Probiotic supplements contain live, viable beneficial strains of microbes that can improve digestive system and immunity. These beneficial strains of bacteria establish a symbiotic relationship with the body and help in regulating the levels of harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Years of scientific studies have confirmed that these microbes can contribute to control various diseases such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Crohn's disease.1
The primary source of these beneficial strains of bacteria is natural, organic food. However, as we eat mostly processed food these days, there is a need to supplement these beneficial strains by other means. Probiotic supplements are one of the best ways to compensate the lack of probiotic strains in our diet. And there are a ton of supplements out there as well. However, it is crucial to choose the supplement that is effective, safe and offers the best value for your money.
Vitamin Bounty Pro-50 Probiotic Supplement is one of the most highly rated supplement on the market. In this detailed, unbiased review, we will take a closer look at this product and see if it is worth your time and money.
Formula & Ingredients
At the heart of any effective probiotic supplement is the formula. The Vitamin Bounty Pro-50 Probiotic Supplement contains 13 robust probiotic strains for the maximum benefit. While many probiotic supplements contain only one or two strains, the 13 strains in Bounty Pro-50 Probiotic Supplement offer a significant advantage.
The formula contains freeze-dried strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus which is one of the most popular probiotic strain.2 The strain helps to stimulate immunity and maintain a good gastrointestinal health. The bacteria is also shown to be effective in reducing diarrhea as well.
Another great addition is Lactobacillus brevis. These bacteria have been shown to reduce inflammation in the bowel and prevent and treat ulcers. This strain also promotes digestion and overall health.
Apart from these familiar strains, the formula also contains Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium bifidum.3 Although these strains are useful to promote gastrointestinal health, they may cause discomfort in some individuals. That said, these side effects are not significant and go away in a few days. Another problem with the Lactobacillus casei is that it is an aggressive strain that can, at times suppress the colonization of other strains. It is crucial that this strain is maintained at a low concentration in the formula.
It is also vital that the probiotic supplement contains sufficient concentration of the bacteria as well. The concentration of bacteria in supplements is measured in Colony Forming Units (CFUs). Higher CFUs indicate a higher concentration of the probiotic. The Bounty Pro-50 Probiotic Supplement contains 50 billion CFU of probiotic organisms per capsule. The high dose coupled with an excellent strain profile makes the supplement very efficient. However, the concentrations of individual strains are not specified.
The capsules are tested in an NSF certified facility to ensure quality and safety.
Other ingredients of the capsules include cellulose, magnesium stearate and silica as additives. The capsule shell is made from cellulose and hence is vegan.
The capsules also contain a proprietary blend of ‘Fermented Greens.' The fermented greens contain extracts of Barley grass, wheat grass, alfalfa and Oat grass. The blend provides essential nutrients and facilitates the colonization of the probiotic strains.
The capsules are designed with a delayed release mechanism which allows the contents to be released only in the small intestine.4 Hence, the microbes are protected from the harsh acidic environment of the stomach. The technology ensures better colonization and proliferation of the strains in the small intestine.
Probiotics are safe to consume, and there are no significant adverse effects of Bounty Pro-50 Probiotic Supplement that need attention. Some side effects such as mild gastric disturbances or mild diarrhea can, however, occur in some individuals.
The recommended dosage is two capsules per day to maintain a healthy digestive system.
brand Guarantee
Vitamin Bounty is a well-known name in the supplement industry. They have some products on the market ranging from nutrient supplements and vitamins. That said, we could not find any explicit guarantee for this product.
Also, worth noting is the fact that there is no mention of a return policy on the company website. There is no direct contact number either. The only way to communicate with the company is via a contact form on the site. However, the product is available on Amazon as well.
product Value
Bounty Pro-50 Probiotic Supplement costs $40 for a monthly dose, that translates to $1.3 a day. Although it is a premium price for a probiotic supplement, the 13 strains and the overall quality of the product justifies the higher price tag. Most customers seem not to mind paying the premium for the quality of the product.
Product Effectiveness
The effectiveness of any probiotic is subjective. However, based on the strain profile and concentration of the probiotics, you should see effects in a couple of weeks. People suffering from indigestion or gas can expect to see a benefit within a week. Most people seem to get the most benefits after a month of continuous usage.
The side effects with this product are rare. Most people using the product seem to have no significant side effects. However, some people may experience mild diarrhea and gas.
Customer Satisfaction
Bounty Pro-50 Probiotic Supplement is a highly rated product on Amazon. Most people seem to have only positive things to say about the product. Customers appear to be impressed by the quality and effectiveness of the probiotic supplement. Most people appear to be repeat customers buying the product multiple times.
One of the minor complaints about the product was regarding the size of the capsule. Some people may find the size a bit too big to swallow. However, you have the option of breaking the capsule and mixing the contents with food or drink to make it easy to consume.
Final conclusion
Bounty Pro-50 Probiotic Supplement has a right blend of strains that are efficient and beneficial. The product meets the quality standards, and thousands of satisfied customers are a proof of the effectiveness. That said, the lack of a good customer service may be a concern.
Bounty Pro-50 Probiotic Supplement is a highly-rated product. We are especially impressed by choice of the strains used in the supplement. We recommend the product for anyone who is looking for a probiotic supplement that has a wide strain profile.
Citations
- http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-94-011-2364-8_1#page-1
- http://www.nature.com/icb/journal/v78/n1/abs/icb200012a.html
- http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2036.2005.02615.x/full
- http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168365912004968
