Probiotics
Probiotics
What are probiotics?
The World Health Organization defines probiotics as “live micro-organisms that when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit to the host.” Today’s probiotic supplements include different strains (types) of these live micro-organisms, in widely varying levels of CFUs (colony forming units).
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are a type of fiber that supports the growth and integrity of probiotic microbes as they establish themselves in the digestive tract.* Along with their supportive role, prebiotics have also been shown to promote gut health on their own.* Research shows that a supplemental probiotic that includes prebiotic fiber produces better results than one that doesn’t.
Why should I take a probiotic?
Your body normally obtains an abundance of beneficial micro-organisms throughout your life, and it’s important to keep this up. Unfortunately, factors like stress, aging, diet, environmental toxins, medications (e.g. antibiotics), and a sedentary lifestyle can result in the overall loss and a diminished diversity of these microbes. Supplemental probiotics can restore a healthy balance of intestinal micro-flora and also help grow new probiotic colonies.*
What are the specific benefits of the various strains of probiotics in Nordic Flora™ Probiotics?
Nordic Flora Probiotics include probiotic strains that normally reside in different areas of the intestinal tract. For example, Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1® is mainly found in the small intestine, and, in women, also within the female reproductive tract. Bifidobacteria species are found mainly in the large intestine. While each strain has a multitude of functions in the body, the collective health benefits include: support for overall intestinal and digestive wellness; support for protective immune system functions; help with alleviating occasional gas, bloating, and constipation; and the promotion of urinary and vaginal health (in combination with D-mannose, a monosaccharide naturally found in fruits).*
Why is Nordic Naturals making a probiotic? Aren’t you a fish oil company?
Nordic Naturals has been committed to helping people achieve great health for over 20 years. That was our focus in 1995, when the company began making fish oil, and it’s our focus today as we expand into new areas like probiotics, vitamins, and other nutrients. So, when we discover a nutritional need that we can address, we do. Our Nordic Flora line of probiotics provides customers with a simple, science-backed choice to support optimal health.* A healthy gut also helps with the absorption of essential nutrients, like omega-3s, making optimal wellness that much easier to achieve.
Can I refrigerate Nordic Flora Probiotics? What makes them shelf stable?
Absolutely, you can refrigerate Nordic Flora Probiotics but you do not have to. Refrigeration will help extend the life of the probiotic bacteria, however, they are guaranteed through the end of their shelf life even without refrigeration, as long as they are stored in a cool, dry place.
The probiotic strains used in Nordic Flora are a blend of hardy strains, which are encapsulated while in a dormant state. Once consumed, the strains are exposed to heat and moisture in the digestive tract at which point they become active again.
Do Nordic Flora Probiotics contain dairy, wheat, gluten or soy?
No. Like the vast majority of Nordic Naturals products, our Nordic Flora Probiotics are free of dairy, wheat, gluten, and soy.
Are Nordic Flora Probiotics vegan?
All of the Nordic Flora Probiotics are now certified vegan by the AVA.
Are Nordic Flora Probiotics GMO free?
Like all Nordic Naturals products, Nordic Flora Probiotics are Non-GMO verified.
Is there fish oil in nordic flora probiotics?
No. All probiotics that we sell, including our Nordic Flora line, are stand-alone probiotic products. They do not contain fish oil.
What is a CFU?
CFU stands for “colony forming unit.” It’s the most accurate unit of measurement to estimate the number of viable bacterial cells in a sample. Probiotic supplements typically include the total CFU count on the label or packaging.
Why do some of your probiotics have relatively low CFU doses? Isn’t more always better?
While it may be tempting to assume that a larger CFU automatically translates to greater probiotic benefits, this is not necessarily the case for every individual or health indication. For some health conditions, a lower dose may work as well or even better than a higher dose, whereas, for other health conditions, higher amounts (50 billion+ CFU) are necessary to provide a clinical effect. Because not everyone needs very large amounts of probiotic bacteria to help restore intestinal balance, the Nordic Flora line offers a range of CFUs designed to satisfy different microbiome needs. In short, a daily dose of 10-20 billion CFU is likely sufficient for individuals in relatively good health, whereas larger CFUs may be beneficial for people who’ve experienced a significant alteration to their gut microbiome due to illness, use of antibiotics, or other lifestyle factors.
What makes Nordic Flora Probiotics great? Why should I choose your brand?
Nordic Naturals’ reputation as a supplement brand is second-to-none, thanks to our long-standing focus on top-quality nutrition. This commitment guides all our product formulations, and our probiotics are no exception. Some of the key selling points of the Nordic Flora line are:
Superior ingredients
Third-party tested for quality
Effective, responsible dosing based on research
Strains that survive exposure to stomach acid and digestive enzymes
Prebiotics to support probiotic function
No refrigeration needed
Free of dairy, soy, wheat, gluten, and corn
Certified vegetarian and suitable for vegans
Non-GMO verified
Do you still sell the original Nordic Naturals Probiotic?
Yes. Our original Nordic Probiotic™ is now sold as Nordic Flora Probiotic Daily. The formula has not changed.
Can I give Nordic Flora Probiotics to my pet?
Nordic Flora Probiotics were developed specifically for use by humans. Please ask your veterinarian before you give them to your pet.
