For every day EXTRA Strength

Recommended use

For best results take 1 capsule daily. 

One capsule consists of a minimum of 20 billion live Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM^®, Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37^®, Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07^® and Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04^®.

Instructions for use

Take 1 capsule daily as desired or as professionally directed.
Can be increased to 2 capsules a day if desired - for ongoing use 1 capsule a day may suffice.
Take with food, preferably with breakfast.
For anyone unable to swallow capsules, the capsule can be opened and the contents sprinkled into cool food or drinks.
Do not exceed recommended daily dosage.

Storage instructions

No refrigeration necessary when stored in a cool, dry place below 25°C. 

Customer Questions

All questions answered by probiotic experts Dr Aisling Dwyer MB BCh BAO (Medicine, Surgery and Obstetrics), MSc (Personalised Nutrition)​ and Dr Kate Stephens PhD (Food and Microbial Sciences) BSc(Hons) Medical Microbiology.

Is it OK to take a probiotic every day?

Yes, it is safe and generally advisable to take probiotics daily. Probiotics colonise in the gut for a few weeks but research^1,2,3 suggests that the probiotic strains – along with their positive benefits – will disappear without regular supplementation, so it is a good idea to regularly support your microbiome. You can do this by including prebiotic-rich and fermented foods in your diet, but it is worth remembering that not all probiotics do the same thing in the body. Therefore, if you have a specific health condition you need to support, it is best to consume specific strains which have been shown to be helpful for your individual needs. 

Should you take probiotics on a full or empty stomach?

The concern is that bacteria are delicate by nature, and that they may not survive stomach acid. Taking probiotics at a certain time of day (when stomach acidity is closer to neutral) could help ensure the highest survival rates of your probiotic. Confusingly though, different healthcare professionals and probiotic manufacturers have different guidelines about when is best to take these supplements! So, let us try to clarify a few things.

First, let us look at the logic behind having probiotics on an empty stomach, advocated by some. Well, because acid is stimulated by consumption of food, it is thought that taking probiotics on an empty stomach (mainly first thing in the morning) is ideal because there is less residual acid in the stomach. However, it is also important to note that there is a lag time (up to 30 minutes) between when food is eaten and when acid is released into the stomach.

With a few exceptions, it’s best to take your probiotic supplements with a breakfast, as the food helps to buffer the effects of stomach acid; it may also help to facilitate the passage of the probiotics through the stomach, and ensures that they are well mixed with the stomach contents as they pass into the small intestines.

How long should you take probiotics for?

This depends on why you are taking them: some people like to take specific strains at certain times, for example during pregnancy, when travelling abroad, for menstrual bloating, or during the winter flu season. However, if you have ongoing health conditions, or just want to give your gut or vaginal microbiome a daily boost of good bacteria, then take your supplements every day. There is no current research to suggest the body becomes dependent on probiotics, so if you just feel better when you take them, it is fine to take your probiotics on a long-term, ongoing basis.

References

1. Mimura, T. et al. (2004). 'Once daily high dose probiotic therapy (VSL#3) for maintaining remission in recurrent or refractory pouchitis'. Gut, 53(1): 108-114

2. Morelli L et al., 2004. 'Utilisation of the intestinal tract as a delivery system for urogenital probiotics'. Journal of clinical gastroenterology; 38(6): 107-110

3. Jacobsen et al., 1999. 'Screening of probiotic activities of 47 strains of Lactobacillus spp. by in vitro techniques and evaluation of the colonisation ability of 5 selected strains in humans'. Applied and Environmental Microbiology; 65 (11): 4949-4956

Safety

Live probiotic cultures are not recommended for those with serious medical conditions e.g. those who are severely immunosuppressed, have pancreatitis, are in the ICU, have melaena, have a central venous catheter, short bowel syndrome, or patients with open wounds following major surgery; unless under a doctor's care. Keep out of reach and sight of children.

This is a dietary supplement and is not intended to prevent, treat or diagnose any medical conditions. Dietary supplements should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. If you are taking any medications or have a serious medical condition, consult a doctor before use. OptiBac supplements will not cause dependency and may be used on an ongoing basis.

 Ingredients

• Stabiliser: micro-crystalline cellulose
• Live probiotic cultures: Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM^®, Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37^®, Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07^®, Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04^®
• Vegetarian capsule: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; anticaking agents: vegetable magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide.

Each capsule contains 20 billion good bacteria. Guaranteed until the date of expiry.

Suitable for vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, gluten free, yeast-free or soy free diets. GMO free. Free from artificial flavourings, colourings and preservatives typically found in other food & drinks containing probiotics. No chemicals or parabens. Sugar free.

This product should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet.

Customer reviews

• I’ve been using these probiotics for nearly a year and was introduced to them by a friend, Sarah who’s a nutritionist. After speaking to her about my issues with digesting starchy foods she recommended Extra Strength to try and it worked perfectly for me. I have been using them ever since and always buy the 90 day pack as they are better value for money, don’t run out so quickly and uses less plastic. I have continued to take one everyday as it has completely resolved my digestive issues and even have my family on probiotics too! Thank you Optibac for such a positive lifestyle change

  Ama - 17th September 2020

• My daughter has had a few food intolerances, and this product has really helped minimise the effects of certain foods on her tummy. On contacting customer support, they have advised me to also give her S Boulardii which I have found quite useful for her too. Fantastic brand

  Jaina - 3rd September 2020

• I absolutely swear by this product. It has made such a difference to my daily life and is the only brand of probiotic that really does work for me! I now always make sure I have an order on the go before the pack runs out; it’s a real life saver!

  Daisy Hickman - 12th June 2020

Leave a review