Probiotic Sufficiency™

Probiotics are species of health-promoting bacteria that we require for proper digestion of food and immune defense against illness promoting bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The term "probiotic" derives from Latin and Greek, meaning "for life". The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined probiotics as "live micro-organisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host".1 To put this simply, probiotics, which are also known as "intestinal microflora", are "good bacteria" that live in our gastro-intestinal (GI) tract and aid in promoting optimal health and preventing illness. Although these bacteria live throughout our intestinal tract, they are found in the highest concentrations at the far end of the small intestine and in the large intestine.2

Research has demonstrated that the total number of bacteria living in a healthy adult amounts to ten times more bacteria than the total number of cells in the human body!3 In fact a healthy intestinal tract should contain up to 1 kg (over two pounds) of bacteria.4 Most of these organisms are either neutral or health promoting but some have the potential to cause illness (e.g. Salmonella or E. Coli). In order to be healthy and to prevent the colonization of harmful bacteria, our GI tracts must contain sufficient numbers of the health promoting beneficial bacteria.

1. Reid, G., Jass J., Sebulsky M.T., and McCormick J.K. 2003. Potential Uses of Probiotics in Clinical Practice. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 16(4):658-672.

2. Caicedo R.A., Schanler R.J., Li N., and Neu J. 2005. The Developing Intestinal Ecosystem: Implications for the Neonate. Pediatric Research. 58(4): 625-628.

3. Gill H.S. and Guarner F. 2004. Probiotics and human health: a clinical perspective. Postgraduate Medical Journal. 80:516-526.

4. Bengmark, S. M.D. Ph.D. 1998. Immunonutrition: Role of biosurfactants, fiber, and probiotic bacteria. Nutrition. 14:585-594.

Research into probiotics has received much attention in recent years. In fact, there have been over 1000 research studies conducted in the past ten years.1 Much of this research has been performed to determine the therapeutic effect of probiotics, meaning using them as "drugs" to treat various forms of illnesses. While there is powerful evidence to support their use in this way, at Innate Choice™ our mission is the promotion of health and wellness and the prevention of illness. We believe this is a much more logical and scientific approach to health. The allopathic approach of waiting until you are sick and then trying to treat the illness will always be inefficient, dangerous and costly both in financial and, more importantly, in human terms.

Probiotic Sufficiency™ is the world’s only probiotic formula based on those species found most commonly in the food of our ancestors and in the intestinal tracts of healthy human beings. We know from research that our ancestors consumed healthier diets and had superior health and less chronic illness compared to modern, Industrial humans. In consideration of this fact, Probiotic Sufficiency™ has been created from the "ground-up" to model the types and amounts of bacteria ingested by our ancestors - the types and amounts we genetically require. The most prevalent species in Probiotic Sufficiency™ is Lactobacillus plantarum, which was the most common bacteria in the food of our ancestors and is still the most common bacteria in fermented foods in Africa. Lactobacillus plantarum was also the dominant species isolated from the GI tracts of healthy subjects in a recent study in the United States.2 Not surprisingly, it is also one of the species most commonly shown by research to have health-promoting effects. Every one of the nine different species of probiotic bacteria in Probiotic Sufficiency™ was chosen using these scientific criteria.

The human normal flora was determined thousands of years before humans ever consumed dairy, goat’s milk, or grains. For this reason, Probiotic Sufficiency™ is derived from 100% vegetarian culture and contains no dairy, soy, goat or grain products. It is provided in a 100% vegetarian gel capsule and is entirely wheat free. Probiotic Sufficiency™ contains over 30 billion viable organisms per serving, one of the highest amounts available!

1. Reid, G., Jass J., Sebulsky M.T., and McCormick J.K. 2003. Potential Uses of Probiotics in Clinical Practice. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 16(4):658-672.

2. Bengmark, S. M.D. Ph.D. 1998. Immunonutrition: Role of biosurfactants, fiber, and probiotic bacteria. Nutrition. 14:585-594.

The primary way probiotics provide greater health is by maintaining a healthy environment within our gastrointestinal tract. Under normal conditions this balanced intestinal ecosystem prevents the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi. When this delicate balance is disturbed the body can be predisposed toward infectious, allergic (e.g. eczema, rhinitis and asthma) and immuno-inflammatory (e.g. Chrohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diabetes and arthritis) illnesses.1 The incidence of these illnesses is increasing at an alarming rate in North America and other Industrial societies.1 One of the most common ways in which the microflora balance is disturbed is by improper diet; one that is high in sugars, grains, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, artificial sweeteners and preservatives and low in fresh fruits, vegetables and fiber. Other factors causing imbalance are stress, illness, toxins, prescription and non-prescription drugs, and alcohol.

