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Udo's Choice® Probiotic Blends |
Seven powerful age- and condition-specific probiotic blends for proper digestion, strong immune function and overall health. Formulated by Udo Erasmus Author of Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill.
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What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are the beneficial, friendly bacteria that live in the intestines. Although bacteria are usually associated with germs and illness, it is only the pathogenic or "bad" ones that cause imbalances of the intestinal microflora, leading to a disease state. Probiotics, on the other hand, help the body to function properly, encouraging optimal digestion and fighting illness and disease.
Health begins in the gut
Surprising though it may be, those healthy bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract (from the mouth right through to the colon) are involved in a myriad of functions.
Probiotics:
• Improve digestion of proteins, carbohydrates and fats
• Promote regular bowel movements
• Enhance immune function
• Contribute to the absorption of minerals
• Produce antioxidants
• Participate in the manufacture of some B vitamins
• Help inhibit food poisoning
• Normalize skin conditions
• Help reduce cholesterol
• Maintain bone health
• Help manage blood sugar levels
• Improve the symptoms of lactose intolerance
• Help combat fungal and yeast infections
• Limit the action of disease-causing bacteria
Why do I need a probiotic supplement?
There are over 400 different species of bacteria – more than 100 trillion total bacteria – in the human intestinal tract. Many dietary and lifestyle factors can easily throw off the ratio of good to bad bacteria, causing common problems such as excessive gas, bloating, diarrhea, intestinal toxicity, constipation and poor absorption of nutrients. It is important to replenish the supply of healthy bacteria on a daily basis. In this way, you can prevent disease-causing micro-organisms (like E. coli, salmonella and many others) from taking over and crowding out the good bacteria.
Truly the foundation for a healthy immune system, probiotics produce antioxidants and improve your digestion and absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. They synthesize B vitamins, which are necessary for a healthy nervous system. Probiotics regulate elimination, correcting both diarrhea and constipation.
Probiotics are widely recommended for fungal infections (such as athlete's foot) and yeast infections (vaginal, systemic, or thrush caused by Candida albicans) because they help crowd out harmful microbes that are trying to take up residence. They also produce organic compounds that increase intestinal acidity, inhibiting the reproduction of many harmful bacteria. What's more, probiotics produce substances that act as natural antibiotics to kill undesirable bacteria.
Factors that lead to overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria:
• Poor eating habits – especially sugar and refined foods
• Chlorinated drinking water
• Stress, aging and disease
• Born by caesarean section
• Alcohol consumption
• Bacterial infections
• Traveler's bugs
• Antibiotics in food production or prescription medications
Just right for your age or state of health
Human beings usually start life with a relatively healthy intestinal tract. As we age, the balance of both healthy and pathogenic bacteria shifts and changes. Infants have a different ratio of probiotics than adults or seniors. People with cholesterol problems, yeast overgrowth, poor oral health or chronic bowel conditions require differing amounts of certain bacterial strains. Udo's Choice® Probiotic Blends are specially designed to meet your specific needs.
Probiotics that survive stomach acid
While many probiotics on the market are to be taken on an empty stomach, Udo's Choice® Probiotic Blends are best taken after meals. You may also open the capsules and mix the powder directly with cool or warm (but not hot) foods, simulating how some probiotics occur on raw foods in nature. All of the bacterial strains chosen have been specially developed and tested for their gastric resistance. In vitro testing has proven that they do not suffer any concentration loss after three hours at 37°C, at the acidic pH of 3 or 4. Udo's Choice® Probiotic Blends will therefore safely pass through the stomach acid and reach the intestinal tract at full potency. This eliminates the need for enteric coating. These bacteria have also been proven to tolerate bile, ensuring their survival throughout the entire intestinal tract.
Guaranteed potency
Udo's Choice® Probiotic Blends have two numbers depicting the potency (also known as the active or viable cell count). The higher number is the active cell count at the time of manufacture. This bacterial count reflects only the number of viable bacteria in the product; any damaged or ineffective bacteria were not included in the count. The other number (lower but still highly impressive) is the cell count guaranteed at the expiration date.
Have probiotics… will travel!
Udo's Choice® Probiotic Blends boast some of the highest bacterial counts available. Udo's Choice® guarantees a very potent cell count even at the time of expiry, so long as the bottle is kept refrigerated. Within one month, we can assume a 2-4% decrease in viable cell count if the product is refrigerated, versus a 20-40% decrease if left at room temperature for 30 days. A quick calculation shows that even if you can't refrigerate your Udo's Choice® Probiotic Blend while traveling, it will still give you a powerful supply of healthy bacteria even after a month away from home.
