The probiotic medical food VSL#3 for the dietary management of irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis and patients who have an ileal pouch, received a positive recommendation by the Consumer Lab’s quality certification program, becoming one of 14 approved products. From the 19 probiotic products analyzed by the independent testing organization, only 14 contained the labeled amount of live microorganisms necessary for patients.
VSL#3, which is produced by Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals, was tested in order to assess the quantity of live microorganisms and its disintegration capacity in the use of tablet form, so that the contents would be released, or if enteric-coated or delayed release, after passing through the stomach, according to need. All VSL#3 formulations are gluten free, Kosher, and Halal certified.
“This independent endorsement supports the s VSL#3 claim that the product contains 112.5 to 900 billion live probiotic bacteria, which is essential in delivering enough microorganisms to beneficially affect the gut flora in patients with IBS or UC,” said the Sigma-Tau product director, Mary Ocnean. “The proprietary formulation has also been shown in the dietary management of IBS to reduce abdominal bloating in patients.”
“VSL#3 has been supported by extensive scientific data over the years along with being recognized by prestigious organizations, such as The World Organization of Gastroenterology,” she added. “This validation by a reputable third party offers physicians and healthcare professional’s added credibility in recommending VSL#3 to their patients and for consumers to have confidence taking the formulation.”
Sigma-Tau representatives also noted that IBS is a common incurable problem and that “it’s a digestive disorder that does not discriminate among adults and children.” As a high potency probiotic medical food VSL#3 contains eight strains of live, freeze-dried lactic acid bacteria from 112.5 to 900 billion live bacteria per serving, depending on the formulation, which makes it “up to 10 times more potent than the average probiotic.” “By adding VSL#3 to traditional therapies for the dietary management of ulcerative colitis or IBS, patients can help maintain their remission,” she said.
The Consumer Lab also recommended that patients consult their chart, which indicates which products were studied for each conditions, or ask the help of a physician in other to decide what probiotic products to consume. VSL#3 has been proven especially indicated for IBS patients, according to the Consumer Lab’s chart.