New to this topic? → Read the definition
TL;DR
USANA Probiotic delivers a 50/50 blend of two of the most studied probiotic strains — BB-12 and LGG — in a sugar-free, gluten-free and dairy-free powdered stick pack. USANA points to two reasons it makes a good choice: the strains it uses, and the amounts it delivers. Each stick pack is guaranteed to contain 12 billion CFU of active bacteria when it is made, and the blend is designed to stay stable at room temperature for 18 months.
You can watch the English video walkthrough here: USANA Probiotic Explained: BB-12, LGG and 12 Billion CFU.
Your Gut, the Core of Good Health
Everything you eat has to pass through your digestive system before your body can use it. That system is responsible for breaking down and absorbing the nutrients from the food and supplements you consume, so maintaining digestive health is an important factor in getting the nutrients your cells need. When the gut falls out of balance, that process can be disrupted.
USANA describes three benefits of USANA Probiotic:
- Promotes good digestion and nutrient absorption
- Maintains digestive comfort and regularity
- Supports healthy immunity
A Microscopic Partnership
Your gastrointestinal tract hosts trillions of bacteria, also known as microflora. Your body and these microbes adapted to form a mutually beneficial relationship: the bacteria help your digestive process function properly, and they flourish because they feed on the by-products of digestion. That is why, out of your whole body, the highest amount of bacteria is found in your gut microbiome.
The microbiome — all of the microbes plus their genes — is vast. It has been estimated that there are 3.3 million unique genes in the human gut microbiome alone, compared to about 22,000 genes in the entire human cell genome.
Those bacteria are busy. They support the activity of enzymes that break down fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and polyphenols into usable forms. They produce some nutrients themselves, including vitamin K and biotin. And they help remove wastes from the body through the normal passage of stool.
What Upsets the Balance
There are thousands of different species of bacteria in your digestive tract, some beneficial and some potentially harmful. Maintaining the right balance is the key, and a number of everyday things can upset it:
- Occasional stress
- Poor diet and hydration
- Lack of rest or changes in sleep patterns
- Travel and exposure to new microbes
- The normal aging process
The foundation comes first: drink plenty of water, exercise, and eat a proper diet that includes plenty of fibre from fruits, vegetables and whole grains. On top of a healthful diet, a probiotic supplement can add support for a healthy balance.
What Makes Something a Probiotic
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations defines probiotics as "live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." Put simply, a probiotic supplement helps replenish beneficial bacteria to help keep you healthy.
That definition matters when you look at food sources. Most yogurts and similar foods contain an unspecified or unverified number of viable bacteria. Relying on yogurt certainly won't hurt your health — it just might not really be helping it either.
Key One: The Strains
Each stick pack of USANA Probiotic contains a unique 50/50 mixture of two of the most studied probiotic strains: Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB-12®) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG®). Both are similar to the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus that are part of a natural gut flora, primarily found in the colon. Dozens of studies on these strains have demonstrated benefits for digestive health and immunity.
Part of what makes them effective is that they survive transit through the harsh, acidic environment of the stomach to colonize the intestines — reaching the intestines alive is essential for getting results from a probiotic.
The formula also includes a small amount of inulin fibre. Inulin acts as a prebiotic: it feeds your natural beneficial bacteria and may further support the establishment of Bifidobacterium in the intestine.
As for the names: LGG was replicated from a human intestinal microbiota and named after its discoverers, Professors Gorbach and Goldin. BB-12 was first thought to belong to the species Bifidobacterium bifidum, which is where the "BB" came from. The classification has since changed; the name has not.
Key Two: The Amounts — and They Last
Generally, at least one billion colony forming units (CFU) of active bacteria are needed daily to provide probiotic effects throughout the GI tract. USANA Probiotic is guaranteed to contain 12 billion CFU of active bacteria when it is made — a level shown to be effective in clinical studies.
Stability can be a challenge with some strains of bacteria, even when refrigerated, so their shelf life is short. USANA's blend is designed to remain stable at room temperature (25 °C) for 18 months, verified in independent and in-house tests. You can preserve it even longer in the refrigerator, which is advised in hot or humid climates.
Comfort You Can Feel
Occasional mild gas, constipation, bloating and diarrhoea can all be embarrassing and uncomfortable. By creating an ideal environment for healthy digestion, USANA Probiotic can help reduce the chance of that kind of discomfort. If you often have concerns with digestive issues, please talk to your doctor.
By maintaining a balanced digestive system, USANA Probiotic helps keep things moving: it supports bowel regularity, and it can also help maintain digestive health and comfort while travelling.
A Healthy Gut Is a Strong Barrier
More immune cells are found in the gut than in any other region of the body, because a healthy GI tract serves as a protective barrier and a central line of immune defence. Research suggests that probiotics, including BB-12 and LGG, may play a role in sustaining healthy immune function.
USANA Probiotic supports immunity through strength in numbers. Your natural bacteria line the wall of your GI tract, helping to support a strong barrier and maintain normal function. Delivering more friendly bacteria means more good bacteria to fill attachment sites on the intestinal wall.
How to Take It
USANA Probiotic is a sugar-free, gluten-free and dairy-free powder with a mildly sweet taste. Take it straight from the stick pack, or mix it into your favourite cold food or beverage.
Adults can take one stick pack every other day, or as needed to promote digestive health. Consult your physician if you have an autoimmune disorder, take immunosuppressant medication, are pregnant or nursing, take a prescription drug, or have a medical condition.
Watch the Video
Where to Start
Related Reading
LGG® is a registered trademark of Valio Ltd. BB-12® is a registered trademark of Chr. Hansen. This article is educational only and does not provide medical advice. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.