There are lots of different options when it comes to buying a probiotic. The number of CFUs (colony forming units), format (pill vs. liquid) or where you find them in the store (refrigerator vs. on the shelf). But perhaps the one that can feel most confusing is the different number of strains that can be present in each product. 

When choosing what’s right for you, you’ve likely noticed that some probiotics are listed as ‘single strain’, while others might include upwards of ten or more strains (multi-strain). When looking for a quality probiotic, it’s easy to jump to the conclusion that more equals better. But that’s not always the case, and our rigorous on-site research and product testing have proven why.

More Doesn’t Always Equal Better

It’s good to know, in general, that there are different strains of bacteria and each contributes a bit differently to our health, supporting our digestive system and immune system in their unique way. It’s also important to understand that many factors influence how the strains act once they are in our body. Are they in an enteric coated probiotic capsule or a fermented liquid? How do the bacteria act with each other? Are they strong and healthy to survive the journey?

Whenever we take more than one strain, it is critical to ensure that those strains interact favorably. Think of it this way: part of the reason we take probiotics is to fight off other bacteria - it is possible, in a multi-strain product, and particularly if you take two different probiotic products at the same time, that they can outcompete each other. Research supports this: you can include 10 strains in a single product but without proper study, you can’t be sure that one strain isn’t outcompeting the other nine. So, if a manufacturer makes a product that has more than one strain, it is critical that they have tested those strains together. 

At Bio-K+, we use three unique, patented strains (L. acidophilus CL1285^®, L. casei LBC80R^® and L. rhamnosus CLR2^®) that you won’t find in any other probiotic. We’ve been passionately studying (at our state of the art labs right here at the Bio-K+ office) these specific strains for over 20 years; we have a lot of research supporting why these three strains work synergistically together to create real change in your gut health. 

Who Are Our Probiotic Strains & What They Do

Let’s look at the three strains of bacteria that we use in Bio-K+. All three are from the Lactobacillus genus. We have:

Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285^® that helps to keep ‘bad’ bacteria at bay.

Lactobacillus casei LBC80R^® that helps to maintain gut integrity and keeps the immune system strong.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus CLR2^® that helps to develop a friendly environment for good bacteria to grow.

These three strains are unique to Bio-K+, and because we recognize that our bacteria are living organisms, we put an enormous amount of effort into their wellbeing, continuously observing, learning, and optimizing conditions for the three unique bacteria strains to thrive.

The Live Difference

We know that probiotics are living creatures and caring for them in a way that reflects this, is what sets the Bio-K+ probiotics apart from any other probiotic on the market. We call it the ‘Live Difference.’ It’s a pretty rigorous (and scientific process) that ensures our bacteria are never tired, stressed, or damaged, but instead well-adjusted, strong, and healthy so they can work together to create real change in the biodiversity of your intestinal tract.

In our drinkable Bio-K+, the bacteria are never freeze-dried.  We are not just mixing a powdered probiotic with a liquid and sending it on its way as a product. We add our live and active bacteria to a liquid substrate that allows them to grow and ferment right inside the bottle. This is the secret to creating bacteria that work together as a team versus competing with each other. 

So, Why Just Three?

Because we did the work to know that our three strains work. Which means conducting rigorous studies on the finished product, not just relying on studies that show how the individual strains work when they are on their own.

Our three bacteria have research to back their effectiveness from everyday use (like promoting general health and wellbeing) to more serious conditions. Antibiotics, mainly the broad-spectrum varieties, eliminate not only bad bacteria (pathogens) that cause infections, but also a significant quantity of our good bacteria found in our intestines.^1,2 Clostridium difficile, which causes inflammation of the colon, is a bacteria that may grows as a result of this antibiotic-induced bacteria imbalance and can carry significant health consequences beyond general malaise, fever and prolonged diarrhea, potentially causing significantly damage to the mucous lining of our gut and the induction of inflammatory cells.^3,4

When you take Bio-K+, you’re consuming three effective bacteria that synergistically help to promote a balanced microbiome, better digestion, improved immune system function and offer overall benefit in your health and wellbeing.

So, there you have it. It’s clear to see what makes Bio-K+ so special and why it’s important to recognize that not all products on the shelf are equal! More doesn’t always mean better, especially not in the case of probiotics. Choosing a product with finished product testing, like Bio-K+, is the way to ensure you’re choosing a product that’s effective and beneficial to your gut and thus overall health!

If you’re looking to stock up on Bio-K+, head to our store locator. For more information on Bio-K+, probiotics and digestive health, contact us, find us on Facebook and Instagram or join our community.

References

1. Hogenauer et al. 1998. Mechanisms and management of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Clin Infect Dis. 27:702-710.
2. CPS, CPNA 2008 Individual Monographs.
3. Aslam et al. 2005. Treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated disease: old therapies and new strategies. Lancet Inf Dis. 5:549-57.