Not all probiotic capsules are vegan. The capsule shell is the key variable. Many probiotic capsules on the market use gelatin, which is derived from animal connective tissue, making them incompatible with a vegan diet. A truly vegan probiotic capsule uses a plant-derived shell, typically made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) or pullulan, and contains no animal-derived excipients, fillers, or coatings anywhere in the formulation. When evaluating any probiotic for vegan compatibility, check both the capsule shell material and the full ingredient list — not just the front-of-pack claim.

The effectiveness of a probiotic capsule depends on three things: the specific strains it contains, whether the CFU count is guaranteed until the expiration date (not just at the time of manufacture), and whether the formula is backed by published clinical evidence. Bio-K+ Extra Care and Extra Care+ capsules are formulated with three proprietary, clinically studied strains — Lacticaseibacillus casei LBC80R®, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CLR2®, and Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285® — the same formula studied across 45+ peer-reviewed publications and 16 published clinical trials. The CFU count is guaranteed until the expiration date when stored at room temperature. Produced entirely in Laval, Quebec, Canada since 1994. Extra Care delivers 50 billion CFU; Extra Care+ delivers 80 billion CFU.

Yes. The effectiveness of a probiotic comes from the specific strains it contains and the viability of the bacteria at the time of consumption, not from the fermentation base or capsule shell material. Bio-K+ Extra Care and Extra Care+ capsules contain the same three proprietary strains as the Bio-K+ drinkable line. The clinical evidence supporting these strains is the same regardless of format. Both contribute to intestinal flora health and deliver CFU counts guaranteed until the expiration date. The capsule format uses targeted-release technology to protect the bacteria from gastric acidity and deliver them to the gut, where they can act.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.