The GI tract is a finely balanced environment where roughly 500 different strains of bacteria compete for space and nutrients. When there is a healthy balance (eubiosis), few symptoms exist. However, dysbiosis can occur when an overabundance of potentially harmful organisms prevail. The natural microflora balance can be upset by medications (such as antibiotics, oral contraceptives, etc.), excessive alcohol consumption, or poor dietary intake.

Because probiotics are live organisms, there are many challenges associated with manufacturing and distributing probiotic supplements. For a probiotic to be effective, it must be shelf-stable through the expiration date and precisely delivered to the intestinal tract, where it can have maximum benefit. BioShield^® technology is an innovative manufacturing process developed to ensure consistent and reliable results. The microorganisms in Ortho Biotic are protected, sealed and freeze dried away from moisture, heat, light and oxygen. This allows the bacteria to remain dormant until they are exposed to moisture in the GI tract. By utilizing advanced encapsulation technology, the probiotic organisms are preserved and released on-target for maximum benefit.

Ortho Biotic^® is a unique probiotic formula designed to deliver active organisms shown to promote healthy gut microflora, protect intestinal integrity and boost immune function. Included in this formula is   Saccharomyces boulardii, an extensively researched microorganism shown to help restore microflora balance by enhancing commensal organism function. Each Ortho Biotic^® capsule provides seven proven probiotic strains chosen for their ability to withstand the harsh gastrointestinal environment and adhere to the intestinal tract to deliver superior results.

• Helps Maintain Gastrointestinal Balance
• Increases Secretory IgA for Enhanced Gut Immunity
• Supports Bowel Regularity
• Supports Digestion and Micronutrient Absorption

Lactobacillus acidophilus (La-14)

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a beneficial bacterial strain that is normally found in the intestinal tract and mouth and is commercially used in dairy products for the production of acidophilus-type yogurt.   L. acidophilus ferments various carbohydrates to produce lactic acid, which increases the absorption and bioavailability of minerals. This includes calcium, copper, magnesium and manganese. The production of lactic acid also promotes health by creating an inhospitable environment for invading bacteria.   L. acidophilus has been shown to protect intestinal cells by competing for adhesion space in the gut against harmful bacteria. The   L. acidophilus  strain in Ortho Biotic^® has been specifically chosen because of its strong adherence and survival attributes in the GI tract. It has been demonstrated in vitro to tolerate exposure to gastric acid and bile salts, and has the ability to withstand certain medications.

Lactobacillus paracasei (UALpc-04)

Lactobacillus paracasei (L. paracasei)  has an important role in helping to maintain the balance of microflora in the intestine. L. paracasei  has been shown to protect against the harmful effects of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and reinforce defense mechanisms that support an immune response. L. paracasei is highly resistant to acids and enzymes in the GI tract and is known to produce short chain fatty acids for healthy intestinal barrier function.

Bifidobacterium bifidum (Bb-06)

Bifidobacterium bifidum  has been shown to effectively compete with harmful bacteria, which suggests  B. bifidum's lactic acid and acetic acid production provides an antagonistic action against such undesirable agents to help maintain microflora balance.

Bifidobacterium lactis (BI-04)

Bifidobacterium lactis  is predominantly found in the colon. A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial on subjects receiving  B. lactis  or placebo for eight weeks found that  B. lactis  supported a balanced immune response in individuals hypersensitive to environmental allergens. Studies examining immune development and dietary supplementation with B. lactis  have shown that it supports GI health by reducing intestinal permeability.

Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp-115)

Lactobacillus plantarum  is a beneficial bacterial strain commonly found in fermented foods including sauerkraut, pickles, brined olives and sourdough.  L. plantarum  has been found to compete against strains of harmful bacteria, due to the production of bacteriocins (lethal proteins) that inhibit bacterial growth. Studies have also demonstrated that  L. plantarum  helps boost the immune response by stimulating Th1-mediated immunity.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus (GG)

Lactobacillus rhamnosus  has been proven to have remarkable survivability in the acid and bile environments in the GI tract.  L. rhamnosus  is particularly useful because of its ability to adhere to cells, enhance microflora balance, and inhibit pathogen adherence.  L. rhamnosus  was also found to positively affect inflammatory and immune gene signaling of over 1,700 genes when administered in high doses.

Saccharomyces boulardii

Saccharomyces boulardii  is a probiotic yeast that was first isolated from the skin of the tropical fruits lychee and mangosteen in 1923 by French scientist Henri Boulard, following the observation that mangosteen consumption controlled occasional diarrhea in natives of Southeast Asia.  S. boulardii  plays a role in supporting immune defense by increasing levels of sIgA, creating a first line of defense that helps bind and clear harmful bacteria.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.