt almost every day.
Posted 12/23/2012 8:03 PM (GMT 0)
Cost wise they are identical for a given "punch" in terms of bacteria count, i e packets have more CFU and DS even more than regular packets, vs capsules, but cost more in proportion, so unless ones insurance covers DS, there's no therapeutuc advantage to packets over capsules, and the capsules dont have the filler junk- incl maltose sugar which for some of us could worsen symptoms- that is in the packets.
Posted 12/23/2012 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
Did not know the DS packets came in flavors. I don't think they come in capsules. I must have the reg flavor. There is no lemon flavor to mine. I don't find it bad tasting. I'm very lucky to have most of it covered by insurance!
Posted 12/24/2012 1:25 PM (GMT 0)
No capsules in Canada and no DS either. What I will say is mixing the packets sucks! Never works for me always chunks if crap floating around and stuck to the glass. Also lemon over unflavored, unflavored tastes worse.
Posted 12/24/2012 6:32 PM (GMT 0)
Has anyone had side effects that they know are caused by the VSL #3?

I know bloating and gas are symptoms, but how can I possibly determine whether they're a result of the probiotic or literally anything else I put into my body on a given day?
Posted 12/26/2012 7:22 PM (GMT 0)
Just picked this up at the drugstore. Paid 30 bucks for 3 months worth of VSL #3 DS. Will start tonight.
Posted 12/26/2012 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
Michelejc, that's a great deal. 30 bucks. Thought $50 was a good deal.. Good luck !
Posted 12/26/2012 9:22 PM (GMT 0)
When should I take this? At night or in the morning on an empty stomach?
Posted 12/26/2012 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
I take it in the morning on an empty stomach . Then come the other meds. Are you starting with a half packet?
Posted 12/26/2012 9:41 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, 1/2 packet.
Posted 12/26/2012 10:21 PM (GMT 0)
Are you supposed to take it on an empty stomach? I usually mix it into yogurt so my son will eat it.
Posted 12/27/2012 1:47 AM (GMT 0)
I don't think it matters.It says you can mix it on the box ,I believe.
Posted 12/27/2012 6:45 AM (GMT 0)
We recieved it in a pill form for $40 for a month but my Costco said they can order it and it will be around $15 -$20 for the month. FYI

Thanks!
Posted 12/29/2012 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
Ok, I took my first 1/2 pack.
Posted 12/31/2012 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
I've noticed that my uc symptoms have gotten worse since starting vsl 3....but i have been eating a lot of ice cream this week so we will see what happens once I stop eating it...I honestly don't feel better on vsl 3...feeling worse....more mucous, urgency, blood, etc. is this normal?
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