Below you’ll find a list of frequently asked questions about ProVen Probiotics, good bacteria and prebiotics.
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No, it is virtually impossible to overdose on probiotics. We all have billions (some estimates say trillions) of friendly bacteria in our body and these are constantly being replaced.
Taking very large amounts (100s of thousands of CFUs) may mildly increase frequency of bowel movement.
This is true of many brands of friendly bacteria, but the ProVen Probiotics range has been specially formulated to be stable at room temperature for 18 months and still deliver the stated levels of beneficial bacteria. If you wish to store ProVen Probiotics in the fridge that is fine, particularly if you are in tropical climates.
but
There is increasing evidence that the daily supplementation of probiotics helps to improve both intestinal and immune health.
Our gut bacterial community is not static – every day, bacteria represents around half of the faecal mass we excrete from our bodies. This reflects the dynamic nature of our gut bacteria and suggests that supporting this microbiota with probiotics every day will have a positive effect on the balance of bacteria, helping to maintain a higher ratio of the good bacteria required to support health.
Previous generations had higher intakes of probiotic organisms as fermentation was used to preserve foods and these fermented vegetables and dairy foods contained high levels of bacteria. Consumption of fermented foods is far less prevalent today, as refrigeration is now used as the means of food preservation, and it can be useful to support our friendly bacteria with daily supplementation.
This varies for all of us and depending upon the reason we are taking the ProVen Probiotics.
Our clinical studies have repeatedly found that many IBS sufferers experience relief within two weeks. Similarly, with the Clostridium difficile study, the effect was apparent within 2-3 weeks.
Our Swansea Baby Trial was looking at the prevention capabilities of probiotics and results showed that the effects were established within the supplementation window of six months following birth. Our Fit for School study also showed a consistent effect over a six-month period.
The ProVen Probiotics range includes capsules, tablets and powders.
Our proprietary manufacturing processes mean that the bacteria remain stable and can be incorporated into many product formats.
These manufacturing processes also mean that the live bacteria can combined with other nutrients in a single capsule, tablet or powder - including vitamins, minerals and other botanicals.
You can set up a subscription on the product page. If the product is available for subscriptions you will have multiple plans to select from. For more information, click here.
Lab4 is a consortium of probiotic bacteria, which has been developed by Dr Nigel Plummer and his team of scientists at Cultech Ltd in south Wales.
The scientists at Cultech have over 20 years experience of the discovery and development of probiotic bacteria and the production of probiotic products. Crucially, the Cultech researchers have spent the last fifteen years undertaking clinical research to prove the effectiveness of the Lab4 probiotic strains and this research is ongoing.
There is a Lab4 for adults and Lab4b for pregnancy and infants from birth to four years.
The Lab4 consortium of bacteria contains Lactobacillus acidophilus (strain 1), Lactobacillus acidophilus (strain 2), Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis.
Lab4b contains Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus paracasei, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis and Bifidobacterium bifidum.
For further information on Lab4 probiotics, please click here.
The unique Lab4 blend of probiotics can be found in the ProVen Probiotics range of supplements developed with different formulations to suit all ages and lifestyles from pregnancy to 50+.
ProVen Probiotics contain the unique Lab4 probiotic strains. This group of strains is one of the very few probiotic cultures that have been rigourously studied over the past 15 years to demonstrate consistent health benefits ranging from allergy prevention in infants to reduction of all symptoms (bloating, pain, discomfort) in people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Other studies conducted at Addenbrooke’s hospital in Cambridge have shown that Lab4 can reduce the levels of ‘bad bacteria’ following antibiotic treatment, as well as reducing the incidence of diarrhoea caused by the ‘superbug’ Clostridium difficile.
ProVen Probiotics have also been developed based upon 30 years of research and development in probiotic bacteria and products. As well as the Lab4 bacteria, the team of scientists behind ProVen Probiotics have identified a process to add other nutrients, such as vitamins and immune enhancing ingredients such as elderberry, to the supplements without destabilising the Lab4 bacteria.
As a result, ProVen Probiotics offers a range of products that include continuously researched live bacteria and key nutrients to support health.
As well as supplements, friendly bacteria are often added to certain foods such as yoghurt and yoghurt drinks, milk, cheese and now even cereals. The effectiveness of the friendly bacteria in the body will depend on the strains and numbers of bacteria and it may be useful to check out the evidence supporting these products and the strains of bacteria they contain.