Probiotic bacteria also exert a powerful influence on the development and function of the human body through their metabolic activity and interaction with various systems (gastro-intestinal, immune, nervous and endocrine systems). Their interactions with the GI system enable us to better digest and absorb food, as well as develop our Gut Associated Lymph Tissue (GALT), the important front line of our immune system.2 Intestinal microflora also play a pivotal role in the development of our innate immune system. In addition, probiotics promote normal colonic blood flow, produce essential nutrients such as antioxidants, Vitamin K and B vitamins, and facilitate nutrient and mineral absorption, especially calcium, magnesium, potassium and zinc.3,4,5,6,7 Probiotics also degrade and detoxify carcinogenic (cancer causing) enzymes as well as hormones and drugs.8

Probiotic consumption has been shown to down-regulate overactive immune responses in subjects with autoimmune disorders (such as inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, asthma and atopic dermatitis) and to enhance specific aspects of immune function in healthy subjects.1 An inverse relationship has also been shown between the consumption of probiotics and the incidence of colon and breast cancer.1 Consumption of probiotics has also been reported to normalize total and LDL cholesterol levels.1 The ingestion of probiotics has been shown to normalize immune functions, reduce the incidence of pathogenic infections and suppress allergic diseases in human subjects.1

1. Gill H.S. and Guarner F. 2004. Probiotics and human health: a clinical perspective. Postgraduate Medical Journal. 80:516-526.

2. Isolauri E., Sutas Y., Kankaanpaa P., Arvilommi H., and Salminen S. 2001. Pobiotics:effects on immunity. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 73:444S-450S.

3. Topping D.L. and Clifton P.M. 2001. Short-chain fatty acids and human colonic function: roles of resistant starch and nonstarch polysaccharides. Physiological Reviews. 81:1031-1064.

4. Scharrer E. and Lutz T. 1990. Effects of short chain fatty acids and K on absorption of Mg and other cations by the colon and caecum. Z. Ernahrungswiss. 29:162-168.

5. Delzenne N., Aertssens J., Verplaetse H., Roccaro M., and Roberfroid M. 1995. Effect of fermentable fructooligosaccharides on mineral, nitrogen and energy balance in the rat. Life Sciences. 57:1579-1587.

6. Conway P. 2001. Prebiotics and human health: the state of the art and future perspectives. Scandanavian Journal of Nutrition. 45:13-21.

7. Bentley R. and Maganathan R. 1982. Biosynthesis of vitamin K (menaquinone) in bacteria. Microbiological Reviews. 46:241-280.

8. Rafter J. 2002. Lactic acid bacteria and cancer: mechanistic perspective. British Journal of Nutrition. 88 Supplement 1:S89-S94

Having the proper probiotic bacteria in your digestive system is essential for your health and wellbeing and being deficient can lead to severe health problems. Ingesting adequate amounts (dietary sufficiency) is necessary for the proper function of the digestive and immune systems and thus for overall health and protection from illness. Current research indicates that the North American (Industrial) diet is DANGEROUSLY DEFICIENT in probiotic bacteria and this deficiency is implicated as a causal factor in alarming numbers of preventable illnesses from infancy to old age.1

The normal method for the ingestion of probiotics begins with a vaginal birth and breast-feeding. Human milk is an incredibly important factor in the initiation, development and composition of the newborn gut microflora. Research also indicates that antibiotics create an abnormal bacterial population within the intestines. Since many babies are now born by Caesarian section, few are being breastfed for a full two years and the vast majority are being given antibiotics, a large number of the population is starting life dangerously deficient in probiotics.

Beyond infancy we have literally NO CHANCE to build up appropriate levels of probiotics since we now consume one-millionth of the healthy probiotic bacteria that we did before pesticides, herbicides, and industrial farming.1 Furthermore, much of our healthy bacteria are destroyed by eating sugars, grains, and by consuming alcohol, antibiotics, and other prescription drugs. These facts clearly indicate that the only way to consume adequate amounts of probiotic healthy bacteria is through supplementation.

DAILY supplementation is no longer an option, It is a necessity FOR HEALTH – FOR LIFE!

1. Bengmark, S. M.D. Ph.D. 1998. Immunonutrition: Role of biosurfactants, fiber, and probiotic bacteria. Nutrition. 14:585-594.

Unless you were born by a normal vaginal birth, were breastfed for 18-24 months, have never taken an antibiotic or ingested alcohol, consume large amounts of raw fruits and vegetables and virtually no grains or sugars and have a source of probiotics in your diet it is virtually a certainty that you are deficient in probiotics. Common signs of deficiency include gas, bloating and indigestion, bad breath and body odour and impaired immunity indicated by frequent or prolonged cases of colds and flus. Fungal or yeast overgrowths such as Candida, vaginal yeast infections and Athlete’s foot are also signs of a deficiency in your "good bacteria". Acne, eczema, dandruff, and overall ill-health are also associated with probiotic deficiency.

