Optibac For Those On Antibiotics is the ideal probiotic supplement for those on antibiotics or those who have just finished an antibiotic course.
Optibac Probiotics For Those On Antibiotics contains strains of natural bacteria in this especially selected for their suitability and safety. These two high-quality strains of natural bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11, have been extremely well-researched, and are scientifically proven to survive to reach the gut alive, even during a course of antibiotics.
Antibiotics do not distinguish between friendly and harmful bacteria and are therefore thought to kill off much of the natural bacteria in the gut; this may often lead to side effects such as thrush, diarrhoea, or poor immunity.
Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52 is a natural resident of the intestinal microflora; this specific strain from OptiBac Probiotics has been well studied to survive gastric acidity and bile salts expected at mealtimes and to reach the intestines without damage.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11 is a natural component of the friendly bacteria in the intestines; this species is one of the most studied in the world of live cultures. L. rhamnosus Rosell-11 has been proven to resist bile and gastric acidity over pH 3 - therefore if taken at mealtimes (when pH is around 4), it will pass through the stomach without being damaged.
These two microorganisms have been scientifically tested and shown to survive to reach the gut alive and to be safe to take during your course of antibiotics.
Benefits of Optibac Probiotics For Those On Antibiotics:
- Provides 4 billion live cultures from OptiBac Probiotics, guaranteed until the end of expiry.
- Suitable for vegetarians.
- Dairy Free.
- Gluten-Free
- Safe for use during pregnancy.
- Can be taken by anyone aged 1 year and over.
Directions: As a food supplement, this is suitable for adults and children, from 4 years onwards, with the following recommendations. Take 1 capsule daily with food, preferably with breakfast, every day during your antibiotic course and for a few days afterwards or until the pack has been completed. Can be taken at the same time as antibiotics - strains in this product have been clinically trialled alongside antibiotics and found to reach the gut alive. Drink plenty of water with your course of live cultures. For anyone unable to swallow capsules, open and mix the contents of the capsule with a cool meal or beverage. Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C and out of direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of young chidren.
Live cultures are not recommended for those with serious medical conditions e.g. those who are severely immunosuppressed, have pancreatitis, are in the ICU, have melaena, have a central venous catheter, infants with short bowel syndrome, or patients with open wounds following major surgery; unless under a doctor's care. Keep out of reach of children.
Gut health supplements are not intended to prevent, treat or diagnose any medical conditions. If taking probiotic supplements for gut health, note that these should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are taking any medications or have a serious medical condition, consult a doctor before use. Optibac supplements will not cause dependency and may be used on an ongoing basis.
Each capsule of Optibac Probiotics For Those On Antibiotics: Maltodextrin, gelatin, Probiotic culture 'Lacidofil' (Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11, and Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52), magnesium stearate, ascorbic acid.
Can I take live cultures with antibiotics?
Yes! Taking live cultures with antibiotics is highly recommended. However, it’s important to select supplements such as Optibac Probiotics For Those On Antibiotics, which contains strains extensively researched (1,2) alongside antibiotic medication and shown to reach the gut alive.
References
(1). Nagulesapillai V. Detection and Quantification of Strain Specific Probiotics in Clinical Fecal Samples of Healthy Adults on Antibiotic Treatment by Quantitative PCR. Poster presentation. 2015;1(1). ( 2). Maydannik V. et al. ‘Efficiency and safety of Lacidofil in children with antibiotic-associated diarrhoea caused by Clostridium difficile.’ Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 2010;2(3):53-57.
Why do these live cultures survive during antibiotics when others do not?
Antibiotic medication can harm most delicate live cultures. Strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus/helveticus Rosell-52, Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11 and Bifidobacterium lactis Lafti B94 have been have been specifically and extensively researched (1,2) alongside a variety of antibiotic medication, proven to reach the gut alive, even when taken at the exact same time as short or long courses of antibiotic medication (1,2,3). These strains can be found in Optibac Probiotics For Those On Antibiotics.
References
(1). Nagulesapillai V. Detection and Quantification of Strain Specific Probiotics in Clinical Fecal Samples of Healthy Adults on Antibiotic Treatment by Quantitative PCR. Poster presentation. 2015;1(1). (2). Maydannik V. et al. ‘Efficiency and safety of Lacidofil in children with antibiotic-associated diarrhoea caused by Clostridium difficile.’ Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 2010;2(3):53-57. (3). Chernyshov P v. Randomized, placebo-controlled trial on clinical and immunologic effects of probiotic containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011 and L. helveticus R0052 in infants with atopic dermatitis. Published online 2009. doi:10.3109/08910600903444234
Do I have to take my antibiotics separately from live cultures?
