A pharmacist reviews the popular probiotic supplement Microbiome Plus+
As a pharmacist who answers a lot of patient questions about probiotics, I’m excited to offer a professional review of Microbiome Plus+. This is one of those products you can find online but not usually in the pharmacy. Let’s review the science behind it, and go over probiotics in general, to help you decide if it’s the right supplement for you.
My overall opinion
My overall opinion is that Microbiome Plus+ has a legitimate strain of well-studied bacteria with several possible health benefits. It’s got a good dosage of bacteria, about 3.5 billion CFUs, which is in the range that I recommend for normal bacterial supplementation. It’s not the cheapest option, but if you are looking for a probiotic that might help lower cholesterol and improve your gut, it’s a solid option.
This particular probiotic supplement contains Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242, a bacterial strain that has been garnering attention in the probiotic world. (Did you know? Probiotics are often referred to by their abbreviated names, in this case, L. reuteri NCIMB 30242. Brush up on probiotic naming conventions on our probiotic species page!)
Lactobacillus reuteri is a species of bacteria that naturally resides in various parts of the human body, including the gut. The NCIMB 30242 strain, as featured in Microbiome Plus+, has been the subject of various clinical studies. I’ll dig into the science below.
What might L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 do for you – a review of the science behind Microbiome Plus+
While research is ongoing, studies hint at potential health benefits linked to L. reuteri NCIMB 30242. However, as always, results can differ based on factors like the specific probiotic strain, dosage, and individual circumstances. It’s key to understand that while L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 might be beneficial for some, it may not be for all. I always recommend you consult with your doctor before starting any supplements, and if you are having real health issues always see your doctor before turning to supplements.
Here’s a peek into the possible benefits of this strain:
Promoting Heart Health: Some research suggests that L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 might help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol. This strain may aid in the breaking down of bile salts, which could play a role in cholesterol metabolism. The study I referenced was small but well designed – 127 participants, followed over 9 weeks. And it was a double blind study, which is the gold standard for judging the effectiveness of a treatment.
Digestive Health: As with many probiotics, there is evidence to suggest that L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 can potentially promote gut health by supporting a balanced intestinal flora. That same group of people in the cholesterol study also had their digestive health studied, and overall the people taking the supplement had lower instances of diarrhea and other digestive improvement.
Immune Boost: L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 might play a role in enhancing the immune system. Some studies show that it can interact with immune cells, bolstering the body’s defenses. However, many of these studies were done in mice or in petri dishes – so the theory seems to be a good one, but I don’t have a gold standard study showing an immune boost in healthy adults.
Vitamin D Absorption: Interestingly, there’s preliminary research suggesting that this strain may increase vitamin D levels in the blood, which is essential for various bodily functions. Microbiome says on the bottle that it “naturally supports the body’s production of vitamin D.” There seems to be one research paper that suggests this might be happening, but I’m not really sure how solid the science is on this particular claim.
Overall, Lactobacillus reuteri is a pretty well studied probiotic that is generally, overall safe for otherwise healthy people. I would feel good if a patient of mine was taking it, although, again, see your doctor if you are having a serious medical problem before starting a supplement.
What are probiotics?
When you hear the term ‘probiotics’, you might think of yogurt or other fermented foods. But, in essence, probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts beneficial for your health, especially your digestive system. They are often referred to as ‘good’ or ‘friendly’ bacteria because they may help keep your gut healthy. In the context of supplements, Microbiome Plus+ is an example of a probiotic product that aims to provide these beneficial bacteria to your body.
Understanding probiotics with Microbiome Plus+
Probiotics come in various strains, each with unique health benefits. The Microbiome Plus+ supplement focuses on a specific strain known as Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242. This strain is well-researched and is thought to offer several health benefits, including supporting digestive health and potentially lowering LDL cholesterol levels.
The mechanism behind these benefits lies in the delicate balance of our gut flora. Probiotics, like the one in this supplement, work by (hopefully) promoting a healthy balance of good bacteria in our gut, which in turn may support our overall health in various ways.
One of the most astonishing things in recent medical science is the understanding of the human gut microbiome. It’s kind of crazy to think that there is a vast and intricate ecosystem of microorganisms living inside our digestive tracts! In fact, our bodies house trillions of these microbes, a number so staggering it’s believed there are more microbial cells in our bodies than human cells!! Crazy.
Our modern lifestyle and diet can throw that microbiome out of whack. For most people, the best way to get that balance back would be to eat very healthy foods high in fiber, complex carbohydrates and low in sugar, unhealthy fats and preservatives. So, pretty much impossible for most of us. Probiotics offer a way to try to get a bit of that balance back.
The Role of Microbiome Plus+ in Gut Health
Given the importance of our gut health in overall well-being, it’s no wonder many people are turning to probiotics for support. The gut is not just responsible for digestion; it plays a role in our immune system, mental health, and even the synthesis of some essential vitamins. By introducing the well-studied L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 strain through Microbiome Plus+, individuals can potentially reinforce their gut flora and promote a balanced microbiome.
Usage and Storage – How to Microbiome Plus+ Probiotics
Ease of Storage: Conveniently, Microbiome Plus+ requires no refrigeration, perfect for modern lifestyles. A lot of probiotics do require refrigeration, so this is a nice perk of this particular brand.
Dosage Recommendations
Taking 2 pills daily is recommended. For best results, as a pharmacist, I’d suggest the right time to take the Microbiome Plus+ would be one in the morning before you eat, and the second in the evening before you go to sleep. You can read my article on the best time of day to take a probiotic if you want more guidance.
What does Microbiome Plus+ Cost?
As of when I wrote this review, you can buy it directly from the manufacturer for $42.99 per bottle. Each bottle has 56 pills, and at 2 a day, that’s a 4 week supply, so it’s just over $1.50 a day. This makes it not the cheapest option on the market, especially for a supplement that’s not a combination probiotic. But if you are looking for one that might help manage your gut and cholesterol, it’s a good choice. And they also have a subscribe and save option that may help reduce the cost.
Why Choose Microbiome Plus+?
While there are various probiotic supplements in the market, this one stands out due to its emphasis on the L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 strain. For those looking to support their gut health and possibly lower cholesterol with a reputable and well-researched product, this supplement might be worth considering.
Microbiome Plus+: What’s the Verdict?
Microbiome Plus+ is a reputable product that harnesses the potential benefits of L. reuteri NCIMB 30242. I like the fact that it’s made in the US, and I haven’t heard of a lot of complaints on the product’s quality.
For those wondering about daily consumption, generally, probiotics like this one are meant to be taken every day. They are designed to supplement the natural gut flora and potentially offer benefits when taken consistently. You need to be patient – it can take several weeks for you to start to notice any benefit; read my article on how long it takes for probiotics to work to learn more.
In conclusion, Microbiome Plus+ is a promising supplement for those seeking to support their health with L. reuteri NCIMB 30242. As with any supplement, it’s essential to remember that it might work for some people but not all, and remember to give it several weeks to see if there will be any benefit. And as always, the most informed decision is one made with the guidance of a healthcare professional.
