FAQs

FAQs

What are probiotics?
Probiotic literally means ‘for life’. Probiotics are living micro-organisms that, when ingested or applied locally in sufficient numbers, benefit the health of the consumer. Once in our intestines, these natural and friendly bacteria help balance our gut microflora and support our immune system.

How often should I consume probiotics?
Probiotics are only ‘visitors’ in your intestine and will disappear, together with their health benefits, when not consumed regularly. A daily dose of probiotics is recommended in order to maintain a healthy intestinal environment.

Are probiotics suitable for babies and young children?
Probiotics can be consumed at all ages as part of a balanced diet. Before birth, a baby’s gut is sterile and the immune system immature. The gut microflora of a baby begins to develop at birth. Breast-feeding, or consumption of an infant formula with probiotics, continues the development of a baby’s gut microflora. As a child grows and changes diet, the microflora in the gut develops accordingly. By the age of two or three, most children have a fairly stable intestinal balance. Their immune system has also matured considerably. Both, may nevertheless, benefit from a continued daily portion of probiotics.

Is it possible to overdose with probiotics?
No! In fact, it is far more likely that desired health benefits may not be achieved due to inadequate daily doses of probiotics. Today, many delivery formats are now available which offer convenient and tasty ways of delivering a healthy helping of probiotics as part of a daily routine to ensure proper dosage.

How long will it take before I notice that my health has improved from taking probiotics?
Health benefits from taking probiotics can achieved in many areas, such as immune, gut, vaginal and respiratory functions. Since everyone is different, along with the stages of their health, the time at which benefits are noticed will vary within a population. Generally speaking, if our immune system is weak or compromised, we many notice improvements within just a few days. If our health is already good, we may choose to take probiotics for preventive reasons, and may not notice immediate benefits. Either way, probiotic consumption will help balance your gut microflora, boost your immune system and support respiratory health.

Should I consume probiotics when I am on antibiotics?
Probiotics should be taken during and for 1-2 weeks post antibiotic therapy to fully restore the gut microflora and minimize the opportunity for antibiotic-related side effects.
Ask about Dupont’s HOWARU® Restore, scientifically formulated for restoration of a healthy intestinal balance during and after antibiotic therapy.

Is it safe for me to take probiotics if I am pregnant?
During pregnancy, mothers-to-be often have digestive problems. Consuming probiotics regularly is a safe and effective measure that may help to prevent small digestive disorders and promote overall wellness. Furthermore, immunity benefits can be achieved as well for both mother and baby by consuming Dupont’s HOWARU® Rhamnosus.

What is the recommended daily dose of probiotics?
Studies have observed beneficial health effects from a dose of 1 – 40 billion bacteria /day, depending on the selected probiotic, probiotic blend and desired clinical outcome. To get the adequate daily dose, you should follow the recommended daily serving stated on the dietary supplement packaging.

What is the recommended daily dose of probiotics?
Pathogens produce toxins that can result in diarrhea. Probiotics simply interfere with the growth of pathogens, thereby curtailing the toxins. Probiotics correct any imbalance of intestinal flora, improving regularity and consistency of stools.

How do probiotics work to improve vaginitis and yeast?
Production of trace amounts of lactic acid by the probiotics causes a drop in pH within the vaginal tract. A lower pH is considered normal for a healthy vaginal tract. Competitive exclusion crowds out or inhibits growth of the yeast and harmful bacteria that causes vaginitis.
Dupont’s beneficial cultures resume the delicate balance required for comfort and health in a woman’s body.

Can travelers benefit from probiotics?
Travelers, especially to third world countries, are sometimes exposed to bacteria and pathogens that cause diarrhea. Benefits can accrue by taking probiotics 3 to 5 days before departure, during the trip and for two weeks upon returning home.

Is refrigeration absolutely necessary for probiotic storage and does it stay effective out of refrigeration?
DuPont has the highest levels of manufacturing quality and expertise. DuPont produces highly stable probiotics strains, which often do not need refrigeration for up to 24 months when kept in the original packaging in a cool, dry place. Please read the storage instructions on your probiotic package to see if refrigeration is required.

Are there any side effects to taking probiotics?
Less than 1% of test groups report any side effects. Of those that may report any side effect, such is usually limited to excess gas, and the problem is remedied when the user discontinues use for a few weeks and then resumes taking probiotics as a lesser dose (50% of recommended dose).

What’s the regulatory status of probiotics?
In the U.S., probiotics are considered to be “GRAS” or “generally accepted as safe”. This classification is given to products that are composed of ingredients that are natural or have been safely used for many years. In China, new cultural species (incl. probiotics) are categorized into “New Food Raw Material”. The government strictly regulates cultural species (incl. probiotics) through lists, including the “List of Culture Species Permitted for Use in Food”, “List of Probiotic Species Permitted for Use in Health Food”, and “List of Culture Strains Permitted for Use in Infant and Toddler Food”. In particular, cultural strains used in infant and toddler food are strictly regulated to the level of the strain. In Europe, probiotics products are constrained by several regulations. European Union rules on nutrition and health claims have been established in Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. EU-countries submit national lists for health claims. These are sent to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for scientific evaluation first, and then to the EU for permission, before an official announcement is made. Switzerland, which is in Europe but not a member of the EU, follows the basic principles of EU health claims to permit its health claim in within its borders.