FAQ

Adult intake: VSL#3® is designated for the dietary management of UC, an ileal pouch and IBS. Daily intake ranges from 225 to 3,600 x 109 CFU. Consuming VSL#3® has been shown to aid in the dietary management of UC in both adults and pediatric patients. VSL#3® has been found useful following IPAA surgery for UC. It has also been shown to reduce symptoms in mild pouchitis, and to reduce relapse of pouchitis symptoms following antibiotic-induced remission. VSL#3® may also decrease bloating and flatulence in patients with IBS.

Pediatric Intake: VSL#3® is also designated for the dietary management of UC or IBS in children. VSL#3® was the first probiotic medical food to be utilized in a pediatric, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial that suggested the safety and efficacy of a highly concentrated mixture of probiotic bacterial strains in active UC and demonstrated its role in maintenance of remission4. For children, the amount consumed per day varies by age, weight  and clinical study6-11, 55.

Storage

VSL#3® consists of live, lyophilized bacteria. It should be stored at a cold and stable temperature. VSL#3® products if unopened and stored under refrigeration (36-46°For 2-8°C), are guaranteed through the “Best if used by” date. VSL#3® can be stored at room temperature (77°F) for up to 2 weeks without having a major effect on potency. If it is left at room temperature for longer periods of time or exposed to excessive heat, the number of beneficial bacteria in VSL#3® can become greatly reduced. Studies have not been conducted on the effects of freezing on VSL#3®. But repeating changes in temperature such as freezing, refrigerating and refreezing can stress the bacterial cell membranes, which are vital to the life of the bacteria. Therefore, VSL#3® can be stored until needed in the freezer, but once it has been frozen and then thawed, it should then be maintained at refrigeration temperature and not be refrozen.