Anyone heard of the probiotic VSL#3?

[nc bri]

I came across this while reading the book "What to eat with IBD" and wondered if anyone had any experience with it. It sounds like the probiotic VSL#3 has been shown to help. Here's an article that sounds promising:

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-05-2004/0002082995&EDATE=

It's really expensive stuff, but seems to have studies that back it up. I ordered some, so I'll let you know if it helps. Anything to help with the UC! Their website is vsl3.com if you want to check it out.

 

[D Bergy]

It is supposed to be the top of the line probiotic. Largest bacteria count by far.

Dan Bergman

 

[nc bri]

well, I've taken it for about a week now, but it's probably too early for it to have made any difference. It tastes pretty good, I usually mix it with yogurt. After 2 days of taking it I felt great for a couple of days(fewer and less uncomfortable bms), and then not great for a couple if days, so I'll see how it goes. I just had my first remicade treatment a couple of days ago so it might be hard to differentiate between the two.

 

[Kev]

All of the anecdotal info I've seen about probiotics indicates that you need to take them for weeks before seeing any benefits.. you might well want to let your system adjust to your remicade treatment before adding probiotics to your diet... I don't think one contraindicates the other, but it just might lead to a confusion over which is providing which benefits, as you mentioned. OK?

 

[Cara Fusinato]

I didn't find any benefits and it is sooooo expensive. I now take a good quality cheaper one with seven strains of bacteria. Doesn't seem to change anything, but I know it is a good thing according to everyone. Can't hurt.