Probio Forte contains 5 different probiotics that are among the most widely studied by the scientific community.

Bifidobacterium lactis (SD 5219).

Species from the Bifidobacterium genus have been used in dietary supplement form for several decades and are completely safe to use. Bifidobacterium lactis is recognised for its effect on the immune system: a number of studies have demonstrated its ability to both reduce levels of various cytokines involved in systemic inflammation (tumour necrosis factor, interleukin 10), and improve phagocyte capacity and Natural Killer (NK) cell activity.

Species from the Lactobacillus genus: acidophilus (SD 5221), casei (SD 5213), plantarum (SD 5209) and Lactococcus lactis.

These species are highly regarded by the scientific community. They are found in fermented foods such as yoghurt and kefir. Lactobacillus acidophilus has actually been the subject of scientific research for more than 40 years: it was isolated from a human source in 1975 by Professor Stanley Gilliland and his team at North Carolina State University. These four species exert all the effects you’d expect from probiotics, but in particular, they offer significant antimicrobial effects, primarily as a result of their ability to secrete organic acids and various bacteriostatic peptides.

Betaine HCl should be taken before meals in order to prepare the stomach and facilitate digestion. Take care to chew food properly during the supplementation period. If you’re not sure whether your acidity levels are adequate, you can follow these steps:

1. Start by taking a tablet of Betaine HCl just before a protein-rich meal.
2. If you experience some gastric discomfort, you probably do not have a problem producing hydrochloric acid in your stomach. If you feel no such undesirable effect, take two tablets with each protein-containing meal. A dose of two tablets of Betaine HCl delivers the equivalent of 10 mmol of H+ ions, that’s a pH of 1.40 in 250 ml of water.
3. If you feel no discomfort over the next few days, keep taking this dose. The symptoms associated with low gastric acid production should soon diminish.
4. When eating lighter meals, adapt the dose.

Betaine HCl can be combined with other supplements available to buy at Supersmart, such as this one for combatting Helicobacter pylori, H. Pylori Fight, if you suspect the presence of this bacteria in your stomach. To maximise protein absorption, it’s also a good idea to supplement with organic aloe vera. Lastly, in order to boost your gut flora – which may have been destabilised by the bacterial proliferation enabled by low gastric acidity - it can be really helpful to add in the excellent probiotic Probio Forte. In terms of phytotherapy, peppermint and gentian are also recognised for their ability to stimulate secretion of hydrochloric acid.

Hydrochloric acid supplements are not recommended for those suffering from ulcers, nor should they be taken by pregnant women experiencing problems with stomach acid, or those taking antihistamines (H2) or proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole or other generic forms.

The tablets should not be crushed into food. Alcohol should be avoided. Consult a health professional before supplementing if you are taking anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, NSAIDs, aspirin or ibuprofen.

Betaine hydrochloride is a supplement that’s been used for more than a century for naturally restoring gastric acidity and supporting digestion. Betaine is a completely natural, safe substance (10), found in a wide variety of foods such as beetroot, spinach and whole grains. It offers a range of additional benefits:

• It helps maintain the body’s water and salt levels.
• It protects cells and their constituents from environmental stress.
• It helps protect the liver from hepatotoxins such as ethanol or carbon tetrachloride.
• It has a beneficial effect on hepatic steatosis (fatty liver), painful gallstones and hyperglycaemia.
• It helps improve brain activity, primarily as a result of its role in the methionine cycle.
• It enhances physical and athletic performance, due mainly to its ability to increase the body’s levels of nitric oxide.

Buy Betaine HCl to compensate for the decline in gastric acidity.

Who is Probio Forte aimed at?

Probio Forte is a supplement that can be used by very many people, and in particular, by:

• Those who’ve finally decided they need to take care of their microbiota.
• Those suffering from digestive problems of various kinds (digestive discomfort, lactose intolerance, stomach ache, bloating, flatulence …).
• Those aged over 50 in whom gut flora composition often deteriorates (fewer bifidobacteria, more pathogenic bacteroidetes).
• Those who are taking, or have taken, antibiotics.
• Those who are frail.
• Those with immune problems or who wish to improve their immune response.
• Those who are simply keen to improve their daily health and well-being.

Should Probio Forte be kept refrigerated?

It’s best to store this product at a low temperature and in conditions of low humidity to maintain the highest possible number of bacteria in a ‘viable’ state. That’s why SuperSmart stores all its Probio Forte stock in refrigerated conditions.

However, storing them at room temperature for a period of a few weeks will not produce a significant decrease in numbers of viable bacteria. This is because of the addition of natural ingredients which specifically increase the probiotics’ survival rate when stored at less-than-ideal temperatures.

What happens to Probio Forte probiotics once they’ve been ingested?

Once ingested, the probiotics are released in the gut where they are immediately rehydrated. No longer dormant, they begin multiplying, competing with other bacteria to adhere to the intestinal wall.

The survival and growth of the probiotics in the gastrointestinal tract is essential if they are to influence microbial populations and exert their beneficial effects. Studies show that probiotics need to be taken repeatedly and regularly in order to produce sustained growth and measurable effects.

Even when the probiotics are protected from stomach acids by delivery in DR Caps™, they should still be taken on an empty stomach with a glass of water in order to reduce this acidity as much as possible and ensure a better chance of survival for the few bacteria which may have been released too early.

Should you change your diet when taking Probio Forte?

It is advisable to very gradually increase your dietary fibre intake (from fruits, vegetables, whole grains), so as to provide the probiotics with the right conditions for their growth. Such fibre is actually considered to be ‘prebiotic’.

This product’s capsules are composed of HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), a plant substance derived from cellulose. HPMC is widely used for medicines and dietary supplements. It contains no animal ingredients, is recognised as safe by health authorities and is considered more sustainable than synthetic alternatives.