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, this natural microflora balance can become disrupted by certain medications, excessive alcohol consumption, or poor dietary intake, leading to an overabundance of potentially harmful organisms (dysbiosis).

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. 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. 

Ortho Biotic^® is a unique probiotic formula designed to deliver active organisms shown to promote healthy gut flora, 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 scoop of Ortho Biotic^® provides seven proven probiotic strains chosen for their ability to withstand the harsh gastrointestinal environment and adhere to the intestinal tract, and deliver superior results.

Suggested Use:

Add one scoop (1.7 grams) to a glass of water or the beverage of your choice, stir and drink, or as recommended by your health care professional.​

Guaranteed potency at expiration. No refrigeration required.

Lactobacillus acidophilus (La-14)

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a beneficial bacteria strain normally found in the intestinal tract and mouth, as well as in 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 organisms. L. acidophilus has been shown to protect intestinal cells by competing for adhesion space in the gut against harmful bacteria. The 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 (Lpc-37)

Lactobacillus paracasei has shown to protect against the harmful effects of unwanted bacteria. L. paracasei colonizes the intestinal tract by reinforcing defense mechanisms that support an immune response. It does this by supporting T-helper cell production and secreting secretory IgA (sIgA), an antibody critical for supporting intestinal immunity. 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-02)

Bifidobacterium bifidum has been shown to effectively compete with harmful bacteria to help maintain microflora balance, aid with maintaining normal immune function, and help with normal GI processes.

Bifidobacterium lactis (BI-04)

Bifidobacterium lactis is predominantly found in the colon. 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 bacteria strain commonly found in fermented foods, including sauerkraut, pickles, brined olives, and sourdough. It has been associated with systemic health benefits such as promoting inflammatory balance and normal metabolic health. L. plantarum has been found to compete against unwanted bacteria due to the production of bacteriocins (lethal proteins). Evidence supports 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 adherence of unwanted agents. 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.