VSL#3^® AND ULCERATIVE COLITIS (UC)

 

 

What is a probiotic and how can it help me?

Your digestive tract contains trillions of bacteria. Most bacteria are considered good bacteria—the kind that keep you healthy.

But you also have bad bacteria. People with conditions such as IBS often have more bad bacteria than good bacteria in their digestive tract. More bad bacteria can cause problems that lead to uncomfortable and even debilitating symptoms, as well as anxiety that comes from having to cope with those symptoms.

VSL#3^® is an advanced probiotic option that provides multiple strains of bacteria to increase the good bacteria in your digestive tract to manage your condition.

 

What should I look for when choosing a probiotic?

Different probiotics provide different types or strains of good bacteria in different amounts. The number of good bacteria is measured in colony-forming units (CFU).  When choosing a probiotic, you should consider both the number of different strains and the total CFU count, which is usually measured in billions.

 

How is VSL#3^® different from other probiotic options?

VSL#3^® offers a greater diversity and number of good bacteria strains, which can help improve the balance of bacteria in your digestive tract. VSL#3^® contains multiple different strains of good bacteria. Many over-the-counter (OTC) probiotic brands contain only 1 strain. VSL#3^® Powders contain 450-900 billion CFU, while many over-the-counter (OTC) probiotics contain 20 billion CFU or less.

VSL#3^® is also refrigerated to keep the bacteria alive.

 

Is it safe to take VSL#3^® every day?

VSL#3^® is a medical food intended for the dietary management in patients with IBS, UC and Pouchitis.  The probiotic bacteria in VSL#3® are non-pathogenic, non-toxigenic and Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) as food ingredients.

How do I take VSL#3^®?

VSL#3^® should be taken as directed by your health care provider. Hot liquids should be avoided when taking VSL#3^® since heat can destroy the bacteria.

 

How long will I need to take VSL#3^®?

VLS#3^® should be taken as directed by your health care professional.  Adjustment of the intestinal flora can take a few days or weeks; it may take up to one month for the colonization of the gut to become stable.

 

Is VSL#3^® available at my local pharmacy?

Yes, however some pharmacies may be temporarily unable to obtain VSL#3^® due to a supply chain issue.  Please call ahead to check availability before visiting your local pharmacy or email info@alfasigma.com for help locating product in the retail setting.