Natural Factors Ultimate Probiotic Women's Ultra 55 Billion is a nine-strain probiotic with 55 billion active cells in each vegetarian capsule. It is a once-a-day formula, and the box holds 30 capsules, one month at the label dose. Could promote a favorable gut flora.
What Women's Ultra Probiotic is licensed for
It is licensed for sale by Health Canada and bears NPN 80046462. The licence also lists:
Source of probiotics.
Helps support gastrointestinal health.
The nine strains
The 55 billion CFU are split evenly between two blends. The lacto blend, 27.5 billion CFU, has four strains: Lacticaseibacillus paracasei HA-196, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HA-119, Lactobacillus helveticus HA-122 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HA-111. The bifido blend, also 27.5 billion CFU, has five: Bifidobacterium breve HA-129, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum HA-135, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HA-194, Bifidobacterium bifidum HA-132 and Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis HA-116.
The count is stated per capsule, and Natural Factors describes the strains as gastric-acid resistant. There is no vitamin C or other added nutrient, only the probiotic blend. The capsules are suitable for vegetarians. The label notes that the product may contain milk and soy, so it is not a fit for anyone avoiding those.
Ultra 55 Billion or Every Day 25 Billion?
Women's Ultra has the higher count, 55 billion against 25 billion, and splits it equally between lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Women's Every Day has 10 strains, adds 12 mg of vitamin C, is suitable for vegans, and carries vaginal flora uses on its licence. Pick Ultra if a large daily count in a single capsule is what you are after. For a smaller amount, Vitasave also carries Natural Factors Ultimate Probiotics Women's 12 Billion.
How to take it
Adults take 1 capsule a day. During a course of antibiotics, keep at least 2 to 3 hours between the probiotic and each antibiotic dose. Consult a health care practitioner before use if you have fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea or severe abdominal pain. Stop use and consult one if digestive upset occurs, worsens or lasts more than 3 days. Do not take it if you have an immune-compromised condition. The full directions and cautions are under How to Take.
Who it suits
Adult women who want a high-count, multi-strain probiotic they take once a day, with both lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in equal parts. A 30-capsule box is a one-month supply.
Natural Factors Women's Ultra Probiotic FAQ
How many active cells are in each capsule?
55 billion CFU: 27.5 billion from four lacto strains and 27.5 billion from five bifido strains.
Does it contain dairy?
The label states it may contain milk and soy.
Is it vegan?
The capsule is vegetarian. Because it may contain milk, it is not labelled vegan.
When should I take it if I am on antibiotics?
At least 2 to 3 hours before or after the antibiotic.
Directions Adults: take 1 capsule daily or as directed by a health care practitioner. Take at least 2 to 3 hours before or after antibiotics.
Cautions and warnings: May contain milk and soy. Stop use and consult a health care practitioner if symptoms of digestive upset (e.g. diarrhea) occur, worsen and/or persist beyond 3 days. Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you have fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea or severe abdominal pain. Keep out of the reach of children.
Contraindications: Do not use this product if you have an immune-compromised condition (e.g. AIDS, lymphoma, patients undergoing long-term corticosteroid treatment).