The European Consensus, taken in 2004, outlines a number of criteria to help people distinguish good quality probiotics as follows:
ProVen Probiotics containing Lab4 probiotic strains satisfy all these criteria.
There are many different strains of friendly bacteria naturally present in the human body, which can have different benefits.
The strains used in the Lab4 blend of friendly bacteria in ProVen Probiotics have been specifically chosen from the most researched families of bacteria and offer a synergistic effect which cannot be gained from a single strain. For example, Lactobacillus acidophilus tends to provide benefits to the upper intestine (duodenum, jejunum and ileum), whereas the Bifidobacteria provide benefits in the large intestine (caecum and colon).
Prebiotics are completely different from probiotics.
Prebiotics are a type of fibre that cannot be digested directly by humans, but are used as food by probiotic friendly bacteria to help them to multiply and colonise the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract.
Some foods contain prebiotics and if eaten alongside probiotics, they can help to support the multiplication of the probiotic bacteria. These prebiotic foods include raw garlic, raw or cooked onion, raw leeks, raw asparagus, artichoke, dandelion greens and under-ripe bananas.
Some of the products in the ProVen Probiotics range also contain prebiotic fibres FOS (fructooligosaccharides) and GOS (galactooligosaccharides) to support the colonisation of the Lab4 bacteria.
The Lactobacillus and Bifidus species of bacteria used in ProVen Proiotics are not gas-forming, so do not cause flatulence.
One of the ways these friendly types of bacteria work, is by crowding out the pathogenic species and is these ‘bad’ bacteria that cause fermentation and gas.
After taking ProVen Probiotics for 2-4 weeks, symptoms of extra gas should start to diminish as gut bacterial balance begins to be restored.
Some probiotics are enteric coated, which protects the contents of the capsule when passing through the stomach.
At ProVen Probiotics, we have the ability to enteric coat, but we choose not to as, in order for the bacteria to start colonising, the enteric coating has to dissolve in the small intestine, the capsule has to be broken down and the contents of the capsule have to be released and activated.
As the small intestine doesn’t have the pummelling action or the acidity of the stomach and the transit time through the small intestine is only 2-4 hours, it is unlikely that the enteric coating will be broken down in time for the probiotics to have an effect.
Instead of enteric coating, ProVen Probiotics are provided in a variety of formats that are designed to travel through the stomach with food and to disintegrate as they do so, ready for use in the intestines.
The ProVen Probiotics powders and chewable tablets disintegrate immediately and the capsules disintegrate within 30 minutes. When taken alongside food, the bacteria then travel with the food through the stomach acid to the small intestine.
The European Consensus taken in 2004 outlines the criteria to help people distinguish good quality probiotics as those with evidence for health benefits.
The European Consensus outlines that a high-quality probiotic must contain bacterial strains that meet the following criteria:
The Lab4 probiotic strains used in ProVen Probiotics satisfy all these criteria.
CFU means colony forming units, which are the number of viable bacteria or probiotic cells in the product.
Probiotic supplements range from 1 billion CFUs to 500 billion or more.
ProVen Probiotics are backed by research at a variety of CFU numbers – from 10 billion
Friendly bacteria supplements are available with a wide range of numbers (from millions to 100s of billions) and it can be confusing to know whether a bigger number means a better product.
It isn’t always the case that more CFUs is better, but it is important to find a friendly bacteria supplement with research supporting the number of CFUs it contains for the issue you are dealing with.
Yes. The Lab4 strains used in the ProVen products have been involved in rigorous testing both in vitro (in a laboratory) and in vivo (in humans) to show that they survive through the gastrointestinal tract.
Breakthrough clinical evidence published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in 2012 demonstrates that supplementing with friendly bacteria can significantly reduce the risk of allergy in children. In a large trial in Swansea, Lab4 Probiotics were taken by mothers during the latter part of pregnancy and given daily to their babies in the first six months following birth. The mother and baby pairs supplementing the friendly bacteria via Lab4 Probiotics halved the risk of allergic sensitization in infants up to two years of age. Remarkably, the risk of atopic eczema was also reduced by over 50% and this is likely to significantly reduce asthma and rhinitis into older childhood and as adults.
The aim of the Swansea study was to confirm that early supplementation of friendly bacteria can help to prevent children from becoming allergic in the first place. It was specifically related to supplementation of friendly bacteria in infants and shows that this can provide benefit to children up to two years of age. Other studies have shown that probiotic supplementation can be effective when provided to older children who already have allergies.
Yes, the friendly bacteria used in all ProVen Probiotics products are naturally sourced and cultured.
