Frequently Asked Questions

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that are naturally found in the body and can also be taken as dietary supplements. Most commonly, probiotics are strains (types) of bacteria that provide various health benefits. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines probiotics as beneficial live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Each strain of beneficial bacteria is unique. Saccharomyces boulardii is actually a yeast and was originally derived from lychee fruit. Meanwhile, Bifidobacterium lactis was first isolated from yogurt, where it was found in a very small amount.

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 tailored to their individual needs. When it comes to probiotics, we cannot claim that one product fits all.

IVBIOTICS' mission is to tailor specific probiotics for each person individually, depending on their symptoms and clinical picture.

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

The name Lactobacillus is widely recognized; in fact, many people refer to probiotics generally as “lactobacilli.” However, Lactobacillus is actually the name of a specific genus of probiotic bacteria that produce lactic acid. A genus is like a “family” of bacteria, and the Lactobacillus genus includes many well-known probiotic species, such as Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus acidophilus.

The Lactobacillus genus includes some of the most extensively studied probiotic bacteria in the world, shown in numerous clinical studies. One such strain is Lactobacillus acidophilus—one of the most thoroughly researched bacterial species.

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

The Bifidobacterium genus includes many different bacterial strains. A genus is a “family” of similar bacteria, and within the Bifidobacterium genus there are several species, such as Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium breve, and others. Each Bifidobacterium species contains various strains, each with specific properties and functions in the body.

The functions of the Bifidobacterium genus are diverse and unique, depending on the particular strain that has been studied and shown to have beneficial effects. For example, certain strains of Bifidobacterium lactis are known to improve bowel function, support transit time and digestive health, and boost immune function. Bifidobacterium breve strains may help alleviate allergic and skin symptoms, while Bifidobacterium infantis has shown potential in reducing mood and behavioral issues.

Bifidobacterium strains have the ability to break down complex carbohydrates in the gut. This fermentation process produces lactic acid, which lowers intestinal pH and helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Research has also shown that Bifidobacterium strains tend to enhance overall immunity and are essential for maintaining a healthy digestive tract.

The activity of bifidobacteria allows other species to thrive. Acetate, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced by bifidobacteria, nourishes other bacteria that produce butyrate—another SCFA that feeds the intestinal lining and helps prevent inflammation.

Bifidobacteria are the most dominant bacterial genus in the gut microbiota of infants and are the first to colonize the gut when a baby passes through the birth canal. From birth until around age 3, Bifidobacterium bacteria make up the majority of an infant’s gut microbiota. After this age, the num

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

Given today's lifestyle factors—such as stress, environmental influences, medication use, low fiber intake, and irregular meals—changes in the composition and balance of the gut microbiota, along with related health complaints, are fairly common. Probiotics are one of the accessible ways to positively influence the microbiota. It is known that lasting effects of probiotics are achieved when taken consistently over a longer period—up to 12 weeks.

Although probiotics are among the safest dietary supplements, there are certain situations where their use is not recommended. This applies to patients with compromised immune systems, immunosuppressed individuals, patients with acute pancreatitis who are hospitalized, those with gastrointestinal bleeding, individuals with a central venous catheter, infants with short bowel syndrome, or patients with large open wounds following major surgeries.

Probiotics are not medications, so there are no specific guidelines prohibiting their use alongside alcohol. However, alcohol can harm the sensitive live bacterial cultures in the gut. There is some evidence suggesting that alcohol consumption may negatively affect the delicate balance of the gut microbiome:

The Gastrointestinal Microbiome: Alcohol Effects on the Composition of Intestinal Microbiota. Alcohol Res. 2015;37(2):223-36. PMID: 26695747; PMCID: PMC4590619.

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 otherwise specifically recommended, IVBIOTICS advises taking the supplement with breakfast. Studies show that in the morning, the stomach’s acidity naturally has a pH of 4 or higher (i.e., less acidic). IVBIOTICS is formulated to withstand the harsh acidic environment of the stomach.

IVBIOTICS should not be taken with very hot or acidic foods and drinks. There should be a gap of at least 5–10 minutes between consuming such items and taking the probiotic.

If you are taking antibiotics or antifungal medication, it is recommended to take the probiotic at least 2 hours apart from those treatments.

Most probiotics are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding; however, some probiotic strains have not been clinically studied in pregnant or nursing women. Therefore, it is recommended to consult your family doctor or gynecologist before using them.

Before starting to use IVBIOTICS, it is recommended to check whether the product contains any substances you are known to be allergic to. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult your doctor or allergist.

The use of probiotics is compatible with the use of contraceptive medications.

IVBIOTICS probiotics are formulated to be stored in a dry, cool, and dark place, away from direct sunlight. The strains used in IVBIOTICS products are carefully selected for their high stability and resilience. These robust strains are lyophilized (freeze-dried), stabilized, and tested to ensure their viability and colony-forming unit (CFU) count. The stated amount of probiotic bacteria per capsule is guaranteed until the expiration date, not just at the time of manufacture. Saccharomyces boulardii is dried under specific conditions.