Udo's Choice® Probiotic Blends can be frozen to extend shelf life. Refrigeration ensures maximum potency and stability.
State of the Art ManufacturingUdo's Choice ® Probiotic Blends are manufactured using very careful techniques that guarantee bacterial potency and therapeutic potential. The process is straightforward, using state-of-the-art equipment and the knowledge of expert technicians to produce probiotics at the highest possible concentration and purity.
Mother-culture & fermentation
Each strain of bacteria proliferates and increases in volume in a culture medium until placed in the fermentor. The resulting probiotic culture goes from clear to cloudy as the bacteria reproduce.. |
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Filtration
Once fermentation is complete, the culture is concentrated to reduce its volume. Cryoprotectants (including small amounts of dairy and soy lecithin*) are added to protect the bacteria so they will survive the stressful freeze-drying phase and result in a high bacterial concentration.
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Lyophilization (freeze-drying)
The concentrated bacterial culture is frozen at -40°C. Then, through a process called sublimation, the ice is converted into steam, yielding a solid crust ready for grinding.
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Grinding
The crust is gently ground into a fine powder with a high bacterial concentration. This is called the pure culture.
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Mixing
The pure culture is mixed with excipients (inert ingredients that act as a vehicle for the pure culture) so that standardized packaging is possible.
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Packaging
Udo's Choice® Probiotic Blends are available in powder, capsule or lozenge formats, depending on the product. Vegetarian capsules are used because they contain less moisture than gelatin; this prolongs the shelf life of the probiotics. Product integrity is further ensured by the use of recyclable, nitrogen-flushed glass bottles and metal caps that allow neither air nor light to affect the contents.
*Udo's Choice® Probiotic Blends contain only an average of 1% dairy and soy lecithin combined.
Udo's Choice® Probiotic Blends:
Infant's Blend
For Infants & Toddlers 0–5 years
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7 infant- and toddler-specific bacterial strains at an appropriate strength, formulated to reflect healthy infant microflora.
• Provides B. infantis, the most important micro-organism in the large intestine of babies and toddlers
• Facilitates healthy weight gain in infants by promoting proper digestion of a healthy diet
• Prevents infant diarrhea
• Powder format can be added to infant formula or other liquid as part of a meal
2 billion viable/active cells per gram
Availability:
75 grams of powder |
Bifidobacteria – including B. infantis, B. bifidum and B. breve – should represent the largest population of beneficial bacteria in babies, as their immune defences are not yet fully working. Babies get these friendly bacteria from their mothers as they pass through a clean and healthy birth canal. Approximately 60% of full-term newborns who were born vaginally had B. infantis in their feces (as they should), as opposed to only 9% of babies born by Caesarean section. Also, breastfed babies have a healthier composition of intestinal microflora than formulafed babies; this is because the heat used to pasteurize formula kills all bacteria (both good and bad). The specific strains used in Infant's Blend have been specially chosen for their value to infant health.
Each gram contains: 2 billion viable cells at the time of manufacture (1.4 billion guaranteed until expiry).
MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS:
Lactobacillus casei: 35%
Streptococcus thermophilus: 20%
Lactobacillus acidophilus: 15%
Bifidobacterium infantis: 15%
Bifidobacterium bifidum: 5%
Lactobacillus bulgaricus: 5%
Bifidobacterium breve: 5%
NON-MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS:
Maltodextrin, ascorbic acid. May contain traces of: milk powder, whey and soy lecithin.
Recommended dose: To restore healthy intestinal flora, dissolve half a teaspoon three times a day in formula or other liquid. To maintain healthy intestinal flora, dissolve half a teaspoon once a day in formula or other liquid. Children's BlendFor Children 5–15 years
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8 child-specific bacterial strains at an appropriate strength, formulated to reflect healthy childhood microflora
• Promotes regular bowel movements
• Provides immune support by protecting against the invasion of disease-causing bacteria
• Improves the symptoms of lactose intolerance
• Supports a healthy balance of microflora, which helps the intestines manufacture some of the important B vitamins
• Improves proper digestion
4 billion viable/active cells per capsule
Availability:
60 vegetarian capsules
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A child's healthy intestinal flora is similar to the bacteria found in adults. The main difference is the strength because children are smaller and require a lesser amount of these probiotics. The strains used in Children's Blend have been specially chosen for their value to children's health. If the child is not able to swallow capsules, the easiest way to provide this foundational support is to sprinkle the contents on his or her meal.
