What is a good probiotic to take for IBD

[Danico85]

Hi There

Can anyone recommend any good probiotics to take for IBD, preferably ones that are readily available in the UK.

Ive heard good things about them but never tried them so willing to give them ago.

What do people recommend?

Thanks

Nicky

 

[Jennifer]

My GI recommended VSL #3. Not sure if it's something you can get in the UK.

 

[Justanothercp]

My GI recommended VSL #3. Not sure if it's something you can get in the UK.

Is VSL #3 available OTC??

 

[buttER]

Hi there
I can't recommend one in the UK unfortunately.
Probiotics have been great for me. I realised they helped when my GP told me to take them while I was on antibiotics and I noticed the effect very quickly, they firm me up well and keep me regular. I know the next day if I forgot to take one.
I recommend you try different ones, in my experience you will know already within 1 or 2 weeks if it is helping. I have tried a few different ones and the effect varies. Now I think I have found a good one (it contains lots of different strains of bacteria, not just one or two) so I will stick with it.

 

[Kat123]

I'm in the UK and once asked my gastro for VSL#3. As far as I know, that's the only one that's been studied for effectiveness in IBD- it's supposed to be as effective as mesalasine in maintaining remission in UC, but it's not in NICE guidelines for that purpose, only for treating pouchitis. (This is all from memory, so hopefully I'm getting the details right).

Anyway- the gastro said, coz it's not on NICE guidelines, some GPs will prescribe it and some won't, and he scribbled me out a prescription and basically said I'd have to persuade the GP to give me any more. You can buy it on the Internet but it's quite pricey.

I tried it for a bit but I didn't actually have any bowel symptoms at the time, so I can't say if it helped or not for me.

 

[teeny5]

Not sure what you have in the UK. I take Jarro-Dophilus by Jarrow (buy it at the grocery store). My GI also has recommend Align or Culturelle (both over the counter). He specifically said to not take Yakult just saying it's no good. I have heard when you start one to start it gradually. I haven't had any issues with mine.

 

[eccalynn85]

My doc also recommended VSL#3 but it was going to cost me $80 a month plus all the other meds I'm on so I have tried a couple of OTC ones. Pretty much like everyone else has said you have to try some out to see what works for you, different peiple with different gut flora! Hope you find a good one!

 

[joeyme1]

My GI gave me samples for a few probiotics. Florastor worked for me so I still take it. The only downside is that it costs a little of $30 a month.

 

[my little penguin]

Our Gi put Ds in VSL #3 double strength by prescription only
Cost is very high out of pocket ($300 ) for 6 weeks
Not covered by insurance

 

[scottsma]

I USE Holland and Barretts Acidophulus 20 Billion.I also use Pysillium Capsules and digestive enzymes.The latter two because I recently had my Gall bladder removed.