Align Probiotic Review

Align is a part of Procter & Gamble (P&G), an American consumer goods corporation. Align probiotic is a popular brand which is recommended by many gastroenterologists. In a survey conducted by Symphony Health Solutions Align probiotic is most recommended supplement by many physicians and gastroenterologists.

Align probiotic consists of a unique probiotic strain, Bifidobacterium infantis 35624. They say that this particular strain is not present in other products.  It contains 1 billion CFU and there is no need for refrigeration.

Note
Note that results of probiotic supplements are subjective. The results are also strain specific. Some users may get good results while some may not.
I am in no way involved in the marketing of this product and I do not represent this company in any form.
Consult your doctor before switching between supplements or any prescribed medicines.
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What Does The Company Say

For whom: Adults

Safety instructions: Store at room temperature and keep it out of reach from children.

The company says that the bacterial strain B. infantis 35624 is their patented strain which isn’t present in other products. It is very effective in reducing many digestive disorders and most effective for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They also have a 30-day money back guarantee policy if you are unsatisfied with the product.

Each enteric coated capsule contains 1 x 10⁹ (one billion) live bacteria/CFU at the date of manufacture. The peak availability of live bacteria during the customer use is 1 x 10⁷ CFU.

Price ranges from as low as $18.99 to a maximum of $59.99. Price varies depending on the number of capsules in the pack.

Align probiotic is gluten free but contains milk.

Dosage: One capsule per day.

Uses:

• Improve the efficacy of your digestive system.
• Helps in balancing the gut by aiding the colonization of other probiotic strains.
• Promote and support the digestive system.

In their official statement, they say that there will be some common side effects like bloating like with any other probiotic supplement. They recommend you to continue the use as these side effects subside with time.

Formulation

The unique patented probiotic strain B. infantis 35624 or simply called as Bifantis^TM is dispensed in an enteric coated capsule. It also has other ingredients and they are:

• Hypromellose – Vegan capsule shell.
• Magnesium stearate – For even distribution of live cultures.
• Microcrystalline cellulose – For even distribution of live cultures.
• Milk protein
• Propyl gallate – Preservative to prevent oxidation.
• Riboflavin
• Sodium citrate dihydrate – Alkalizing or buffering agent.
• Sugar
• Titanium dioxide – Coloring agent.
• Gellan gum – Thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer.

Our Review on Align Probiotic

Align probiotic contains a specific probiotic strain, B. infantins 35624. This strain is very effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome and especially in women (1, 2). Bfiantis™ is extensively researched by many reputed pharmaceutical and recognized authorities.

Bifantis^TM is shown to modulate metabolism and restore the metabolic balance of GI flora. It is also a strain whose genomic sequence is fully documented and its non-pathogenic nature is fully established. This means that it is susceptible to all antibiotics which show the effect on gram-positive bacteria.

In a randomized, multiple-dosage, parallel, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial B. infantis 35624 reduced symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, distention and bowel movements. It was superior to Lactobacillus in reducing symptoms. (O’Mahony L et al).

In another multicenter, randomized, multiple-dosage, parallel, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial, 362 female adults aged between 18 – 65 years, diagnosed with IBS were given Bifantis^TM for 4 weeks. B. infantis 35624 showed great results when the dosage was 1 x 10⁸ CFU (Whorwell P et al).

All the research and studies indicate that B. infatins 35624 is very effective in IBS patients. It also helps in other minor GI disorders such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating. Align probiotic also comes in an easy to consume capsules which makes it quite comfortable for intake.

We would definitely recommend this supplement to our users and for those who have IBS and related symptoms. But we should caution you that though this supplement is gluten-free, it contains milk (milk protein) and hence users with lactose intolerance should avoid it. It also contains sugar which means diabetic patients cannot use this supplement. Since probiotics are generally regarded as safe, it is safe to consume during pregnancy also.

Advantages:

• Excellent in the reduction of symptoms such as IBS, bloating and abdominal pain.
• Gluten-free.
• Easy to swallow pills.
• No refrigeration required.
• Comes in a blister pack with 7 days of the week labeled on it – Easy to remember and consume.
• 2 years of shelf life.

Disadvantages:

• Only one probiotic strain.
• Contains milk protein.
• Contains sugar.
• Contains preservatives which are not suitable for people with food allergies.

Conclusion

Align probiotic is an excellent option for those who are suffering from IBS. It is also very easy to store, transport and consume. The extended shelf life of this supplement makes it one of the best probiotic available. Taking this supplement along with certain prebiotics can give great results.

It is highly recommended by many gastroenterologists which makes it ideal probiotic of choice for people with IBS.

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FAQ

1. Why Align Probiotic offers fewer CFU’s than other supplements?
Align probiotic contains Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 which has peak efficacy at 1 X 108 CFU. A research also proved that any does higher or lower than this did not reduce any symptoms. So, it is not necessary to provide high doses or high CFU’s for this particular strain.
2. What is the recommended daily dose?
One capsule per day.
3. Can people with lactose intolerance use this product?
No. This product contains milk protein so, it is advisable to avoid if you have lactose intolerance.
4. Are there any side effects?
You might observe minor side effects such as bloating. But this will subside eventually.
5. Can people with diabetes or on sugar diet use this product?
No. Align probiotic has sugar which means it is contraindicated in diabetic individuals.
6. How quick are the results?
The efficacy of any probiotic supplement is subjective. It varies from person to person and it also depends on the specific probiotic strain used in it. During the first week of use, you might experience slight side effects such as bloating. There will be a rebalance quickly and by the second week, you can see the reduction in symptoms.
7. How long should I take this supplement?
The main aim of any probiotic supplement is to stabilize the gut. The stability and efficacy of the digestive system depend on the composition of the total gut microbiota. Any probiotic supplement will not promise a permanent change in the composition of the gut microbiome. Probiotic supplements will not establish a dynamic equilibrium of the gut. This means there is no specific end date for taking these supplements.
8. Can this be used in children?
No. This particular product is not designed for children. Keep it out of reach of children.
9. Is it safe during pregnancy?
Probiotics are generally regarded as safe (GRAS) during pregnancy. Bifinatis or Align probiotic is no exception for this. But please consult your doctor before taking any supplements during pregnancy.

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10. Does this product contain any other probiotics?
No. It contains only one strain, Bifidobacterium infantis 35624.
11. Is there any difference between Bifantis and Bifidobacterium infantis 35624?
No. Bifiantis is the trade name of the probiotic strain B. infanfis 35624.

For more information visit the product’s official site here.

Read our Medical Information Discalimer.

References

[1] Efficacy of an encapsulated probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis 35624.

[2] Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 in IBS.