Organic Pharmacy >> PRODUCTS

PhytoPharmica

Probiotic Pearls
by PhytoPharmica
30 Capsules

Helps Your Body Achieve A Balance Of Healthy Bacteria*

Our Price: $11.39
Retail Price: $16.50
You Save: $5.11 each, a 31% Savings!

Get the goodness of yogurt without the calories and sugar. Probiotic Pearls features the two most studied forms of beneficial bacteria sealed in a tiny, easy-to-swallow capsule. The active cultures in each Pearl are protected on the shelf, survive harmful stomach acids, and arrive alive to thrive in the intestines. For relief from occasional gas, loose stools, constipation or sensitive stomach, get the goodness of yogurt protected in a pearl.*

Benefits
• Increases beneficial bacteria in the lower intestine by up to 600%*
• Delivers 900% more active cultures to the intestines compared to competing probiotics*

Key Features
• The benefits of yogurt without the calories or sugar*
• Supports intestinal health; great for every day and perfect when you travel*

How Does It Work?

Proprietary Probiotic Blend
Probiotic Pearls is a probiotic dietary supplement designed to help support digestion and a healthy intestinal system. Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum, are live microbial food supplements that are non-toxic and do not cause disease (non-pathogenic). Probiotics do not permanently colonize in the body. Therefore, they need to be ingested regularly for their health-promoting effects to persist. After ingestion, probiotics must adhere to the wall of the intestine. Once attached to the intestinal wall, the bacteria are capable of multiplying and colonizing in the gut, thereby enhancing the immune response.*

Oral probiotics help support the composition and metabolic activities of the large intestine microflora. Microflora of the large intestine assist digestion through fermentation (making the intestines inhospitable to invading species), protection against pathogenic bacteria, and stimulation of the development of certain components of the immune system. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum occupy a central role in the gut microflora, thereby enabling them to influence the composition of the microflora to provide health benefits.*

Breakdown of Lactose
Lactose is an important sugar that is converted to lactic acid by lactic acid-producing bacteria (such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum). Lactose intolerance results from an inability to digest lactose. Lactose intolerance may be due to genetics, age related declines in intestinal lactase (the enzyme that metabolizes lactose), or other reasons. Lactase deficient people accumulate non-absorbed lactose in the gastrointestinal tract, which draws water and electrolytes into the gut and accelerates transit time, which can lead to diarrhea. Lactic acid bacteria can help metabolize the non-absorbed lactose in the gastrointestinal tract.*

In a randomized, controlled clinical trial, Bifidobacterium longum was shown to support the breakdown of lactose and reduce flatulence.*

Immune System Support
While normal microflora is associated with good health, changes in intestinal health are associated with altered immune function. A well-functioning gastrointestinal immune system mediates immune responsiveness at mucosal sites and throughout the entire body via the control of the quality and quantity of foreign substances gaining access to the immune system.*

Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum have been shown to possess immunoprotective/immunomodulatory properties. These benefits include modulation of: cytokine and various interleukin production, autoimmunity, natural killer cell cytotoxicity, lymphocyte proliferation, and antibody production.*

In an open, randomized, controlled trial, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum were supportive of colon health in older adults. In addition, B cell (important antibody producing immune cells) levels increased as compared with the untreated group. The probiotics were very well tolerated, with no significant side effects or variations in clinical chemistry or hematologic parameters.*

Decrease Occasional Constipation
Constipation is defined as infrequent or difficult defecation that can result from decreased motility of the intestines. It is a common problem, particularly in older adults. When the feces remain in the large intestine for prolonged periods, there is excessive water absorption, making the feces dry and hard.*

Insufficient amounts of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum may play a role in delayed bowel movement, which can favor the activity of undesirable putrefactive bacteria (bacteria that break down organic matter into potentially harmful compounds) in the intestines. Lactic acid bacteria contribute to the re-establishment of healthy intestinal flora (at the expense of pathogen growth) and stimulation of intestinal peristalsis via lactic acid.*

Support of Putrefactive Processes
When unbalanced conditions are present in the intestines (i.e., unbalanced diet, high acidity, and/or low levels of lactic acid bacteria), organic matter may be putrified (decomposed or rotting) by certain bacteria and produce harmful substances such as ammonia.*

