Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve got answers to some commonly asked questions.
The following questions and answers will help you learn more about the probiotic VSL#3® and how you should use it.
About VSL#3®
- What are probiotics?
- Is VSL#3® a drug?
- What should VSL#3® be used for?
- What is a medical food?
- Do I need a prescription to buy VSL#3®?
- How is VSL#3® different from other probiotic products?
- How does VSL#3® work?
Using VSL#3®
- What can I dissolve VSL#3® in?
- Are there any foods I should avoid while taking VSL#3®?
- How much VSL#3® should I take?
- Can I take too much VSL#3®?
- How long does VSL#3® take to work?
- How long can I take VSL#3®?
- Is VSL#3® safe for children?
- Can I take VSL#3® while on antibiotics?
- Can I take VSL#3® if I have intolerance to dairy products?
- What if I experience bloating problems?
- What is the best time of day to take VSL#3®?
- How long can I keep VSL#3®?
- What happens if VSL#3® is left at room temperature?
- Can I carry VSL#3® in my pocket?
- Is it better to freeze VSL#3®?
- Is VSL#3® Kosher and Halal certified?
About VSL#3®
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are cultures of beneficial bacteria (flora) that are normally present in a healthy digestive tract. Probiotic bacteria perform a variety of important functions in the body, including colonizing and protecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, modulating intestinal inflammation, and reducing colonic permeability.
Is VSL#3® a drug?
No, being a natural product, VSL#3® is a medical food that is intended for use under the supervision of a physician.
What should VSL#3® be used for?
VSL#3® is intended to be used for the dietary management of medically diagnosed ulcerative colitis (UC), irritable bowel syndrome, or ileal pouch anastomosis.
What is a medical food?
A medical food is a product that is intended for use in the dietary management of a medical disorder, disease, or condition with distinctive nutritional requirements, under the supervision of a physician or medical professional.
Do I need a prescription to buy VSL#3®?
No prescription is needed, however, VSL#3® must be used under the supervision of a medical professional.
How is VSL#3® different from other probiotic products?
VSL#3® is different from other probiotic products because it has the highest available concentration of beneficial bacteria (450 billion per dose). Most other probiotic preparations only have 1 to 5 billion bacteria that are generally not sufficient to have a therapeutic effect in serious clinical conditions.
How does VSL#3® work?
VSL#3® works by colonizing the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with optimal quantities and types of beneficial probiotic bacteria. These bacteria adhere to the wall of the GI tract and form a barrier that protects the inner layer of the gut from pathogenic (“bad”) bacteria and other substances that can cause inflammation.
Using VSL#3®
What can I dissolve VSL#3® in?
Open packet and stir contents into cold water or any non-carbonated drink and consume.
Are there any foods I should avoid while taking VSL#3®?
VSL#3® generally is compatible with any foods you can ordinarily eat.
How much VSL#3® should I take?
Clinical studies that have evaluated VSL#3®, used varying daily amounts of product, from 450 (1 packet) to 3,600 (8 packets) billion bacteria. Please consult your physician for recommended daily intake.
Recommended daily intake for adults
| RECOMMENDED DAILY INTAKE FOR ADULTS | |
|---|---|
|
All-Natural, live
freeze-dried,lactic acid bacteria medical food 450 billion bacteria per sachet (Equivalent in billions of bacteria) |
|
| For the dietary management of: |
VSL#3® Packets Per Day |
| Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Bloating and flatulence associated with IBS |
1/2-1 (225-450 billion) |
| Ulcerative Colitis
Help maintain remission |
1-2 (450-900 billion) |
| Pouchitis Help maintain remission |
2-4 (900-1800 billion) |
| Ulcerative Colitis
Active-not responding to conventional therapy |
4-8 (1800-3600 billion) |
Can I take too much VSL#3®?
As of today, there have been no reports of an overdose with VSL#3® or other probiotic products. Available experimental and clinical studies have firmly demonstrated that VSL#3® is safe and no significant adverse or toxic effects related to the treatment have been observed in experimental animals or human beings who consumed the product. This is not surprising, as the strains of lactic acid bacteria in VSL#3® are physiologically part of the endogenous microflora of the human gut. A minority of subjects consuming VSL#3® have complained of bloating during the treatment, when consuming 8 packets daily.
How long does VSL#3® take to work?
In general, initial results can be expected within 1 week while the maximal effects can be expected within 2 to 3 weeks from the start of the initial intake. A study conducted with VSL#3® confirms that maximum bacterial colonization of the gut (which corresponds to effectiveness) occurs within 20 days. This high level of colonization remains stable throughout treatment. After daily intake is interrupted, the strains in VSL#3® will survive in the gut for up to 3 weeks.
How long can I take VSL#3®?
VSL#3® is safe enough to be taken every day for as long as necessary to eliminate or control symptoms.
Is VSL#3® safe for children?
A significant number of studies of bacteriotherapy with probiotic bacteria have been performed in children and none of them has reported any adverse events. It is reasonable to regard VSL#3® as safe for children.
Can I take VSL#3® while on antibiotics?
VSL#3®is believed to be compatible with all types of drugs. If you take it with antibiotics, it will not harm you but the effects of VSL#3® will be reduced since the antibiotics can inactivate the microorganisms in VSL#3®.
Can I take VSL#3® if I have an intolerance to dairy products?
Some dairy ingredients are used in the culture medium but are removed during fermentation and concentration. There might be trace amounts at very low levels and, for this reason, VSL#3® is not defined as a dairy-free product but as a non-dairy product. Evidence suggests that probiotics may be useful in the treatment of patients with lactose maldigestion and lactase deficiency. Recent studies have demonstrated that lactose is better digested from yogurt than from milk by lactase-deficient individuals and yogurt ingestion by these patients is paralleled by reduced symptoms. Many patients confirmed that their intolerance was greatly reduced with the use of VSL#3®. If you are lactose intolerant, you may wish to start with a very low intake of VSL#3® to see how you respond before increasing the amount.
What if I experience bloating symptoms?
Bloating can occur during the first few days following the start of VSL#3 consumption. This is usually a transitory phenomenon due to the changing intestinal microflora. If you experience bloating, you may need to reduce your daily intake to allow this adjustment.
What is the best time of day to take VSL#3®?
VSL#3® can be taken at any time during the day.
How long can I keep VSL#3®?
The shelf life of the product is 2 year when refrigerated and about 1 week when stored at room temperature (24°C / 75°F). The product should not be stored above room temperature.
What happens if VSL#3® is left at room temperature?
It will be fine for about 1 week as long as it is not heated above room temperature or exposed to excessive heat. If it is left at room temperature for long periods of time or exposed to excessive heat, the microorganisms in VSL#3® can become greatly reduced.
Can I carry VSL#3® in my pocket?
No, it should not be heated above room temperature at any time. An outer garment pocket such as an overcoat pocket may be acceptable if it is not too warm and the packets are not stored in it for too long.
Is it better to freeze VSL#3®?
No, refrigeration is best.
Is VSL#3® Kosher and Halal certified?
Yes, VSL#3® is both Kosher and Halal certified.