Each vegetarian capsule contains: 4 billion total viable cells at time of manufacture (2.4 billion guaranteed until expiry).
MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS:
Lactobacillus casei: 25%
Lactobacillus rhamnosus: 25%
Lactobacillus acidophilus: 20%
Lactobacillus plantarum: 10%
Streptococcus thermophilus: 7%
Bifidobacterium bifidum: 5%
Bifidobacterium breve: 5%
Lactobacillus bulgaricus: 3%
NON-MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS:
Microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, ascorbic acid. May contain traces of: milk powder, whey and soy lecithin.
Recommended dose: To restore healthy intestinal flora, consume three capsules per day on a full stomach. To maintain healthy intestinal flora, consume one capsule per day on a full stomach.
For Adults 16–65 years
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8 adult-specific bacterial strains at an appropriate strength, formulated to reflect healthy adult microflora
• Provides support for the immune system
• Improves symptoms of lactose intolerance
• Supports a healthy balance of microflora, contributing to the synthesis of some of the important B vitamins
• Improves proper digestion
• Promotes regular bowel movements
12 billion viable/active cells per capsule
Availability:
60 and 120 vegetarian capsules
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Adults need much greater quantities of the same bacteria that children need. The strains used in Adult's Blend are at the appropriate strength for healthy adults who wish to support their immune systems. Along with good dietary and lifestyle choices, Adult's Blend allows for optimal digestive and intestinal health – the foundation for the health of all body systems.
Each vegetarian capsule contains: 12 billion viable cells at time of manufacture (8.3 billion guaranteed until expiry).
MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS:
Lactobacillus casei: 25%
Lactobacillus rhamnosus: 25%
Lactobacillus acidophilus: 20%
Lactobacillus plantarum: 10%
Streptococcus thermophilus: 7%
Bifidobacterium bifidum: 5%
Bifidobacterium breve: 5%
Lactobacillus bulgaricus: 3%
NON-MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS:
Microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, ascorbic acid. May contain traces of: milk powder, whey and soy lecithin.
Recommended adult dose: To restore healthy intestinal flora, consume three capsules per day on a full stomach. To maintain healthy intestinal flora, consume one capsule per day on a full stomach. Advanced Adult's Blend
For seniors 65 years and up
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9 bacterial strains, formulated to address lower bowel conditions, bacterial infections and cholesterol levels
• Improves proper digestion
• Promotes regular bowel movements
• Improves the symptoms of lactose intolerance
• Supports a healthy balance of microflora, which helps the intestines manufacture some of the important B vitamins
• Helps combat bacterial infections and improves immunological response
24 billion viable/active cells per capsule
Availability:
30 and 60 vegetarian capsules
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Seniors generally need a lot of bifidobacteria to reach optimum bowel health. Taking acidophilus without enough bifidobacteria can lead to constipation – something to be avoided so that toxins are not re-absorbed into the bloodstream before exiting the body. This formula emphasizes the particular bifido strains necessary for health and longevity in seniors. This blend is also designed to support the immune system, a common concern amongst older members of our population.
Each vegetarian capsule contains: 24 billion viable cells at time of manufacture (16.7 billion guaranteed until expiry).
MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS:
Lactobacillus casei: 20%
Lactobacillus rhamnosus: 20%
Lactobacillus acidophilus: 10%
Lactobacillus plantarum: 10%
Bifidobacterium bifidum: 10%
Bifidobacterium breve: 10%
Bifidobacterium longum: 10%
Streptococcus thermophilus: 7%
Lactobacillus bulgaricus: 3%
NON-MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS:
Microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, ascorbic acid. May contain traces of: milk powder, whey and soy lecithin.
Recommended adult dose: To restore healthy intestinal flora, consume three capsules per day on a full stomach. To maintain healthy intestinal flora, consume one capsule per day on a full stomach. Super 8 Hi-Potency
For correcting yeast imbalance 5 years & up
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8 bacterial strains to improve yeast overgrowth, formulated with a higher concentration of L. acidophilus
• Helps combat fungal and yeast infections
• Helps to inhibit the bacteria involved in urinary tract infections
• Provides general immune support
30 billion viable/active cells
30 billion viable/active cells per capsule
Availability:
30 & 60 vegetarian capsules
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Ideally, healthy and pathogenic micro-organisms, yeast and fungi balance each other out in the intestines. However, the balance is easily disrupted by the modern diet (high in refined carbohydrates and sugars), chlorinated water, stress and antibiotic medications. Yeast overgrowth (commonly from Candida albicans) starts in the intestines, causing digestive problems such as gas, bloating, and passing undigested food. As it spreads throughout the body, the imbalance may lead to vaginal yeast infections and thrush. This overgrowth can also become systemic, resulting in allergies, autoimmune disorders, "brain fog" and memory problems, to name but a few. The strains in Super 8 Hi-Potency have been specially chosen to correct yeast overgrowth and facilitate the health of the small intestine.