Microflora of the large intestine promote homeostasis (balance) in both the intestine and the vagina. These activities are carried out via support of direct production of antibodies, competition with adhesion to intestinal cells, or indirect modulation of the immune system.*

Support Digestion
Normal microflora of the large intestine help support and complete digestion via fermentation. The risk of diarrhea, for example, increases when the capacity of colonic microflora to ferment carbohydrates decreases. Oral ingestion of probiotics produces a stabilizing effect on the gut flora.*

Additional Benefits
The benefits of probiotics extend beyond digestion support and immune support. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum also help support the better utilization and bioavailability of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.*

Candida albicans is a fungus that is a naturally occurring component of the normal gastrointestinal microflora. However, C. albicans should be maintained at healthy levels. Probiotics have been shown to help retain healthy levels of C. albicans that are already within normal limits.*

True Delivery Technology
Recently, our PhytoPharmica laboratory tested four leading probiotic nutritional supplements in the marketplace. These supplements were best selling brands, two of the supplements were enteric coated, and all had label guarantees about potency (guaranteed number of live bacteria). The laboratory scientists counted the levels of living bacteria found and compared these findings to the bacterial levels claimed by each manufacturer. The products were also subjected to a simulation of stomach acid conditions, after which the levels of living bacteria were re-counted.*

The laboratory results found the probiotic supplements contained less than 50% of the number of living bacteria that they claimed on their labels. Furthermore, the laboratory results found that only 10% of the living bacteria claimed on the manufacturer's label survived the simulated stomach conditions.*

Probiotic Pearls uses a revolutionary proprietary “pearl” encapsulating process called True Delivery Technology. The True Delivery Technology is a special type of natural coating that protects the probiotic bacteria.*

The True Delivery is a seamless “pearl”, which consists of three layers. The inner layer is a paste of probiotic bacteria suspended in a protective oil suspension. The second layer actually “seals” the bacteria in the capsule, which protects them from air, moisture, and the effects of heat. Probiotic bacteria are anaerobic organisms (grow in the absence of oxygen) and the presence of oxygen can actually injure or kill them.*

Because probiotic bacteria are injured or destroyed by the acids of the stomach, the third, outermost layer of the pearl is specially developed to only dissolve in the alkaline environment of the intestines. This patented gelatin pearl protects the probiotic bacteria from the acid environment of the stomach, so that they can successfully reach the intestine.*

The patented seamless pearl capsule of Probiotic Pearls assures that virtually all the bacteria remain uninjured and healthy to colonize in the intestine. In addition, the special pearl capsule's ability to seal the bacteria inside it eliminates the need for the nutritional supplement to be refrigerated – though they can be kept in the refrigerator, if desired.*

Supplement Facts Serving Size: One (1) Capsule Servings Per Container: 30

	Amount Per Serving	Daily Value
A Proprietary Blend (Probiotic Blend) Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum	1 Billion CFU's	**

** Daily Value Not Established. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Other Ingredients

Gelatin, Palm Kernel Oil, Pectin, Soy Lecithin, Vegetable Glycerin

Suggested Use

As a dietary supplement, one (1) capsule daily with water or your favorite beverage (with or without food), or more as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not chew or crush.

Warnings

If pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use. ... Do not use if tamper-evident blister sheet is punctured. ... Keep out of reach of children. ... Store in a cool, dry place.

Allergen Info

This product contains NO sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, dairy products, artificial flavoring, or preservatives. All colors used are from natural sources. ... CONTAINS soy.

Applicable Functions

Bowel Movement normalization, Candida Albicans, Constipation, Depleted Reserve of Healthy Bacteria, Diarrhea, Digestive Balance, Digestive Comfort, Digestive Inconsistancy, Gastrointestinal Motility, Gastrointestinal Vitality, Immune System Support, Intestinal Distress, Malabsorption Support, Malnutrition

Related Structure Groups

Digestive System, GI Tract, Immune System, Intestinal Lining, Intestinal Mucous Membrane, Intestine

About PhytoPharmica

Nature Makes It Pure. Science Makes It Work.

