Healthcare Professionals
The probiotic medical food for the dietary management of patients with Ulcerative Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), or an Ileal Pouch
Description
VSL#3® is a high-potency medical food probiotic consisting of live freeze-dried lactic acid bacteria. Each dose contains 450 billion live lactic acid bacteria per packet in defined ratios of lyophilized Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus.
Intended Use
VSL#3® is intended to be used in the dietary management of medically diagnosed ulcerative colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or an ileal pouch. VSL#3® is a medical food that is intended to be used under the supervision of a physician.
Physiology
VSL#3® provides specifically modified nutritional support for the management of medically diagnosed ulcerative colitis (UC), Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or an ileal pouch by delivering a high concentration of several strains of live bacteria in a formulation that survives gastric fluid, bile, and pancreatic secretions, and colonizes the gastrointestinal tract.19,20,44,66 Studies have demonstrated that the gut microflora modulate intestinal inflammation, reduce colonic permeability, and enhance barrier function. 22,35,39,49,64 Patients with pouchitis who received VSL#3® were found to have increased concentrations of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and reduction of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1α, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor- α, as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase and matrix metalloproteinase activity to concentrations similar to those found in non-inflamed pouches64.
Product Specifications
VSL#3® comes in a powder that is intended to be mixed with at least 4 ounces of cold water and consumed. VSL#3® has a light lemon cream flavor. Ingredients – 450 billion lactic acid bacteria, maltose, natural lemon flavor, silicon dioxide.
VSL#3® is also available as an unflavored powder that is intended to be mixed with yogurt, ice-cream, apple sauce or any other cold food and consumed. Ingredients – 450 billion lactic acid bacteria, cornstarch.
Storage – Packets should be refrigerated (39-46° F). The product may be stored at room temperature for up to a week without adversely affecting potency.
Shelf life - 2 years from manufacturing date when stored properly (39-46° F).
Drug Interactions
Avoid taking together with antibiotics. Antibiotics may inactivate the live bacteria in VSL#3®.
Side Effects
None known