No.
ProVen Probiotics Pregnancy Plus contains an additional fish oil capsule to provide the omega 3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) to support mum and baby in pregnancy.
The omega 3 fish oil in ProVen Pregnancy Plus is derived from tuna and is a highly purified stable fish oil that meets all the requirements of Regulation 1881-2006, which clearly sets the standards in relation to mercury and other heavy metals, PCB’s, Dioxins, Furans and PAHs.
In addition to the tests the supplier conducts to ensure their compliance, we also rigorously analyse the oils at an external laboratory before using them in any of our products.
Yes – it’s fine to give your baby the ProVen Probiotics for Breast Fed babies.
The only difference between the two products is that ProVen Probiotics for Formula Fed babies has added prebiotics, which are naturally present in breast milk and help the probiotic bacteria to colonise the intestine. The number of live bacteria in both products is the same – 10 billion per serving, as used in the Swansea Baby Trial.
The ProVen Formula Fed product contains two types of prebiotic fibre, GOS (galactooligosaccharides) and FOS (fructooligosaccharides). GOS is derived from the lactose in milk and, although it is unlikely to contain any lactose and does not contain any milk protein, it is derived from milk. FOS is derived from fruit and vegetables.
All Lab4 and Lab4b strains used in the ProVen products are both vegetarian and vegan.
Yes. All strains used in ProVen Probiotics are free from gluten, dairy, soy and nuts.
The side effects of friendly bacteria are usually mild and temporary and can include gas and bloating along with mild changes in stool consistency. This is often a sign that the live bacteria are working as the symptoms are generally the effect of the ‘die-off’ of the pathogenic strains of bacteria, which then produce gas as a side effect of being ‘crowded out’ by the probiotic strains.
Yes. The Lab4b group of bacteria, used in the ProVen pregnancy and baby products, contains strains that reflect the infant’s developing gut. The Lab4 group of bacteria, used in the ProVen child and adult products, reflects the developed gut, which is generally established by around three years of age.
Yes. The bacteria used in the ProVen pregnancy products have been trialled in pregnant mums and newborn babies and have been used by these potentially vulnerable groups since 2013.
Probiotics are good bacteria that keep bad bacteria from growing.
While most people do not experience side effects, the most commonly reported reaction to bacteria-based probiotic supplements is a temporary increase in gas and bloating
There's some evidence that probiotics may be helpful in some cases, such as helping prevent diarrhoea when taking antibiotics.
It is suggested that taking probiotics during antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of diarrhea, although the two should be taken a few hours apart. Probiotics can also help restore the gut bacteria after antibiotics.
Generally at least a few hours between your antibiotics to ensure that the probiotics isn't immediately effected by the antibiotics.
The most commonly used probiotic is Lactobacillus acidophilus, but there are thousands of strains of these bacteria and they are not interchangeable.
Some studies have shown that friendly bacteria levels in the gut of a typical over 60-year-old is one thousandth of that of a younger adult and we need a balance of good and harmful bacteria for good health. As elderly people have fewer friendly bacteria, probiotic supplements help maintain a good balance.
Some research has found that probiotics may help boost mood and cognitive function and lower stress and anxiety.
Gut problems and indigestion can actually affect the way your body retains the nutrients found in your diet, leading to poor absorption of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants needed to keep skin looking healthy and potentially worsening existing skin conditions.
Breakthrough clinical evidence published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in 2012 demonstrates that supplementing with friendly bacteria can significantly reduce the risk of allergy in children. In a large trial in Swansea, Lab4 Probiotics were taken by mothers during the latter part of pregnancy and given daily to their babies in the first six months following birth. The mother and baby pairs supplementing the friendly bacteria via Lab4 Probiotics halved the risk of allergic sensitization in infants up to two years of age. Remarkably, the risk of atopic eczema was also reduced by over 50% and this is likely to significantly reduce asthma and rhinitis into older childhood and as adults.
The aim of the Swansea study was to confirm that early supplementation of friendly bacteria can help to prevent children from becoming allergic in the first place. It was specifically related to supplementation of friendly bacteria in infants and shows that this can provide benefit to children up to two years of age. Other studies have shown that probiotic supplementation can be effective when provided to older children who already have allergies.
Good bacteria may help with seasonal allegeries.
There are studies conducted that may indicate that certain strains of good bacteria do help with food allergies.