Prebiotics are really fruit and vegetable fiber that feed the host’s prebiotics and encourage their growth. They are necessary to maintain a healthy population of probiotics in the GI tract. Prebiotics are defined as being non-digestible by the host and not metabolized by other intestinal bacteria such as the species that can cause illness.1 Prebiotics are available naturally in breast milk and in fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, especially in artichokes, onions and chicory. Some work has been done to produce supplements that concentrate oligosaccharides from plants but the best source for humans is unquestionably raw fruits and vegetables.

1. Hamilton-Miller, J. 2004. Probiotics and prebiotics in the elderly. Postgraduate Medical Journal. 80:447-451.

Because probiotics are a form of bacteria and there are some strains of bacteria that can cause illnesses it is understandable that some might have a concern about ingesting probiotic bacteria. It is very important to understand that probiotic bacteria are health promoting and illness preventing strains of bacteria. In fact, without the probiotic strains of healthy bacteria you are more likely to get ill from the pathogenic or illness causing bacteria.

Clinical data also indicates that probiotic lactobacilli and bifidobacteria administered in food and in capsular form are safe for human use.1 Their existence as part of the normal mammalian intestinal microflora and their established safe use in diverse food and supplement products worldwide support this conclusion.

1. Boyle, R.J., Robins-Browne, R.M., and Tang, L.K. 2006. Probiotic use in clinical practice: what are the risks? American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 83(6):1256-1264.

Each bottle contains 60 vegetarian capsules and each capsule delivers 15 billion live organisms. For adults we recommend one capsule two times daily on a full stomach so each bottle is a 30-day supply.

When you first start using Probiotic Sufficiency™ it is advisable to start with one capsule per day for the first two weeks to allow a gradual transition within your intestinal ecosystem. As the unhealthy bacteria and fungi in your intestine die off they can release toxins that can cause temporary symptoms such as headache, gas, or loose stools. This can often be avoided by starting with one capsule per day for the first two weeks.

The best time to take Probiotic Sufficiency™ is after consuming raw fruits and vegetables or any other meal. Keep in mind that NO MEAL should ever be consumed that does not include raw fruits or vegetables!!

Probiotics are deanimated living organisms and are reanimated with moisture. For this reason they need to be kept in a moisture-free environment and away from higher temperatures and humidity. We want you to receive the maximum number of beneficial bacteria possible. In order to achieve this we do two very important things. First we actually put 19 billion organisms in each capsule rather than the 15 billion on our label claim. Second, we store the product in a refrigerated warehouse to ensure minimal degradation of the bacteria. During the summer months we express ship on Monday’s and Tuesday’s only to ensure that you receive your product with minimal exposure to heat and humidity. The combination of putting extra organisms in each capsule, storing the product in a refrigerated warehouse facility, and express shipping during the summer months ensures that you receive the minimum of 15 billion live cells per capsule.

Once you receive your order, immediately store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Storing in the freezer maximizes shelf life but refrigerator storage is sufficient to meet the shelf life stamped on your bottle.

The product will not spoil and is always safe to take. Heat and humidity may reduce the full potency of the product but it will not make it unsafe. Should you need to travel, simply take the required number of capsules with you. Our manufacturer’s research shows that there are only very minimal losses without refrigeration for periods of time up to one week.

The expiry date of your product will be stamped on the bottom of the bottle. Generally you will receive your product with a minimum of 5 months shelf life remaining; the average is 9-10 months.

Yes! While we would prefer all humans to be taking Innate Choice™ Probiotic Sufficiency™ on a regular daily basis (Everybody, Everyday, For Life!™) we encourage mothers-to-be to become sufficient prior to giving birth, both for their own benefit and that of their children.

Yes! Before birth a baby’s gut is sterile and the immune system immature. The gut microflora of a baby begins to develop at birth and breast-feeding continues this development. If formula is being used (please take the time to investigate organic high-quality formula that does not contain unhealthy ingredients such as high-fructose corn syrup) Probiotic Sufficiency™ can be added to the formula. When solid foods are introduced you can begin to include probiotic supplementation after the meal. By the age of two or three most children have a fairly stable intestinal balance. As is the case for adults, any stressor such as antibiotics or illness can seriously alter this balance.

Children should consume ½ capsule per 40 lbs of body weight. Capsules can be taken as is or broken, emptied into a drink and then consumed at the end of a meal. Once the capsule is broken open consume the probiotic immediately.

Although some companies use an artificial protective coating and then quote survival rates through the digestive tract as marketing tools this practice is neither necessary nor beneficial. It is very unnatural and was never the way our ancestors ingested bacteria. The healthiest bacteria will survive and these are the ones that will be most beneficial when they colonize. Also, the bacteria that do not survive still play a role as they move through the digestive tract. As always at Innate Choice™ we choose to mimic nature rather than pretend we can improve upon it.