Our People
PhytoPharmica, a division of Enzymatic Therapy Inc., sparks with the enthusiasm that comes from knowing that you're helping create the best supplements in the nation. Our team is made of people who are natural explorers--passionate about the healthful ingredients found in nature--but committed to finding the most pure and effective combinations backed by rigorous research. This buzz doesn't just end at the lab door. Everyone here--from our staff of scientists to our crews running the pharmaceutical-grade machinery, to our customer service professionals share the exuberance of helping improve the health of America, one customer at a time.

Our Reputation
PhytoPharmica provides the finest therapeutic-dosage, natural medicines and nutritional supplements in the nation. We strive to bring the best for your health.

Our Difference
One thing that sets us apart from the others is the way we make our products. Everything from raw material evaluation, supplier selection, laboratory analysis and manufacturing standards to conform to the FDA's verified good manufacturing practices--known in the industry as "GMPs."

FAQ

Can Probiotic Pearls be taken by children? Do you have any supplements that support the health of intestinal flora in children?
Many studies have examined the safety of probiotic supplementation in both children and adults. While there are many variations of probiotic supplements in the market, scientific reviews have found that common dosages and types of probiotic bacteria, like those found in Probiotic Pearls, are safe for most age groups.*

In fact, a recent clinical study involving infants ages three to twenty-four months found that long-term consumption of a probiotic-enhanced formula was well tolerated and safe.*

Our Probiotic Pearls, which contain 1 billion CFU of a proprietary probiotic blend of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum, have a high safety record. Both types of bacteria found in Probiotic Pearls have been safely studied in children.*

Because the Pearl needs to be swallowed whole, and not crushed, it is important that a child be mature enough to swallow it without choking (although the Pearl is extremely small). Any break in the integrity of the Pearl will effect the efficacy of the probiotics. We always recommend that parents of young children discuss the use of any supplements with their healthcare practitioner prior to use.

Is there any danger to the bacteria in the Probiotic Pearls during the hot summer months, especially during shipping?
The patented coating of the Pearls protects the bacteria against heat, light, and moisture. During a few days of regular shipment, even at higher temperatures, the bacteria will not be harmed.*

It is possible that extended exposure to high temperature and humidity can have a negative effect on the product. Therefore, we suggest that customers who reside in areas of high temperature or high humidity who do not have air conditioned homes store the Pearls in the refrigerator after purchase.

Has there been any change in the coloring of the Probiotic Pearls? A customer had 4 boxes from lot 52175 and was concerned that instead of white the pearls seemed to be turning brown.
Probiotic Pearls are typically off-white to light brown in color. The formulation utilizes a unique, proprietary coating, which contains no colorant. Because the pearls contain natural ingredients, slight color variations are normal.

How much palm oil is in Probiotic Pearls? Why is it in the product?
Palm oil is a natural plant product that is produced from the fruit of the oil palm, or Elaeis Guinnesis tree. The exact amount of palm oil in Probiotic Pearls is proprietary. However, it is a miniscule amount per pearl; the amount is less than the weight of an apple seed.

Palm oil in Probiotic Pearls actually “seals” the probiotic bacteria in the capsule, which protects them from air. Probiotic bacteria are anaerobic, meaning they do not require oxygen to live. In fact, the presence of oxygen can actually injure or kill probiotic bacteria. In addition, the palm oil's ability to seal the bacteria in the capsule eliminates the need for the nutritional supplement to be refrigerated – though they can be kept in the refrigerator if desired.

What is the outer coating of the Probiotic Pearls made of?
The outer coating components are part of the True Delivery Technology system, which protects the probiotic bacteria from the harsh acid stomach acid so that they can be released into the intestines.

The coating ingredients, pectin and gelatin, are listed on the label.

A customer would like to see the documented substantiation behind the Probiotic Pearls claim of our product delivering 900% more intact probiotics compared to 4 leading competitors.
Probiotic Pearls is a probiotic dietary supplement designed to help support digestion and a healthy intestinal system. It provides a combination of two different active, live cultures to support the overall health of the intestinal tract. Probiotic Pearls are processed using an advanced, patented, encapsulation technique, which results in a product that is stable at room temperature for up to 18 months. Many other live bacteria products are unstable at room temperature, and fail to meet their label claim in less than 12 months after manufacture. Additionally, the patented True Delivery Technology pearl capsule protects the bacteria from harsh stomach acid so they can be released live and intact in the intestines, where they need to arrive in live form to perform their beneficial function.*

On the Probiotic Pearls label and trade advertisements, we labeled the competitor products on the chart as A, B, C and so on because we have no plans to identify the company or product. Our intentions in performing the comparison testing was not to undermine specific companies, but to communicate the superiority of our products. While we will not reveal the names publicly, the documentation for our test results are available for any regulatory agency that wishes to examine them. However, we will provide the methodology to anyone who would like to duplicate our tests.

