The micro-organisms in our intestines have critical roles in nutrition, immune system, and health. We depend on our healthy microflora on everything from digesting certain foods and supporting the immune system to composing important chemicals that our body can’t make, like vitamins B and K. Studies indicate that healthy microbes in the gastrointestinal tract can powerfully shape the immune function.† Maintaining the delicate balance in the microflora is very important, as an unhealthy microbiome may be a factor in many chronic diseases, including obesity, cancer, and heart disease.

The gut bacteria composition is prone to change with your diet, antiobiotics, exposure to unwelcome microbes, and of course, stress. The gut microbial ecology is also affected by aging. The balance and interaction of the gut microflora, however, may be supported by ingesting probiotics, preferably in combination with the food for the bacteria—prebiotic dietary fiber.

Probiotics can be taken live as a supplement. Philosophy Nutrition’s Probiotics 40 Billion with scFOS® features 16 potent strains of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus cultures, along with scFOS® prebiotic fiber to feed and guide the probiotics to the intestinal tract. Multiple studies suggest that probiotic blends with multiple strains of the above 3 cultures may be able to provide significant support for a variety of health needs.†

Probiotics 40 Billion with scFOS® is tested for potency and contents to make sure the products match the labels. Each product is rigorously tested to for viability and effectiveness. The capsules include acid and bile resistant strains, and undergo a patented cryoprotectant stabilization process.

Bifidobacteria are a group of y-shaped bacteria that normally live in your intestines and stomach. They break down fiber that our body can’t digest itself, and in the process, produce short-chain fatty acids (SFCAs). SFCAs are not just absorbed by our body as a source of energy, but acts similarly to hormones in supporting gut health and managing satiety signals—which may even help control hunger. This type of bacteria may also protect our body from other harmful bacteria such as E. coli, as they produce chemicals that prevent toxins from passing into the blood.

Notably, this potent formula includes Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, which through clinical research was shown to support gastrointestinal and immune functions.† Research also suggests that ingesting this bacterium may increase the number of bifidobacterium and lactobacillus microflora in the human digestive tract.

Lactobacillus are a group of probiotics most often taken as supplements, and are commonly found in fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Like its name suggests, it produces enzymes called lactase, which breaks down the lactose found in milk and dairy products. According to studies, it may lower cholesterol, prevent diarrhea, support the immune system, reduce infection, and even promote weight loss.

Streptococcus is one of the two most common probiotics in fermented foods like yogurt and cheese, along with lactobacillus. It is often found in the colon, and like lactobacillus, produces lactase. The benefits suggested by research include improved digestion, enhanced immunity, and support against various infections.

Dietary fiber has many known health benefits, including bowel and stool regularity, healthy microbiome maintenance and beneficial gut bacteria growth.† The patented scFOS® prebiotic fiber is a synbiotic blend that is well tolerated and works synergistically with probiotics to support healthy microflora in the intestinal tract. It functions as a non-digestible fiber, and serves as food for the microflora in the intestines.

While probiotics alone adds beneficial microflora to our body, but for sustainable improvement and maintenance of the digestive tract, simply adding in more desirable probiotics is not optimal. Prebiotics can influence and improve the intestinal environment, making it more hospitable for beneficial microflora. Combined supplementation of probiotics and prebiotics can effectively improve the long-term survival of desirable micro-organisms.†