Which probiotic supplement carries all those beneficial bacteria, including Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Streptococcus thermophilus?

Probiotic Supplements Containing Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Streptococcus thermophilus

Several multi-strain probiotic supplements contain Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Streptococcus thermophilus, with VSL#3 being one of the most well-studied formulations that includes these specific bacterial strains. 1

Available Multi-Strain Formulations

Probiotic supplements containing these three specific bacterial strains include:

1. VSL#3 - Contains multiple strains including Bifidobacterium (B. lactis among others), Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Streptococcus thermophilus 1

2. FloraBABY - Contains B. lactis BB-12 (3.5 × 10^8 CFU), S. thermophilus TH-4 (3.5 × 10^8 CFU), and other beneficial bacteria 2

3. Combination formulations containing:

   • B. infantis, B. bifidum, and S. thermophilus
   • B. longum subsp infantis DSM 33361, B. animalis subsp lactis DSM 15954, and S. thermophilus 2

Efficacy of Multi-Strain Formulations

Multi-strain probiotic formulations are generally more effective than single-strain products for several reasons:

• Multiple strains create more resilient, interconnected communities due to increased metabolic cross-feeding 2, 1
• Combinations of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains promote a microbiome more representative of healthy individuals 2
• Different strains provide complementary benefits:
  • Bifidobacterium strains show superior ability to shift gut microbiome composition and stably colonize the gut 2
  • Lactobacillus strains provide bactericidal and antitoxic properties 2
  • S. thermophilus contributes to pathogen exclusion 2

Important Considerations When Selecting Products

1. Strain-specific effects: Benefits are often strain-specific, not just species-specific. The "probiotic umbrella" concept that extends results from one strain to another is misleading 2

2. Dosage requirements: Effective formulations typically contain 10^9-10^11 CFU per day 1

3. Product quality: Verify that products contain the stated number of viable organisms 1

4. Delivery format: While both food and supplement forms can be effective carriers for beneficial bacteria, supplements may provide more precise dosing 3

Cautions and Limitations

• No single probiotic strain possesses all the beneficial effects known to derive from probiotics 2

• Some combinations may be more effective than others. For example, B. lactis + B. longum results in greater Bifidobacterium abundance than B. longum alone 1

• Product labels may not accurately reflect contents - look for products with strains deposited at recognized biodepositories 1

• The unregulated nature of the probiotic market means quality can vary significantly between products 2

Recommended Approach to Selection

1. Choose multi-strain products containing all three bacteria (B. lactis, L. acidophilus, and S. thermophilus)
2. Select products with clear strain identification (not just species names)
3. Verify adequate CFU count (10^9-10^11 CFU daily)
4. Consider products with demonstrated clinical benefits in research studies
5. Look for products with protective technologies to ensure bacterial viability

By following these guidelines, you can select a probiotic supplement that contains all three beneficial bacterial strains while maximizing potential health benefits.