Friendly bacteria supplements do not reach gut

Our strains of friendly bacteria have been tested in vitro (outside of the body, in test tubes) to survive the harshest of conditions to ensure they reach the digestive system alive. One of the biggest challenges for bacteria supplements is surviving the stomach acid. Our strains have been tested to survive this acidity. Demonstrating their ability to reach our digestive system alive and carry out their many beneficial properties in our gut.

Bacteria are very hardy, and they do not need to be consumed within the capsule in order to reach the digestive system alive. This is why people can pull apart the capsules and sprinkle the contents over cold food or a cold drink and why some of our products come in an easy-to-use sachet or oil.

We know friendly bacteria supplements reach the gut by looking at people's stool samples after they have taken a friendly bacteria supplement. Once someone starts taking a friendly bacteria supplement, bacteria that were not detected before are now are detected in their stools.  

Friendly bacteria supplements need to be refrigerated in order to survive  

Strains of friendly bacteria can be freeze-dried to preserve their structure and shelf life. This means they do not have to be refrigerated and will be shelf stable up until their best before date.  

 
When you take more friendly bacteria, you will generally find the greater effect it will have on your gut. However, there is a point where you can have too much of a good thing! Your gut might become too active which can result in more bloating and flatulence. Additionally, like vitamin supplements, there will be a point where your body won't need the extra number of bacteria.  

The number of live cultures suited varies on the individual. We all have a unique gut microbiome, it is as personal as a fingerprint! Therefore, it is important you find a supplement that is right for you. You may have to try several different friendly bacteria supplements before you find the best one for you and your gut microbiome.  

The number of live cultures suited varies on the individual. We all have a unique gut microbiome, it is as personal as a fingerprint! Therefore, it is important you find a supplement that is right for you. You may have to try several different friendly bacteria supplements before you find the best one for you and your gut microbiome.  

Friendly bacteria supplements will cause unwanted side effects  

When the friendly bacteria are colonising our stomach, it can cause some temporary changes in the function of our gut microbiome as your gut is more active for example, bloating and gas. Whilst these problems are usually only temporary and subside within a few days, they can be very uncomfortable and undesirable.  

What you can do if you’re experiencing unwanted effects from your friendly bacteria supplement -  

• If they are not causing too much discomfort you could continue taking the product and if they do not subside within a week then discontinue use
• Take a capsule every other day
• Discontinue use straightaway
• Take a lower strength supplement. If you’ve never taken a friendly bacteria supplement before it may be a large change for your gut microbiome. Start off with Probio7 Original which contains 4 billion bacteria per capsule  
• Changes in diet and lifestyle can also change the function of our gut microbiome. Try and think back to before you started taking your supplement, has anything changed in your diet or lifestyle i.e. increased stress or use of medication.
• If none of these solutions are right for you consider getting your friendly bacteria from foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso or kombucha.