Maintaining balance between the helpful (good) bacteria and the more unhelpful (bad) species has been shown to be key to supporting a healthy digestive system. With the gut now understood to be central to health and containing more than 70% of our immune system, there is greater focus on natural methods for keeping our gut healthy.
The bacteria are made up of over 1,000 different species and more than 5,000 strains, some of which are considered helpful and others that have been shown to be detrimental to health. The two most common species of helpful bacteria found in our gut microbiome are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria.
Probiotics that are naturally found in your intestines include: Saccharomyces boulardii (a yeast) and bacteria in the Lactobacillus and Bifobacterium families of microorganisms. (Outside of the body, Lactobacillus acidophilus is the probiotic that is found in some yogurts.)
It aids your body to perform essential functions such as digestion and staving off harmful bacteria
Yes, it is fine for a breastfeeding mother to take probiotic supplements. We all have probiotics in our digestive system. Breastfed babies have these good bacteria because human milk contains ready-made "prebiotics" (which feed the good bacteria).
Babies receive beneficial bacteria from their mothers during vaginal birth and via breast milk. Human milk also contains special sugars that seem to selectively nourish the necessary gut bacteria
Research has shown the mood and behavior may be linked to the gut microbiome, and that probiotics can support improved mood as well as emotional and behavioral regulation in children and teenagers.
Some research has found that probiotics may help boost mood and cognitive function and lower stress and anxiety
Probiotics already exist naturally in the body, probiotic foods and supplements are generally considered safe. Although they may trigger allergic reactions, and may also cause mild stomach upset, diarrhea, or flatulence (passing gas) and bloating for the first few days after starting to take them.
There is some evidence that taking probiotic supplements daily can help treat and prevent bacterial vaginosis.
Studies have found that certain strains of the Lactobacillus family can help you lose weight and belly fat.
Underlying this sensation is an often-overlooked network of neurons lining our guts that is so extensive some scientists have nicknamed it our "second brain".
Generally probiotics are safe for children.
Generally probiotics are safe for children.
Several studies have found that supplements of good bacteria may reduce crying in colicky babies. And some studies suggest that a probiotics might prevent colic in the first place.
Bacteria in the intestines produce many chemicals, including neurotransmitters such as serotonin, melatonin, and acetylcholine. These may directly impact brain function and mental health and may help explain the benefits of probiotics
If you're taking a live strain probiotic supplement, “ideally you want to take them 20 minutes after you eat
They support healthy body systems from your mouth to your gut, and help control harmful microorganisms like germs. At the right levels, probiotics aid digestion and improve nutrient absorption.
Generally probiotics are safe for children.
Some studies have found that certain strains of the Lactobacillus family can help you lose weight and belly fat.
The use of probiotic supplements is purported to protect against immune dysfunction and reduce inflammation—two key factors in the development of eczema.
Research suggests that they could improve recovery by increasing antioxidant absorption.
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for you, especially your digestive system. We usually think of these as germs that cause diseases. But your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called "good" or "helpful" bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy.
Human gastrointestinal microbiota, also known as gut flora or gut microbiota, are the microorganisms that live in the digestive tracts of humans.
Emotions like stress, anxiety, and depression, can impact our gut microbes (and vice versa) shifting the balance of bacteria.
An unbalanced gut flora can lead to intestinal permeability, which can increase inflammation, oxidative stress, and blood sugar imbalances throughout the body; all of which are linked to acne.
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for you, especially your digestive system. We usually think of these as germs that cause diseases. But your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called "good" or "helpful" bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy.
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for you, especially your digestive system. We usually think of these as germs that cause diseases. But your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called "good" or "helpful" bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy.
Probiotics help balance the friendly bacteria in your digestive system.
Probiotics are safe for the majority of the population
Bacteria are unique microorganisms that have a variety of physiological functions which are beneficial to human beings. However, some bacteria can also be harmful.
Studies have found that choline—a nutrient naturally found in red meat and eggs (but taken as a supplement in the study)—produced gut bacteria that in turn created a substance known as TMAO, which can lead to hardening of the arteries. Such bacterial changes can happen fast.
A variety of foods are good for your gut, such as:
The main symptoms of IBS are:
IBS can also cause:
The cause of irritable bowel syndrome is currently unknown. It is thought to result from a combination of abnormal gastrointestinal (GI) tract movements, increased awareness of bodily functions, and a disruption in the communication between the brain and the GI tract.
