Probio7 is a friendly bacteria supplement brand that has been supporting digestive and immune health since 1995. This month our in-house dietitian Joanne Kwok, speaks to Rebecca Traylen (ANutr) Head of Nutrition at Probio7, to find out more about the many health benefits of taking Probio7.
Q: Can you explain how Probio7 is different to other probiotics brands?
A: Probio7 is a friendly bacteria supplement brand that has been supporting digestive and immune health since 1995. We have been making guts happy for over 25 years! We offer a wide range of supplements for infants and children, adults, elderly, women’s health and travel. We are one of the UK’s most trusted friendly bacteria supplement brands. This is evident from our loyal customers who have been enjoying our products for several years. Our supplements contain a diverse range of friendly bacteria, so you are able to get a range of benefits from one capsule. This has been paired with natural fibres. Natural fibres act as a food source for our friendly bacteria, to help them grow and thrive in our gut microbiome.
Our gut microbiome is home to trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeast. Our gut microbiome has several important roles in our body including digestion, immunity, skin, mood and sleep. Therefore, keeping our gut microbes happy and healthy can be considered vital for good health!
Q: What are the capsules made of and how does this provide survival in the gut?
A: Our strains of friendly bacteria have been freeze-dried and packaged into a vegetable capsule to preserve their structure and shelf life. This means our supplements to do not have to be refrigerated. All of 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.
Our strains 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 also recommend taking our supplements in the morning with breakfast, when our stomach acid is at its lowest, to further ensure all the bacterial strains arrive in the digestive system alive.
Q: I am asked by people a lot if they can break the capsule and mix the powder with food. Does this affect the bioavailability of the live cultures?
A: Yes, the capsule can be pulled apart and sprinkled over cold food or mixed in with a cold drink. The capsules however should not be sprinkled onto hot food as this may prevent all the bacteria reaching your digestive system alive. We recommend pulling the capsules apart and sprinkling it over some granola and yogurt or mixing it into a morning smoothie! The bioavailability will not be affected when mixed with food. Many foods have beneficial bacteria growing in them naturally including yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut which shows that bacteria are able to survive on food.
Q: I am also asked if it is possible to take two different probiotics at the same time; for example, original and immune+?
A: Yes, you can. There is no limit to the number of bacteria you can consume as they are a natural part of our digestive system. It is almost impossible to overdose on friendly bacteria. Taking two different products from the Probio7 range means you can get a number of benefits from several different species.
If you have never taken a friendly bacteria supplement before or you suddenly increase the number of friendly bacteria you are consuming, you may notice some temporary changes in your gut which could result in more flatulence or bloating. This is nothing to worry about – this shows that the bacteria are working and should subside in a few days!
Q: Why do some people need different strains of probiotics?
A: Strains of friendly bacteria are all unique and therefore, can have a number of different benefits. For example, the strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has been shown to help alleviate diarrhoea symptoms caused by a number of factors including, antibiotics and travelling. Some strains of friendly bacteria can also be recommended for different age groups. An infant’s gut microbiome looks very different to an adult. Therefore, infants will benefit from different strains of friendly bacteria compared to adults.
We include a wide range of different strains of friendly bacteria in our products, so you are able to get a number of benefits from one capsule. Additionally, our products have been formulated to suit the specific need or target age. For example, Probio7 Bifikalm has been formulated for infants from 2 months old and contains two strains of friendly bacteria that are naturally found in an infant’s gut microbiome.
Q: How does a person know how many billion live cultures is best suited to them?
A: Unfortunately, this is not a simple one-word answer! 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.
Our range of supplements vary from 1 billion to 100 billion bacteria per capsule! Each product we have has been formulated to suit a specific need or target age.