No. You can still take Optibac For Those On Antibiotics supplement with breakfast as recommended, regardless of when you take your antibiotics, because the strains are proven to be hardy against the effects of antibiotic treatment (1). Other live cultures supplements, including Every Day EXTRA, need to be taken at least two hours away from the medication.
References
(1). Nagulesapillai V. Detection and Quantification of Strain Specific Probiotics in Clinical Fecal Samples of Healthy Adults on Antibiotic Treatment by Quantitative PCR. Poster presentation. 2015;1(1).
What is the best time of day to take live cultures with antibiotics?
Live cultures are best taken with food, ideally breakfast, when stomach acidity is closer to neutral. It’s recommended to take 1 capsule of For Those On Antibiotics daily with breakfast - there is no need to take this probiotic at a different time of the day from the antibiotic. Ideally, start taking this supplement at the beginning of the course of antibiotics, but if that's not possible, rest assured these live cultures will still have a good chance of reducing any unwanted side effects. If you are taking Every Day EXTRA instead, we recommend that it be taken at a different time of day to the antibiotic medication, at least 1-2 hours apart, as it contains delicate bacteria which could be destroyed by the antibiotics.
References
(1). Nagulesapillai V. Detection and Quantification of Strain Specific Probiotics in Clinical Fecal Samples of Healthy Adults on Antibiotic Treatment by Quantitative PCR. Poster presentation. 2015;1(1).
Can I take Every Day EXTRA alongside antibiotics instead?
Unlike the live culture strains in For Those On Antibiotics, the strains in Every Day EXTRA have not been extensively tested alongside antibiotic medication. Therefore, Every Day EXTRA is most suitable when taken after finishing a course of antibiotics, as it contains strains including Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07®, which have been scientifically trialled for use after a course of antibiotics(4).
References
(4). Engelbrektson, A.L .et al., (2009). ‘Probiotics to minimize the disruption of faecal microbiota in healthy subjects undergoing antibiotic therapy’. Journal of Medical Microbiology, 58:663-670.
Can my child take For Those On Antibiotics?
Children from the age of four onwards can take Optibac Probiotics For Those On Antibiotics. The strains in this supplement have not been tested on infants and babies so we cannot recommend that under fours take it. Younger children who need to take antibiotics can be given our Babies & Children supplement, which is suitable for all ages from birth onwards. This supplement contains the renowned Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strain which has been widely researched in children taking antibiotics(5,6). For children of all ages, once their course of antibiotics has been completed we recommend they take one of our children's products for at least a couple of months to complement the gut microbiome.
References
(5). Szajewska, H. and Kołodziej, M. (2015) ‘Systematic review with meta-analysis: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in children and adults’, Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 42(10). doi: 10.1111/apt.13404. (6). Esposito, C. et al. (2018) ‘Frequency of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea and Related Complications in Pediatric Patients Who Underwent Hypospadias Repair: a Comparative Study Using Probiotics vs Placebo’, Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins, 10(2). doi: 10.1007/s12602-017-9324-4.
I've finished my course of antibiotics - do I still need to take live cultures?
It is highly recommended to continue taking live cultures for at least a month following a course of antibiotic medication. You can continue to take For Those On Antibiotics if this is easier, but another popular option is to swap to our Every Day EXTRA. This supplement contains strains including Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07®, which have been scientifically trialled for use after a course of antibiotics(4). This powerful supplement is just what your digestive system needs to complement and harmonise the gut microbiome after antibiotics. Many people find that their gut needs a bit more TLC after finishing a course of antibiotics, so they prefer to take a higher strength supplement like Every Day MAX for a month or two before before resuming their favourite daily product. Alternatively, if you usually take a daily product like Every Day or Adult Gummies, then you can return to taking this after finishing a course of antibiotics.
References
(4). Engelbrektson, A.L .et al., (2009). ‘Probiotics to minimize the disruption of faecal microbiota in healthy subjects undergoing antibiotic therapy’. Journal of Medical Microbiology, 58:663-670.
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