Reviewed product: Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics

General score: 3 ½ / 5 stars

Form of presentation: capsules

Serving dimensions: 20mm x 7mm

Cost: $29.97

Recommended dosage: 2 capsules/ day

Package content: 30 capsules

Daily cost: $0.99

Viability: through time of manufacturing

CFUs count: 70 billion

Ingredients: 10 probiotic strains, amongst which we can enumerate (in alphabetical order): Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Streptococcus thermophilus; the supplement also contains Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)

Customer satisfaction: guaranteed

Product category: particular problems and illnesses

Where to buy: via the manufacturer’s main website

Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics General review

• Advantages

Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics contains a 70 billion CFUs dosage for every 2 capsules taken as a daily dosage, making it a very potent nutritional enhancer.

To make a relevant comparison, take into consideration the fact that other similar products will offer you anything between 20 and 40 billion CFUs in their daily recommended intake.

Although probiotic needs vary from one individual to another, supplements of this type are usually of better quality and efficiency when their cell count is higher.

With Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics, you will only have to take 2 capsules each morning before breakfast – which is very easy to remember – or with 3 hours before/ after one of your meals (when you are undergoing antibiotic treatment, so as to not influence one another).

Secondly, the 10 probiotic strains employed in the formula for Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics are all very well researched families, demonstrated to help digestive patterns and boost immunity alike.

Their diversity ensures that more nutritional ‘ground’ can be covered by using one single product while their combination aims at mimicking the human body’s own ‘friendly’ bacteria makeup and thus enabling for a better assimilation of the supplement in the first place.

Thirdly, the presently reviewed probiotic enhancer can be used by a wide scope of individuals because it presents a low allergenic potential.

By being free of ingredients like soy, milk, gluten, lactose, nuts, corn, eggs, etc., Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics can be adapted to a variety of lifestyles and preferences, without doing more harm than good to those taking it.

As a matter of fact, the label claims that the capsules can remain in a stable condition up to 2 years when stored properly (in a cool, dry space). Refrigeration is added as a recommendation for better viability standards, but it is not required.

• Disadvantages

The same high probiotic count can also be considered as a disadvantage for Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics – particularly since it is so high, it is not advised that this product be taken for extended periods of time, but rather to redress specific gastrointestinal issues.

For example, this product is ideal for restoring gut flora after prolonged usage of antibiotics; in the case of regular supplementation, a milder product or intake might be more safe and manageable.

Another con which derives from this is that it can be used only by persons above the age of 18 years (again, owing to its potency).

In addition, there is the issue of culture resistance: while some similar probiotic supplements declare their ‘good’ bacteria count as alive ‘through end of shelf life’ (meaning at the expiration date printed on the packaging), Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics only guarantees for probiotic viability during the time of manufacturing.

This translates into the uncertainty of whether the capsules you are taking actually contain live or inactive probiotics in the first place.

Although some might say that the elevated microorganism count can compensate for this aspect, it is nevertheless a considerable minus to the item’s general composition.

As an overall observation, Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics reaches an average rating of 3 ½ stars out of 5, a number which subsequently places it in a very good position as a probiotic supplement.

Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics Ingredients list

• Bifidobacterium bifidum – represents one of the most common probiotics which reside inside the gastrointestinal tract of mammals, humans included. As such, this ‘good’ bacterium predominantly inhabits the small intestine and colon, although it can also be found in breast milk and the vaginal system as well. Its main attributions involve improving digestive patterns (by regulating microflora levels), decreasing the occurrence of diarrhea episodes, and boosting immune protection. What is more, Bifidobacterium bifidum can also significantly reduce the duration of the common cold and fight off Candida infections.

• Bifidobacterium lactis – is another probiotic normally found in the human organism. It is employed to facilitate all sorts of gastrointestinal processes, from food decomposition to nutrient assimilation. Additionally, Bifidobacterium lactis has been demonstrated to help with immune protection and pathogen screening. One of its particular advantages is that it can significantly decrease the duration of diarrheal episodes caused by the extensive antibiotic administration. More recent studies have also revealed that this ‘friendly’ bacterium might have the ability to suppress the development of cancer-forming tumors.

• Bifidobacterium longum – although not a very widespread presence inside the adult intestinal tract, Bifidobacterium longum has the very potent ability to produce lactic acid (which greatly helps in the case of lactose intolerance, facilitates digestion and, subsequently, nutrient absorption) and to protect the organism against harmful pathogens by sustaining a healthy immunity status. In addition, it can actively participate in screening the organism against allergies, reduce the number of free radicals (which usually cause strokes and atherosclerosis, for example), and lower the readings for bad cholesterol.

• Lactobacillus acidophilus – this ‘good’ bacterium type was largely spread by natural yogurt commercials from around the world. Nevertheless, whether in its ‘natural’ habitat or through pharmaceutical supplementation, its properties include the overall protection of the intestinal, urinary, and vaginal systems. More specifically, Lactobacillus acidophilus promotes better lactose tolerance, ensures flora balance, wards against infections (yeast and Candida, for instance), reduces IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) symptoms, as well as combating issues such as high cholesterol, constipation, diarrhea, etc.

