Align probiotic is one of the most popular probiotics out these days. It is seen in supermarkets, drugstores, and at many popular retailers both on and offline. What is so special about align probiotic, what are the benefits, and are there any side effects? If so, what are they?

1. By Probiotic Expert: Dr. Raga

2.  Align probiotic is a daily capsule supplement
which contains formulations of good bacteria
known as Bifidobacterium infantis.
 This probiotic supplement aids the digestive
system by supplying healthy bacteria to
promote balance in the gastrointestinal tract.
 It is also referred to as the leading probiotic
in the US by the gastroenterologists.

3.  The align probiotic contains a strain of friendly
bacteria called Bifidobacterium infantis
(marketing name of Bifantis).
 This probiotic supplement has an amount of 1 x
107 colony-forming units Bifidobacterium
infantis.
 Aside from this friendly bacteria, thisproduct
also has contents of magnesium
stearate, hypromellose, sugar, sodium caseinate
(milk protein), titanium dioxide, microcrystalline
cellulose sodium citrate dihydrate, and propyl
gallate.

4. 1. Microcrystalline cellulose & Magnesium stearate
 To ensure that cultures are evenly distributed
2. Sucrose & Sodium citrate dihydrate
 Enhances the stability of the bacteria formulation
3. Hypromellose
 Capsule shell derived from vegetable contents
4. Sodium Caseinate
 Used in the process of culturing
5. Propyl gallate
 Used for the preservation of align capsules
 Antioxidant stabilizer
6. Titanium dioxide
 An ingredient which gives the capsule an opaque
appearance

5.  In some clinical trials, it has been proven that the
Bifidobacterium infantis (Bifantis) are beneficial
because of their ability to reduce the symptoms
of irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, this
strain of bacteria has fewer side effects
compared to other probiotics.
 This strain of bacteria has lesser side effects to
the body due to the fact that it is more familiar
with the human body. Bifidobacteria has been
found to be present in the intestines at the day of
birth and they make up 95% of the bacteria
present at the gastrointestinal tract.

6.  Align probiotics promotes
strengthening of the digestive
system by naturally supplying
good bacteria.
 Digestive health is improved due
to the balanced environment in
the gastrointestinal tract that it
helps to create.
 Prevents the disruption of the
digestive tract functioning that
is commonly caused by
travel, diet, stress, and hectic
schedule.

7.  Aids in the relief and management of irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms
 Promotes regular bowel movement and
burping
 It is safer to use because it has fewer side
effects than the other probiotics in the
market.
 It can be taken with or without food.
 Its capsule is easy to swallow.
 Its effects are known to be felt immediately
after taking it.

8.  In the studies conducted for align
probiotics, it was found that there have been
no significant difference between placebo
(sugar pill) and align. However, if there are
some side effects which will occur due to its
use, these will only be mild and affecting
digestion.
 In some cases, align may cause bloating or
stomach gas.

9.  May be unsafe for those who have lactose
intolerance due to its milk and sodium
caseinate (milk protein) contents.
 Allergies to align is also very rare. Allergic
reaction symptoms like
rashes, itching, swelling of the
face, lip, tongue or throat, difficulty in
breathing, and dizziness, should be
immediately reported to the doctor.

10.  This probiotic should be kept
away from the reach of
children. When this occurs, a
healthcare should be contacted
as soon as possible.
 Align probiotic should not be
used by someone who has been
currently experiencing
nausea, vomiting, bloody
diarrhea, fever, or severe
abdominal pain.

11.  Lactose intolerant patients should take caution in
consuming align. This is due to its contents that
includes milk and sodium caseinate (milk protein)
 People who have compromised immune system
such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, undergoing
long-term corticosteroid therapy, are not allowed
to take this product to ensure safety.
 Also, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
should consult the doctor first before using such
product.

12.  There are many probiotic products which are
appearing in the market nowadays. To ensure
safety and quality in these products, it is a
must that more studies should be performed
to have more basis. Also, the people who are
going to take probiotics should be more
aware that these are nutritional supplements
with various health benefits, not a medicine
or drug used to treat medical conditions and
diseases. Probiotics should show better than
placebo effects.

13.  Probacto is the best probiotic that I have
ever run into. They use multiple strains
and they are spore forming so they can
last while not refrigerated. They do not
use cheap bacteria, but expensive ones
such as B. Subtilis.
 Probacto also contains prebiotics to help
stimulate the growth of beneficial
bacteria in your gut.
 Probacto contains digestive enzymes to
assist in your digestion.
 Probacto is enteric coated and made to be
slow release so it will release in your gut
gradually.