VSL#3® is a high concentration multi-strain probiotic, or "polybiotic", food supplement product consisting of the following 8 strains of live freeze-dried lactic acid bacteria:

Streptococcus thermophilus BT01, Bifidobacterium breve BB02, Bifidobacterium longum* BL03, Bifidobacterium infantis** BI04, Lactobacillus acidophilus BA05, Lactobacillus plantarum BP06, Lactobacillus paracasei BP07, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus*** BD08

*Recently reclassified as B. animalis subsp. lactis
**Recently reclassified as B. animalis subsp. lactis
***Recently reclassified as L. helveticus

VSL#3® contains NONE OF THE FOLLOWING: gluten (other cereals), lactose, soy, wheat, milk, crustacean shellfish, mollusks, eggs, fish, peanuts, nuts, soybeans, celery, mustard, sesame, lupin and sulphur dioxide and sulphites (> 10 mg/kg). All formulations of VSL#3® do not contain milk.

VSL#3® sachets 450 billion CFU contains: maltose, blend of bacteria in a base of maltodextrine or cornstarch, and silicone dioxide (anti-caking agent) as excipients.

Should you have any other concerns regarding allergies or conditions we would advise that you consult with your healthcare provider before taking VSL# probiotics.

VSL#3 contains no animal products.

VSL#3 does not contain any colourings of flavourings

A single sachet of VSL#3 contains 450 BILLION CFU (colony forming units) of live bacteria, the highest volume of bacteria per dose of all the leading brands. VSL#3 consists of 8 highly researched bacterial strains, offering great bacterial diversity as well as concentration. VSL#3 has a long legacy of clinical and scientific study. Having featured in over 30 studies in the last 5 years alone. VSL#3 is also proven to survive the harsh conditions of the stomach and reach the gut alive. For all these reasons and more, VSL#3 has been trusted and recommended by NHS gastroenterologists and dietitians for over 20 years to replenish their patient's gut microbiomes.

Its slightly complicated... to preserve the freeze dried, live-bacteria in VSL#3 on the whole it should be kept refrigerated. However, it has been proven, that VSL#3 can be kept outside of the fridge for up to 7 days without adversely affecting the bacteria provided it is kept below 25°C.

VSL#3 can be kept out of the fridge for up to 7 days without affecting the viability of the bacteria or quality of the product, provided it is kept below 25°C during that time.

It is fine to use one sachet split over a number of days, as long as you ensure that the opened sachet is kept in the fridge and used within seven days of opening. We would recommend sealing the open sachet up with a food closure clip.

1 to 2 sachets per day is the reccomended daily dose of VSL#3 - unless directed otherwise by your healthcare provider.

It can take a few days or weeks for the balance of bacteria in the gut to adjust and may take up to one month for it to become stable. For this reason we recommend taking it for at least a month and ideally longer to feel the full benefit.

To take VSL#3, simply tear open a sachet and sprinkle, stir or blend into any cold food or non-fizzy, cold drink. Many customers find it easiest to take VSL#3 as part of their morning routine as part of/or before their breakfast.

The recommended daily intake of VSL#3® is 1 - 2 sachets a day. Most people start with 1 sachet per day for approximately 2 weeks and then adjust as needed. It can take a few days or weeks for the balance of bacteria in the gut to adjust and may take up to one month for it to become stable.

Generally speaking, it should be better to take VSL#3® on an empty stomach in order to have lower presence of gastric acids juices.  

As with all supplements, you should consult your healthcare professional before taking VSL#3 whilst pregnant.

For both VSL#3 and VSL#Fibre the minimum age is 3 years old as generally recommended as the minimum age for food supplements that are not specifically designed for infants.

We would recommend discussing with your doctor or other healthcare provider before adding VSL#3 into a child’s diet.

The recommended daily intake of VSL#3 in children is based on age and the number of bowel movements experienced each day, however the decision would remain a clinical judgement. Age (Weight) Bowel Movements (per day) VSL#3 sachets (per day) (equivalent in billions of bacteria) are all to be taken into consideration.

Generally speaking, for ages 3-12 the recommended daily intake of VSL#3® is 1 sachet a day. For age 12 and above the recommended daily intake of VSL#3® is 1-2 sachets a day.

Side effects are rarely reported and generally consist of bloating but this is understood to be a temporary effect as your gut adapts itself to the new bacteria.

VSL#3 is classified as a food supplement and as such we are unable to make health or medical claims regarding the product. Should you have any questions the effect of VSL#3 on an existing or new medical condition we would advise that you seek the advice of your healthcare provider (i.e. GP/Consultant).

VSL# probiotics are classified as food supplements. We are unable to make health or medical claims regarding the product. Should you have any questions regarding potential interactions between medication & VSL# probiotics we would advise that you seek the advice of your healthcare provider (i.e. GP/Consultant).

Antibiotics could hypothetically reduce the effectiveness of VSL#3®, but VSL#3® can still be effective even when taken with antibiotics. For dosage and duration of the intake during antibiotics treatment please consult with your healthcare provider (i.e. GP, Consultant).

Unfortunately, there is no data available regarding the affect of specific antibiotics on VSL#.