comparing probiotic supplements

LB17 contains 17 different strains of live bacteria encapsulated within a vegetable gel coating. Contained within a matrix of 70 different fruits and vegetables, the living bacteria do not need to be reactivated upon arrival in the digestive system, but are living and ready to go to work to provide the health benefits, unlike freeze-dried probiotics which need to be revived. Also available as a biomass for topical application.

From the LB17 website:
"The above ingredients are allowed to ferment naturally for a period of 3 years. Due to the way that LB17 "live" probiotic is exposed to extremes in temperature (summer and winter) during the fermentation process, the bacteria in LB17 are potent, resilient and are able to stay alive for up to 3 years at room temperature without the need for refrigeration. The bacterium is live and viable and does not need to be revived unlike most other probiotics particularly those that are"freeze dried"!"

Acidophilus Pearls deliver probiotics within a protective capsule with a proprietary patentented method called True Delivery Technology. Acidophilus Pearls have a triple layer (many probiotic capsules only have one) coating which the manufacturer guarantees delivery of 900% more friendly bacteria than other probiotic products.

This product contains 2 strains of friendly bacteria: Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum. They are well known and backed up with over 75 years of scientific research.

Acidophilus Pearls contain 1 billion active probitoics.

The manufacturer suggests taking 1 capsule per day. Ideally with water or a non-carbonated drink. Can also be taken with food, and the capsule should be swallowed whole. Acidophilus Pearls can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated.

Used for: General digestive health, boosting immunity, alleviating symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Primal Defense takes a different approach to probiotics. Most probiotic supplements only contain the probiotic, and any vitamins or enzymes derived from the food in which they were cultured. Primal Defense contains a unique whole food blend using Homeostatic Soil Organisms which are the matrix in which the probiotics are contained. The company also has a unique fermentation process known as Poten-zyme, designed to make the nutrient absorption more effective in the consumer's body.

There are two versions of the product, one containing 12 strains of friendly bacteria, another containing 13 strains. The form of delivery is an easily dissolvable vegetable capsule, which the manufacturer calls a Microflora Delivery System, which protects from harmful stomach acids ensuring delivery to the GI tract.

Primal Defense is available as a capsule or powder to be taken one time a day, this may be increased to 3 times a day, take with water or juice on an empty stomach. The probiotics are not freeze dried, and can be stored at room temperature.

Used for: Boosting immunity, general digestive health, enhanced nutrient absorption.

Florastor is a probiotic derived from a tropical strain of yeast. It offers nutritional support for restoring intestinal balance, overcoming yeast infections, reactions to foods, and ill effects from damaging bacteria or antibiotics. It can aid in decreasing instances of diarrhea caused by medical prescriptions, food sensitivities, overseas travel. Vacationers taking Florastor attest to significantly fewer incidents of diarrhea when taking the supplement starting five days before travel to exotic locations.

Studies have also shown that Florastor allieviates symptoms of gastroenteritis. The micro-organisms in Florator are resistant to antibiotics.

Florastor is available as capsules or powder. The strain of probiotic is Saccharomyces Boulardii. It can be taken twice a day, or the powder mixed with drinks for children. It does not need to be refrigerated.