Home » Healthcare Professionals » Professional FAQ

Probiotics Side Effects and Risks | Bio-K+ | USA

Questions

Answers

Can the results of clinical studies on probiotic strains be applied to probiotics as a whole?
No. For example, a recent meta-analysis (2005) of randomized controlled trials carried out on probiotics and C.difficile concluded that none of the studies could support drawings conclusions regarding the effectiveness of probiotics in a general sense. The health benefits of probiotics vary, even within a single species, according the strain utilized. Even the health benefits of an individual strain will vary according to several criteria: the vehicle chosen for consumption, the production process, and the presence of synergistic or competitive strains. The results of studies are therefore product-specific (bacterial strain, formulation, production, quality control, concentration, composition, etc) and their results should be published.

Can lactobacilli of human origin survive in a dairy-based substrate?
Yes, they can when the proper bacterial strains, composition, and production process have been utilised. The Bio-K+ CL1285® formula has been developed and tested not only to assure the viability of bacteria, but to assure that the specific strains of de L. acidophilus CL1285® and L. casei LBC80R® are in ready form to protect digestive health at the date of consumption. Each lot is measured for its quantity of bacteria. Bacteria in yogourt and in certain fermented milk products to which bacteria have been added have low levels of survivability through to the intestinal flora. However, such fermented products are made first and foremost to taste good and have an appealing texture, and not to maintain the survival and the health benefits of bacteria.

Does the recommended dosage vary with different health conditions?
There is no universal dosage*, for all health conditions; we recommend following the established consumption guidelines. Consumers generally take Bio-K+ at the rate of ½ to 1 bottle each day to care for their digestive health. Any health benefit claims made by a product should be supported by published, peer-reviewed, clinical studies. Bio-K+® in both the fresh bottled form and in capsules have been studied at particular dosage levels for antibiotic-associated diarrhea and C difficile-associated diarrhea.

Is the quantity of bacteria contained in Bio-K+® too elevated for a maintenance regime, i.e. for an individual wishing to maintain his or her digestive health?
Not at all. On the contrary, there are as many as 100 trillion bacteria in the intestine. The concentration of 50 billion bacteria in the Bio-K+ CL1285® formula has been determined to be the optimum for obtaining significant health benefits, and is the dosage that has been clinically tested. As well, Bio-K+® is the only product worldwide to have undergone multidose evaluation, demonstrating increased efficacy at a concentration of 100 billion bacteria, without producing any observable secondary effects.

Is it preferable to choose a probiotic with multiple strains?
No. Recent studies have demonstrated that it is false to presume that having multiple strains in a probiotic is more effective (one product with 9 bacterial strains showed no measurable health benefits at all). Ideally, health benefits should be solidly supported by published clinical studies carried out on a finished product formulated from well-documented bacterial strains.

Isn't it better to chose probiotic products that contain bifidobacteria?
No, research shows that it is not necessary for a product to contain bifidobacteria in order to be effective. A product can contain bifidobacteria and neither alter the intestinal flora, nor impact on health, while a product without bifidobacteria can have an impact on the intestinal flora of a patient and have demonstrable health benefits. Healthcare professionals should evaluate the effectiveness of a probiotic according to the results of clinical testing on the finished product, in order to avoid drawing wrong conclusions from flawed premises.

Has the concept of synergy among bacterial species been proven?
Synergistic bacterial activity has been clearly demonstrated with the Bio-K+ CL1285® formula in a study undertaken on treatment for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Per contra, competition between probiotic species has also been well established. A recent study in which different probiotic strains were introduced simultaneously showed multiple negative interactions occurring at the intestinal level.

Can bacteria survive through the digestive system to the intestine without an enteric coating?
They can, but the vehicle utilized to convey the bacteria must be able to deter the negative effects of stomach acids and bile salts upon them. The Bio-K+ CL1285® fresh formula was developed and patented for its ability to do this and so deliver its health benefits to the intestinal flora. Probiotics in powdered or capsule form are very vulnerable to the environment of the upper gastrointestinal tract if they are not protected by an enterosoluble coating. The definitive measure of a probiotic product's quality remains the clinical demonstration of health benefits obtained with the product in its commercial form.

What probiotic strains are in the Bio-K+ CL1285® formulation?
Bio-K+® contains two probiotics, L. acidophilus CL1285® and L. casei LBC80R®.

Is Bio-K+® suitable for all ages?
Bio-K+® is suitable for seniors, adults, and children older than 12 months. Seniors and children may take Bio-K+® in capsule form, provided they can swallow the capsule.

How often should one consume Bio-K+® for maximum benefit?
All Bio-K+® products can be taken daily for a prolonged period to regulate intestinal functions. It is suggested that adults consume one bottle per day for the first month to establish a balance in the intestinal flora, afterwards ½ - 1 bottle per day as part of a maintenance regime. For children aged 1-12, 1 tablespoon to ½ bottle per day is the recommended daily portion.

Is Bio-K+® available for those who are intolerant or allergic to lactose, soy, or gluten?
Dairy-free, soy-based Bio-K+® is an excellent non-dairy alternative, as is dairy and soy-free Bio-K+® Sprouted Brown Rice. All Bio-K+® products are gluten free .

Can patients take Bio-K+® while on prescription medications?
Those undergoing long-term corticosteroid treatments should not take probiotics, apart from which there are no known contraindications for Bio-K+® with medications. It can be particularly beneficial when one is taking antibiotics, during which time it is best to consume Bio-K+® two hours afterwards.

How can patients obtain Bio-K+®?
Bio-K+® probiotics are available in health food stores, grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare providers' offices across North America. There is a convenient store locator on our website. You can also order Bio-K+® probiotics in convenient capsule form directly through our online store.