Why Choose Align® Probiotic

What are probiotics?
What should I look for in a probiotic?
How is Align different from probiotic yogurts?

What are probiotics?

Simply put, probiotics are good bacteria that assist your body in many vital bodily functions, including healthy digestion. Common issues such as diet, changes in schedule, travel, and stress can disrupt your natural balance of good bacteria. Probiotics are increasingly being used and evaluated to help maintain digestive balance.

Not all probiotics are alike
Probiotics are identified by the genus, species or subspecies, and strain. For example, here is how to identify Bifidobacterium 35624™, the strain available in Align Digestive Support:

Genus: Bifidobacterium
Subspecies: longum
Strain: 35624™

The strain determines the benefit

The concept of a bacterial “strain” is similar to the breed of a dog—all dogs are the same genus and species, but there are different breeds of dogs. The same way, different probiotic strains can have different effects. Align Digestive Support contains Bifidobacterium 35624™, a probiotic strain that relieves symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) such as abdominal discomfort, gas, and bloating. Scientists have spent over 20 years researching the probiotic strain in Align.

What should I look for in a probiotic?

According to the guidelines “Probiotic Checklist: Making a Smart Decision” unveiled by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP), there are several criteria that consumers should consider when selecting a probiotic: Backed by science, correct dose, benefit you are seeking, safe for you, and labeled correctly.

See how Align meets these criteria and is a good option for people wanting to help support their gastrointestinal health.

• Probiotic Strain Backed by Science: Bifidobacterium 35624™ is the pure-strain probiotic found in Align Digestive Support that relieves symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) such as abdominal discomfort, gas, and bloating. Bifidobacterium 35624™ has been featured in more than 50 publications and abstracts.
  
• Correct Dose: Align Digestive Support contains 1 x 109 (1 billion) (4 mg) live bacteria/CFU when manufactured, and provides an effective level of bacteria (1 x 107 CFU) until the “best by” date. These amounts are consistent with the number of CFU provided in research on the strain. Align capsules come in specially designed blister packs that ensure bacteria remain alive and effective until the “best by” date on the box. As well, DNA testing confirms the identity of 35624™.
  
• Health Benefits: Relieves and manages symptoms of IBS such as abdominal discomfort, gas, and bloating
  
• Safe for You: Bifidobacterium 35624™ has an excellent safety profile and is well tolerated. If you have any concerns about your health conditions ask your health care provider if Align is right for you.
  
• Labeled Correctly:
  
  • Strain Specific Labeling: Bifidobacterium 35624™
    
  • Report Colony-Forming Units (CFU) through Expiration: Contains an effective level of bacteria (1 x 107 CFU) throughout the shelf life of the product.
    
  • Suggested Serving Size for Benefits: One capsule daily
    
    • Health benefits: Relieves and manages symptoms of IBS such as abdominal discomfort, gas, and bloating.
      
  • Proper Storage Conditions: Store at room temperature; no refrigeration required
    
  • Corporate Contact Information: You can call us at (800) 208-0112
    

How is Align different from probiotic yogurts?

While some yogurts contain bacteria to confer benefits consistent with those of a probiotic supplement, most yogurts do NOT contain probiotic strains that have been studied to deliver health benefits. In some cases the live cultures used to create the yogurt do not survive the manufacturing process. You’ll have to pay attention to the labels to determine if the yogurt contains live strains that demonstrated health benefits. The delivery of probiotics in either yogurt or fermented milk is limited by the need for cold storage and an associated shorter shelf life. Additionally, many people may have trouble consuming sufficiently large quantities of these products as part of a daily diet. Align Digestive Support is different because Align contains 1 x 107 CFU of the probiotic Bifidobacterium 35624™, a probiotic strain, available in a convenient capsule form.