• Lactobacillus brevis – constitutes a probiotic which can generally be found inside fermented foods (sauerkraut, brine pickles, etc.), dairy variants, and the human body as well. The major benefits of Lactobacillus brevis comprise of boosted immunity functions and enhanced gut motility and effectiveness. This property is owed to the fact that this particular bacterium can survive gastric passage very well and equally thrive inside this environment for longer periods of time. It can be used as a great alternative to yogurt based probiotics by those who suffer from lactose intolerance.

• Lactobacillus casei – with an extremely wide pH range, Lactobacillus casei has rapidly become a favorite for the production of probiotic-infused dairy items, as well as being a medical alleviator and active supplement component. Since it is a ‘good’ bacterium which can withstand even the harshest conditions of the gastrointestinal system, Lactobacillus casei usually shows great results in treating problems like antibiotic-induced diarrhea, colitis infections, pancreatic necrosis, gut inflammation, and intestinal permeability. Aside from this, it can improve overall mood, increase immune response, and soothe abdominal discomfort symptoms like bloating or gas.

• Lactobacillus plantarum – is seen as a very powerful and effective probiotic by the medical community specialized in this branch of studies. Owing to its adaptability, Lactobacillus plantarum can be utilized either to regulate bowel movements in normal circumstances or help the intestinal tract recover after antibiotic treatments. In both cases, this bacterium can help create a much stronger and effective gut flora, alongside enhanced nutrient assimilation and overall better immunity.

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus – is a ‘good’ bacterium responsible for reducing the duration of a number of serious afflictions, including diarrhea in children and peanut allergies. This is due to its high resistance to stomach acids and bile. Aside from keeping the intestinal system and urinary tract in proper shape, Lactobacillus rhamnosus can extend its influence past the abdominal area and aid in resolving issues like skin breakouts and even respiratory infections.

• Lactobacillus salivarius – a normal part of the small intestine and mouth, this microorganism contributes to overall wellbeing in a number of ways. Firstly, it can survive longer in the intestinal tract, thus, aid better with food decomposition and substance assimilation at the level of the intestines. Secondly, it combats pathogens and keeps the body free from any threatening diseases. More specific properties are that of alleviating the symptoms caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and treating the very health-threatening disease of pancreatic necrosis. As many other effective probiotics, Lactobacillus salivarius can ‘fix’ diarrhea episodes (especially those caused by antibiotic administration), support immunity protection, and maintain dental health.

• Streptococcus thermophilus – despite its rather unattractive and ominous name, this specific probiotic is generally utilized in the production of yogurt and other similar dairy products (since it produces lactic acid). This property makes it a very great choice for those who struggle with lactose intolerance, yet still want to receive all the health benefits of probiotics. Other benefits of Streptococcus thermophilus are as follows: decreasing IBS and diarrhea symptoms, managing Leaky Gut Syndrome effects, treating ulcerative colitis, enhancing immune responses, maintaining the urinary and vaginal systems healthy, etc.

Additionally, Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics also contains an ingredient called ‘fructooligosaccharides’, which represents an alternative sweetener to sugar. It occurs naturally and has been employed by manufacturers as a means to cut down on the caloric count of foods.

Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics Allergenic potential

If we are to take into consideration the ingredients and facts stated on the label, then Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics appears to be very friendly even to those who suffer from allergies or are generally more sensitive to traces of substances foreign from their habitual dietary regime.

Hence, this product does not contain any of the following ingredients, which are ‘renowned’ for their high allergenic potential, namely eggs, dairy (milk), lactose, corn, nuts, yeast, soy, gluten or casein.

The present probiotic supplement is compatible with a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle (since it does not contain any forms or traces of animal by-products) while also being free of preservatives, sugar, and artificial flavors.

Other ingredients included in Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics are vegetable cellulose, silica, silicon dioxide, and fructooligosaccharides (FOS). These are used as a filler and inert bases for the live bacteria to be ‘carried’ around in before ingestion.

Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics Overall cost

As previously mentioned, Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics comes in the form of a bottle containing 60 capsules. At $29.97 per said bottle and a recommended dosage of 2 capsules daily, the total amount of money you will be spending on a regular dosing is that of $0.99.

The general rule of thumb with probiotic supplements is that anything which goes over $1 for each day of administration can be considered as ‘expensive’.

Consequently, Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics is placed at the threshold of this value and can consider as being worth the money because it offers such a strong probiotic ‘kick’ if used regularly.

Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics Side effects

When starting the Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics treatment, I personally experienced abdominal discomfort during the first few days.

While unpleasant, this effect is to be expected owing to the supplement’s 70 billion CFUs content, a much higher number than most commercially distributed such products of nowadays.

The uncomfortable sensation wears off rather quickly and gives way to the positive probiotic effects, but those who are aware of having a sensitive gastrointestinal system should be cautious to begin with.

In addition, pregnant or nursing mothers should also be careful when using Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics, a doctor’s consultation and approval being necessary beforehand. the probiotic count is so high, caution is equally advised when starting this supplementation for children under the age of 18, where a specialist’s opinion is necessary as well.

Where to buy Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics?

Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics can be purchased through the manufacturer’s official site.

Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics – general view

Category	Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics
General rating	3 ½ / 5 stars
Recommended usage	For particular problems and medical disorders
Ingredients	10 probiotic strains, 70 billion CFUs
Allergenic potential	None
Cost	$29.97 (60 capsules/ 30 days of administration)
Side effects	Initial abdominal pain
Manufacturer guarantee(s)	60-days money back policy
Purchasing	The manufacturer’s official website