Frequently asked questions

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that often occur naturally in the body and can also be taken as dietary supplements. Probiotics are most often bacterial strains (types) that provide various health benefits. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines probiotics as beneficial live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, have a positive effect on human health. Each beneficial bacterial strain is unique. Saccharomyces boulardii is actually a yeast and was originally isolated from lychee fruit. Bifidobacterium lactis, in turn, was first obtained from yoghurt, where it was found in very small amounts.

IVBIOTICS products contain various types of live or active probiotic strains. We use different strains for different groups of people and for different reasons. Our goal is to offer each individual a specific probiotic that matches their individual needs. When it comes to probiotics, we cannot say that one product could suit everyone.

The IVBIOTICS mission is to tailor a specific probiotic to each person individually, depending on their complaints and clinical picture.

Lactobacillus is a type of probiotic bacteria that is commonly found in the human digestive tract.

The name "Lactobacillus" is widely known; in fact, many people refer to probiotics as lactobacilli in a general sense. But Lactobacillus is actually the name of a specific genus of lactic-acid-producing probiotic bacteria. A genus is a "family" of bacteria, and the Lactobacillus genus includes many well-known probiotic species, including Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The Lactobacillus genus contains some of the most extensively studied probiotic bacteria in the world, featured in countless clinical studies. One such strain is Lactobacillus acidophilus — one of the most studied bacterial species.

Bifidobacterium is a genus of probiotic bacteria found mainly in the large intestine.

The Bifidobacterium genus contains many different bacterial strains. A genus is a "family" of similar bacteria, and the Bifidobacterium genus includes several species, including Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium breve and others. Each Bifidobacterium species has different strains, and they all have specific properties and functions in the body. The functions of the Bifidobacterium genus are diverse and unique — as with all bacteria — depending on the specific strain that has been studied and shown to have beneficial properties. It is well known that some strains of Bifidobacterium lactis improve intestinal function, improve transit time and overall digestive health, and support immune function. Bifidobacterium breve strains may improve allergic and skin symptoms. Bifidobacterium infantis may help prevent mood and behavioural problems. Bifidobacterium strains have the ability to break down complex carbohydrates in the gut. The fermentation process produces lactic acid, which lowers the pH of the gut and helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Research has also found that Bifidobacterium strains tend to boost overall immunity and are essential for maintaining a healthy digestive tract. The activity of bifidobacteria allows other species to survive and thrive. Acetate, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced by bifidobacteria, feeds other bacteria that produce butyrate — a short-chain fatty acid that nourishes the gut lining and prevents inflammation. Bifidobacteria are the most abundant bacterial genus in the infant gut microbiota, and they are the first bacteria to colonise the intestinal tract as babies pass through the birth canal. From birth until around 3 years of age, Bifidobacterium bacteria make up the majority of an infant's gut microbiota. After this age, the number of bifidobacteria decreases significantly to adult levels, which is about 5% of the gut microbiota.

You can take two or more IVBIOTICS products at the same time. IVBIOTICS products can be combined with each other, and it is practically impossible to overdose on them.

Given today's lifestyle (stress, environmental influences, medication use, insufficient fibre intake, irregular meals, etc.), changes in the composition and balance of the microbiota and the resulting patient complaints are observed fairly often. Probiotics are one of the available ways in which we can positively influence our microbiota. It is known that a lasting effect of probiotics is achieved when they are taken over a prolonged course — up to 12 weeks.

Although probiotics are one of the safest dietary supplements, there are some situations in which taking probiotics is not recommended. This applies to patients with immune system disorders, immunosuppressed patients, hospitalised patients with acute pancreatitis, patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, those with a central venous catheter in place, infants with short bowel syndrome, or patients with extensive open wounds after major surgery.

Probiotics are not a medication, so there are no specific recommendations prohibiting taking probiotics together with alcohol. However, alcohol can harm sensitive live gut bacterial cultures and populations. There is some evidence suggesting that alcohol consumption can negatively affect the fragile balance of the gut microbiome. Engen PA, Green SJ, Voigt RM, Forsyth CB, Keshavarzian A. The Gastrointestinal Microbiome: Alcohol Effects on the Composition of Intestinal Microbiota. Alcohol Res. 2015;37(2):223-36. PMID: 26695747; PMCID: PMC4590619. 2. Wang SC, Chen YC, Chen SJ, Lee CH, Cheng CM. Alcohol Addiction, Gut Microbiota, and Alcoholism Treatment: A Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Sep 3;21(17):6413. doi: 10.3390/ijms21176413. PMID: 32899236; PMCID: PMC7504034.

Unless specifically advised otherwise, IVBIOTICS is recommended to be taken with breakfast. Studies suggest that in the morning, stomach acidity is naturally at pH 4 or even lower. IVBIOTICS is formulated to withstand the aggressive acidic environment of the stomach.

IVBIOTICS is not recommended to be taken together with very hot or acidic foods and drinks. There should be an interval of at least 5–10 minutes. If you are taking antibiotics or antifungal medications, it is better to take probiotics with a 2-hour interval.

Most probiotics are safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding; however, there are some probiotic bacterial strains (types) that have not been clinically studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so before using them it is advisable to consult your family doctor or gynaecologist.

Before starting to use IVBIOTICS, it is recommended to check whether the composition contains any substances to which you have a known allergic reaction. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult your doctor — an allergist.

Taking probiotics is compatible with the use of contraceptive medications.

IVBIOTICS probiotics are prepared so that they can be stored in a dry, dark, cool place, out of direct sunlight. The most resilient strains of each species are selected for IVBIOTICS formulations. These resilient strains are lyophilised (freeze-dried) or stabilised and tested to verify their viability and the number of colony-forming units. The stated number of probiotic bacteria in each capsule is valid until the end of the expiry date, not only at the time of manufacture. Saccharomyces boulardii is dried under specific conditions.