Why do you use only two bacterial strains in your Probiotic Pearls product?
The two most clinically studied forms of probiotics (L. acidophilus and B. longum) are the strains that were selected for inclusion in Probiotic Pearls. Both have demonstrated benefits for digestive health, with no significant adverse effects.*

Additionally, both strains are very hardy and stable. This is very important. With Probiotic Pearls, unlike many other products on the market, we guarantee that the probiotics remain alive and viable throughout the shelf-life of the product - not just at the time of manufacture. The patented delivery system of the pearl ensures that the bacteria survive transit through the stomach to colonize in the intestines. We do not feel that there is a need to include other bacterial strains - our focus with this product is to deliver the most beneficial probiotics, in the amount we guarantee on the label, to the place in the body where they are needed.*

References

1. Macfarlane GT, Cummings JH. Probiotics and prebiotics: can regulating the activities of intestinal bacteria benefit health? BMJ. 1999;318:999-1003.

2. Gismondo MR, Drago L, Lombardi A. Review of probiotics available to modify gastrointestinal flora. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 1999;12:287-292.

3. Famularo C, Moretti S, Marcellini, De Simone C. Stimulation of immunity by probiotics. In: Fuller, R ed. Probiotics 2 Applications and Practical Aspects. London, England: Chapman & Hall; 1997:133-161.

4. Fuller R. Introduction. In: Fuller, R ed. Probiotics 2 Applications and Practical Aspects. London, England: Chapman & Hall; 1997:1-9.

5. Lactose. On-line medical dictionary. Available at: http://www.graylab.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?query=lactose&action+Search+OMD. Accessed February 9, 2000.

6. Marteau P, Vesa T, Rambaud JC. Lactose maldigestion. In: Fuller, R ed. Probiotics 2 Applications and Practical Aspects. London, England: Chapman & Hall; 1997:65-88.

7. Garman J, Coolbear T, Smart J. The effect of cations on the hydrolysis of lactose and the transferase reactions catalysed by beta-galactosidase from six strains of lactic acid bacteria. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 1996;46:22-27.

8. De Simone C, Ciardi A, Grassi A, et al. Effect of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus on gut mucosa and peripheral blood B lymphocytes. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 1992;14:331-340.

9. Schriffrin EJ, Brassart D, Servin AL, Rochat F, Donnet-Hughes A. Immune modulation of blood leukocytes in humans by lactic acid bacteria: criteria for strain selection. Am J Clin Nutr. 1997;66(suppl):515S-520S.

10. Bennett A, Eley KG. Intestinal pH and propulsion: an explanation of diarrhoea in lactase deficiency and laxation by lactulose. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1976;28:192-195.

11. Gibson GR, Saavedra JM, Macfarlane S, Macfarlane GT. Probiotics and intestinal infections. In: Fuller, R ed. Probiotics 2 Applications and Practical Aspects. London, England: Chapman & Hall; 1997:10-39.

12. Wagner RD, Peirson C, Warner T, et al. Biotherapeutic effects of probiotic bacteria on candidiasis in immunodeficient mice. Infect Immun. 1997;65:4165-4172.

13. Hilton E, Isenberg HD, Alperstein P, France K, Borenstein MT. Ingestion of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus as prophylaxis for candidal vaginitis. Ann Intern Med. 1992;116:353-357.

14. Witsell DL, Garrett CG, Yarbrough WG, et al. Effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus on antibiotic-associated gastrointestinal morbidity: a prospective randomized trial. J Otolaryngol. 1995;24:230-233.

15. Candida albicans. On-line Medical Dictionary. Available at: http://www.graylab.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?query+candida albicans. Accessed February 10, 2000.