Each vegetarian capsule contains: 30 billion viable cells at time of manufacture (20.8 billion guaranteed until expiry).
MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS:
Lactobacillus acidophilus: 45%
Lactobacillus rhamnosus: 25%
Streptococcus thermophilus: 10%
Lactobacillus plantarum: 7%
Bifidobacterium bifidum: 6%
Lactobacillus bulgaricus: 3%
Bifidobacterium longum: 3%
Lactobacillus salivarius: 1%
NON-MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS:
Microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, ascorbic acid. May contain traces of: milk powder, whey and soy lecithin.
Recommended dose: To restore healthy intestinal flora, consume three capsules per day on a full stomach. To maintain healthy intestinal flora, consume one capsule per day on a full stomach.
For oral health for all ages
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5 bacterial strains, formulated to improve oral health and protect against inflammation and bad breath
• Fights the bacteria that cause bad breath
• Provides healthy bacteria that enhance an oral regimen designed to help prevent gum conditions and tooth decay
• Protects against thrush
• Unique raspberry-flavoured lozenge format
1 billion viable/active cells
1 billion viable/active cells per lozenge
Availability:
60 dissolvable lozenges |
The digestive tract begins in the mouth, where probiotics begin helping the body protect itself from disease-causing bacteria. Unhealthy organisms in the mouth can cause thrush, gum conditions, tooth decay, inflamed mouth tissue, and bad breath. In order for probiotics to implant and be effective, they must come into direct contact with the mouth, teeth, gums and throat. The Super 5 Lozenge is a delicious way to introduce probiotics – in particular, L. salivarius, which is not commonly found in supplements – precisely where they are needed. Dissolving a lozenge in the mouth after a meal lets the warmth and moisture in the mouth go to work and help these good bacteria multiply and proliferate. Super 5 Lozenge is specifically designed for localized support and proper bacterial balance, facilitating overall oral health.
Each lozenge contains: 1 billion viable cells at time of manufacture (690 million guaranteed until expiry).
MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS:
Lactobacillus acidophilus: 60%
Bifidobacterium bifidum: 15%
Streptococcus thermophilus: 15%
Lactobacillus bulgaricus: 5%
Lactobacillus salivarius: 5%
NON-MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS:
Maltodextrin, Sucanat®, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, ascorbic acid, citric acid, natural raspberry flavouring and natural colouring. May contain traces of: milk powder, whey and soy lecithin.
Recommended dose: To restore healthy intestinal flora, dissolve gently in the mouth three lozenges per day on a full stomach. To maintain healthy intestinal flora, dissolve gently in the mouth one lozenge per day on a full stomach.
Hi-Potency Bowel
For bowel health 16 years and up
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10 bacterial strains, formulated for lower bowel health and to help correct chronic lower bowel conditions
• Inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria and viruses that can cause diarrhea
• Remedies chronic constipation
• Helps to relieve and prevent intestinal inflammation
• Enhances the functioning of the immune system
• Helps reduce the incidence of lactose sensitivity
70 billion viable/active cells per capsule
Availability:
30 vegetarian capsules
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Each vegetarian capsule contains: 70 billion viable cells at time of manufacture (48.6 billion guaranteed until expiry).
MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS:
Bifidobacterium bifidum: 15%
Bifidobacterium breve: 35%
Bifidobacterium longum: 10%
Lactobacillus acidophilus: 5%
Lactobacillus brevis: 2%
Lactobacillus bulgaricus: 1%
Lactobacillus casei: 11%
Lactobacillus plantarum: 6%
Lactobacillus rhamnosus: 10%
Lactococcus lactis: 5%
NON-MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS:
Microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, ascorbic acid. May contain traces of: milk powder, whey and soy lecithin.
Recommended adult dose: To restore healthy intestinal flora, consume three capsules per day on a full stomach. To maintain healthy intestinal flora, consume one capsule per day on a full stomach. | |
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