Probion Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many bacteria do I have in my body?

There are a 100 000 million bacteria in your body. The majority is found in the large intestine.

2. Are bacteria good or bad?

Since the discovery of bacteria and the invention of antibiotics we have had the general idea that the major part of the microbes are pathogenic. It is in fact only a minor part of the thousands of bacterial species that are causing diseases. One of the most important guards against harmful bacteria is a healthy normal microflora. If we support the good bacteria, they will help defeating the bad ones for us.

3. What are probiotics?

Probiotics are defined as “bacteria that positively influence health by balancing the intestinal microflora.”

4. Where do I find probiotics in food?

In fermented food like yoghurt and sauerkraut. In some functional foods where probiotic bacteria have been added.

5. Do the probiotic bacteria replace your own microflora?

No they help to create an environment that stimulates your own “healthy bacteria”.

6. When shall I take probiotic products?

The probiotics are best taken with food.

7. What are prebiotics?

Prebiotics are fibres that support the beneficial effects of the probiotics by stimulating their growth.

8. What is inulin?

Inulin is a prebiotic derived from the root of Chicory intybus.

9. Why shall I take the ProBion® products instead of other probiotic products?

ProBion® is the tablet that delivers viable probiotic cultures to the right place in your body thereby achieving an optimal biological effect. ProBion® is unique and cannot be compared to powders and capsules, where most of the bacteria are destroyed “during the journey” through the digestive system.
• The tablet contains inulin fibres that increase the beneficial effects of the probiotics.
• The production method of ProBion® is patented and the production is performed according to Swedish pharmaceutical standards - GMP.
• Quality assurance is undertaken by independent Swedish laboratories that examine both the raw materials and the finished products.
• ProBion® tablets contain only naturally derived ingredients.
• The tablet is slowly dissolved in the intestine and distributes and exposes the health promoting bacteria over a large area.
• ProBion® is the result of many years of research.

10. Can ProBion® be taken by people intolerant to lactose?

Yes, with very good results. The lactic acid cultures in the ProBion® tablets are experts in digesting lactose and will therefore ease the problems of lactose intolerance.

11. Are there any side effects of taking ProBion® ?

There are no side effects of taking ProBion®. But when starting with ProBion® changes in defecation habits may occur such as loose stools or slight constipation and flatulence. Some experience other signs of detoxification such as headache. This is just the body’s way to “clean and purge” the system.

12. Why are there less bacteria in the ProBion® tablet than some other products?

Due to the unique production technique the quality and viability of the cultures remain intact all the way to the intestine. In powders and capsules the quality of the bacteria decrease either during storage or when passing through gastric- and bile acids. Capsules consist of gelatine, most often made from animal fat and contain app. 10-15% water! This is detrimental to the cultures, and implies poor stability and viability. In a powder 90-99% of the bacteria die on their way to the intestine. Therefore you have to overdose when taking capsules and powder to get any effect. The cultures in the Pobion tablet are exposed continuosly in the GI-tred over a period of approx. 120-150 minutes. This is the decisive difference compared to capsulas and powders, where the cultures are exposed constantly during a short period and a small area.

13. Could ProBion® be taken during pregnancy?

Yes

14. Why should I take ProBion® during antibiotic treatment?
Because when taking antibiotics there will be imbalances in your normal microflora.

15. Is it possible to overdose ProBion® ?

Not in a dangerous way. But taking many tablets at the same time may cause changes in defecation habits, such as loose stools or slight constipation and flatulence. Other signs of detoxification such as headache may also occur.

16. What is xanthan?

Xanthan is a mucus-forming agent that forms a sheltering cover around the bacteria. It is a naturally derived product produced when the bacteria Xanthomonas campestris digests (ferments) carbohydrate.