There is some evidence that certain probiotics may help improve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms
Findings from studies have shown that probiotics could, in fact, appear to improve the body's immune response
If your child has an ear infection or diarrheal illness that calls for antibiotics, taking a probiotic may help shorten the symptoms. In addition, probiotics may keep your children healthy by decreasing the number of bacteria in the gut that can cause infections or inflammation
Many bacteria and other organisms live in our bodies normally. "Friendly" bacteria such as lactobacillus can help us break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off "unfriendly" organisms that might cause diseases such as diarrhea.
Lactobacillus species are normal flora of the human mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and female genital tract, where they produce lactic acid (resulting in a low vaginal pH) and competitively inhibit pathogenic organisms.
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a type of bacteria found in your intestines. It's a member of the Lactobacillus genus of bacteria, and it plays an important role in human health
Probiotics are generally safe and not known to interact with many medications -- but they are regulated as a food rather than a medication
The microbiota refers to the micro-organisms and viruses associated with the human gastrointestinal tract. The microbiome refers to the genetic make-up of the whole of the microbiota: i.e. the genes from all the bacteria, eukaryotes, archaea and viruses.
There is increasing evidence that the daily supplementation of probiotics helps to improve both intestinal and immune health.
Our gut bacterial community is not static – every day, bacteria represents around half of the faecal mass we excrete from our bodies. This reflects the dynamic nature of our gut bacteria and suggests that supporting this microbiota with probiotics every day will have a positive effect on the balance of bacteria, helping to maintain a higher ratio of the good bacteria required to support health.
Previous generations had higher intakes of probiotic organisms as fermentation was used to preserve foods and these fermented vegetables and dairy foods contained high levels of bacteria. Consumption of fermented foods is far less prevalent today as refrigeration is now used as the means of food preservation and it can therefore be useful to support the friendly bacteria with daily supplementation.
While there are many health benefits linked to taking probiotics, there can also be side effects. Most of these are minor and only affect a small percentage of the population.
Probiotics work by balancing the levels of microorganisms in the intestines. They drive down the numbers of harmful bacteria. They also seem to boost the body's immune system.
Prebiotics are a special form of dietary fiber that acts as a fertilizer for the good bacteria in your gut. Probiotics are live bacteria that can be found in yogurt and other fermented foods.
You don't need to take a prebiotic for probiotics to work, but taking them might make your probiotics more effective.
Probiotics from both natural food sources and supplements are usually considered safe to take during pregnancy. It's best to talk to your GP or midwife before taking any supplements. If you do take a probiotic or prebiotic supplement, ensure you follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
The most effective probiotic supplements are the ones formulated for your unique needs. Ideal for pregnant women, ProVen Probiotics supports optimal gut health with the production of good bacteria and 10 billion CFUs delivered straight to the digestive tract.
Probiotics generally are considered safe during pregnancy. Probiotics from food are safe and nutritious for all clients. Probiotic foods are a safe way for pregnant women to introduce and consume healthful microbes during pregnancy and may provide other positive nutritional benefits.
Probiotics can help keep your gut healthy. Although you already have healthy bacteria in your gut it doesn't hurt to take them, and adding them to your diet might help.
There is a connection between anxiety and an upset gut.
In a normal digestive tract, trillions of bacteria are constantly at work to keep your body healthy. However, when the bacteria's normal functions are disrupted, it can also disrupt your mood and behavior, both of which can lead to anxiety.
Probiotics can contribute to maintaining the natural levels of good bacteria (known as lactobacilli) in your vagina, helping to prevent recurrent thrush and bacterial vaginosis.
Generally you should start taking probiotics for at least one week before your trip, and continue at least one week after your trip
Probiotics may be safe and effective at preventing TD,22 with Saccharomyces boulardii and a mixture of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum found to be efficacious.
By taking probiotics, you can promote the health of vagina, digestive tract and urinary tract as well.
These gut-healthy bacteria could boost our vitamin D absorption.
Certain strains of good bacteria may now help with weight loss.
Probiotics may help give your immune system a boost and inhibit the growth of harmful gut bacteria, which can help you feel less fatigued.
Evidence indicates that Lactobacillus gasseri may help people with obesity lose weight and belly fat. Additionally, a blend of probiotics called VSL#3 may reduce weight gain on a high-calorie diet.
Although taking a probiotic is unlikely to cause harm, it may not help fight obesity. First and foremost, it's important to understand that weight gain is essentially a function of energy imbalance. ... Although more research is needed, there is some evidence that probiotics might improve gut health
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for you, especially your digestive system. ... But your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called "good" or "helpful" bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy. You can find probiotics in supplements and some foods, like yogurt.
