Hey...Just copied this from the Culturelle website....
Culturelle is a probiotic....this pretty much explains what probiotics are.
<b>Probiotic Fact Sheet</b>
1. How does CULTURELLE® differ from other probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus or yogurt?
2. Is Lactobacillus GG different than L. acidophilus?
3. What does GG stand for?
4. What is the bacterial strain in CULTURELLE®?
5. What is the origin of Lactobacillus GG?
6. What is a probiotic?
7. Has Lactobacillus GG been clinically studied?
8. Does CULTURELLE® contain multiple strains, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacteria?
9. Does CULTURELLE® contain dairy?
10. Does CULTURELLE® contain wheat or wheat derivatives?
11. Does CULTURELLE® contain gluten?
12. Does CULTURELLE® contain any genetically modified (GMO) ingredients?
13. Is Lactobacillus GG genetically engineered?
14. How many capsules are in each box of CULTURELLE®?
15. What is the recommended way to store CULTURELLE®?
16. Is it okay to store CULTURELLE® in the refrigerator or freezer?
17. What time of day should I take CULTURELLE®?
18. Is it okay to take CULTURELLE® on an empty stomach?
19. Can the capsule be opened and taken with food?
20. What are the side effects of taking CULTURELLE®?
21. Will CULTURELLE® help with lactose intolerance?
How does CULTURELLE® differ from other probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus or yogurt?
Lactobacillus GG, the bacterial strain in CULTURELLE®, is the most extensively studied and clinically proven probiotic strain available. There have been more than 250 clinical trials conducted on Lactobacillus GG. Lactobacillus GG survives stomach acid and bile, colonizes and grows in the intestines and imparts health benefits. For gastrointestinal health, the efficacy of Lactobacillus GG is thought to be due to the superior survivability, which many other probiotic strains lack.
Furthermore, CULTURELLE® guarantees that there are at least 10 billion colony-forming units (cfus) per capsule throughout the shelf life when stored as recommended.
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Is Lactobacillus GG different than L. acidophilus?
Yes, Lactobacillus GG is different than L. acidophilus. The probiotic bacterial strain in CULTURELLE® is Lactobacillus GG (Lactobacillus casei, subspecies rhamnosus GG, ATCC strain 53103). Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is a specific strain of the species, Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Lactobacillus acidophilus is another species group that is made up of a number of different strains, as is the case for Lactobacillus casei. It is important to note that all of the different strains in the Lactobacillus genus have different properties. Not all Lactobacillus strains are able to adequately survive the stomach acid or to attach and colonize in the gut. Different probiotic strains can confer different health benefits. Thus, it is important to examine the clinical studies that have been done to support each of the different products that you may consider taking.
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What does GG stand for?
GG stands for Gorbach and Goldin, the names of the two doctors who discovered the strain. Drs. Gorbach and Goldin are at Tufts University in Boston, MA.
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What is the bacterial strain in CULTURELLE®?
Lactobacillus GG (specifically Lactobacillus casei, subspecies rhamnosus GG). The ATCC strain number 53103.
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What is the origin of Lactobacillus GG?
Lactobacillus GG is a human strain, isolated from the human digestive tract.
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What is a probiotic?
The term "Probiotic" was promoted by R. Fuller. In Probiotics: The Scientific Basis. London: Chapman and Hall, 1992. He defined Probiotics as a bacterial strain that does the following:
survive the stomach acid and bile
adhere to the intestinal lining
grow and establish temporary residence in the intestines
impart health benefits
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Has Lactobacillus GG been clinically studied?
Lactobacillus GG currently has the distinction of being the most extensively studied probiotic bacterial strain in the world. More than 250 clinical studies have been conducted since 1985.
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Does CULTURELLE® contain multiple strains, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacteria?
No, CULTURELLE® contains only Lactobacillus GG, a single probiotic strain.
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Does CULTURELLE® contain dairy?
The Lactobacillus GG strain in CULTURELLE® is grown on a whey-based media. In the cheese-making process, casein is the milk protein that precipitates to form the cheese curds (hence the phrase, "curds and whey"). After the Lactobacillus GG is grown on the whey-based media, the bacterial cells are washed and freeze-dried. To test for the presence of dairy proteins (casein and whey), CULTURELLE® has been submitted to FARRP, an internationally known food allergy research program for an enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). The casein and whey content of CULTURELLE® is each less than 15 ppm. Some people can be allergic to these levels of protein.
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Does CULTURELLE® contain wheat or wheat derivatives?
No. CULTURELLE® does not contain any wheat or wheat dirivatives.
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Does CULTURELLE® contain gluten?
No. CULTURELLE® does not contain or come into contact with gluten-containing grains or ingredients derived from barley, rye, oats or wheat.
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Does CULTURELLE® contain any genetically modified (GMO) ingredients?
No. CULTURELLE® does not contain any GMO ingredients.
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Is Lactobacillus GG genetically engineered?
No, Lactobacillus GG is a natural bacterial strain, which was isolated from a healthy human.
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How many capsules are in each box of CULTURELLE®?
There are 30 capsules in each box. The capsules are individually packaged in foil blisters. Each blister is flushed with a dry inert gas to keep the moisture in the air away from the capsules.
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What is the recommended way to store CULTURELLE®?
CULTURELLE® should be stored in a cool, dry place at or below 72-75 °F. Although CULTURELLE® does not require refrigeration, it is even more stable when stored under refrigeration.
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Is it okay to store CULTURELLE® in the refrigerator or freezer?
Yes, you may store CULTURELLE® in the refrigerator or freezer. CULTURELLE® is even more stable under cold storage as compared to when it is stored at room temperature.
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What time of day should I take CULTURELLE®?
CULTURELLE® can be taken at any time of day.
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Is it okay to take CULTURELLE® on an empty stomach?
Lactobacillus GG colonizes best when taken with food, however it may also be taken on an empty stomach.
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Can the capsule be opened and taken with food?
Yes, you can mix the capsule contents with a cool food or beverage (such as applesauce, pudding or juice). Do not mix the CULTURELLE® capsule contents with hot foods or beverages, such as coffee. If the entire dose is not consumed in one sitting, then the remainder should not be saved for the next dose.
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What are the side effects of taking CULTURELLE®?
There are generally no side effects. In the clinical studies, about 2% of the participants reported feeling some bloating and gas for a few days. This side effect is normal and should subside as your intestinal tract adjusts to the good bacteria.
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Will CULTURELLE® help with lactose intolerance?
Lactobacillus GG does not ferment (break down) lactose, so it will not help with lactose intolerance.
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