A. There are no known contraindications that would prohibit giving a child Pro-Flora™ Concentrate. However, it is critical that they be swallowed whole, so the child must be able to take the product without chewing it. Any break in the integrity of the Pearl will affect the efficacy of the probiotics.

A. The outer coating components are part of the True Delivery™ Technology system, which protects the probiotic bacteria from the harsh stomach acid so that they can be released into the intestines. The coating ingredients, pectin and gelatin, are listed on the label.

A. Yes, the probiotic bacteria in Pro-Flora™ Concentrate are human strain. That is, the chosen strains are indigenous to the human gastrointestinal tract, and as such, they more readily adapt to and colonize the gastrointestinal tract. The probiotics in Pro-Flora™ Concentrate are harvested via a highly controlled fermentation process, then purified, grown to large numbers, and concentrated to high doses. A great deal of effort goes into the research to find the optimal blend of nutrients which yields the strongest and healthiest bacteria.

A. The gelatin in Pro-Flora™ Concentrate is derived from fish (tilapia).

A. Recent research on probiotics has suggested that many people can take daily dosages in amounts far in excess of the 1 billion CFU per day delivered by Pro-Flora™ Concentrate. While the optimal daily dose is unknown and may vary from person to person, studies have looked at doses as high as 100-200 billion cfu/day. It is always a good idea to confer with your health care professional when deciding what daily dose of probiotics may be optimal for you.

A. Take them with meals, between meals, or whenever it is easiest for you to remember.

A. Integrative Therapeutics is committed to stewardship and sustainability in the service of positive social and environmental outcomes. The fact that Enzymatic Therapy does not purchase wild harvest and strives to cultivate sustainable vendor relationships are two examples of this commitment. We have and continue to implement procedures company-wide to improve our efficiency and in turn, reduce our carbon footprint. Palm oil is an important ingredient in Pro-Flora™ Concentrate and plays an crucial role in the True Delivery™ Technology. Put in perspective, the amount of palm oil found in Pro-Flora™ Concentrate is very small – far less than the amount found in one commercially manufactured cookie. The level is insignificant and when compared to other uses of palm oil, doesn’t have a substantial impact on the palm oil supply and subsequently on deforestation.

A. Individuals with fish allergies should not take Pearls™ products with gelatin from Tilapia.

A. Yes, clinical research has confirmed that probiotic cultures, like those present in Pearls, with the exception of Pearls Immune, can be safely taken by pregnant and nursing women.†1-3 There are no ingredients in the formula that pose a safety risk to women or the developing fetus. Pearls Immune has added lactoferrin, which has not been studied for use by pregnant or nursing women. References: 1. Kaplas N, Isolauri E, Lampi AM, Ojala T, Laitinen K. Dietary counseling and probiotic supplementation during pregnancy modify placental phospholipid fatty acids. Lipids. 2007 Sep;42(9):865-70. Epub 2007 Jul 24. 2. Abrahamsson TR, Jakobsson T, Böttcher MF, Fredrikson M, Jenmalm MC, Björkstén B, Oldaeus G. Probiotics in prevention of IgE-associated eczema: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007 May;119(5):1174-80. Epub 2007 Mar 8. 3. Rinne M, Kalliomaki M, Arvilommi H, Salminen S, Isolauri E. Effect of probiotics and breastfeeding on the bifidobacterium and lactobacillus/enterococcus microbiota and humoral immune responses. J Pediatr. 2005 Aug;147(2):186-91.

A. No. However, it may be refrigerated if you prefer.