Culturelle + Casein

[NJ]

I know this topic has been discussed at least somewhat in previous posts, but has it ever been decided whether individuals who are intolerant to casein can take the probiotic 'Culturelle' since it lists a tiny percentage of casein as an ingredient? I remember reading that Dr. Fine at Enterolab used to recommend Culturelle, but I'm not sure if he still does as a result of the casein.

I'm looking to start taking another course of probiotics so any advice specifically on Culturelle or other high quality and effective probiotics is much appreciated.

Thanks!

[tex]

Hi Nathan,

It may depend on an individual's sensitivity. I believe that Polly, for example, had a violent reaction to Culturelle, and a few others have reacted adversely to it also. If my memory is working correctly today, I believe that GasBag uses a probiotic yogurt, (maybe Danactive, but I'm not certain).

The Food Doc, (Dr. Lewey), sorta recommends VSL#3, I believe, but there are several versions, I believe, so you have to be careful which one you select. Theoretically, a probiotic seems to be a good idea, but in reality, we haven't had much luck finding one that seems to be effective, (or even tolerable, in some cases), except on an individual basis. I believe that's Dr. Fine's position on the matter, also.

Maybe someone else has some fresh insight on this topic.

Tex

[harma]

I have been using probiotics for a week last summer, it was in my time wondering what was wrong with me, waiting for hospital app. and trying out things, like a probiotics on advice of my dietician. I used Orthiflor Atopic from the brand Orthica (maybe something only sold in Europe or even Holland I am not sure). In it are 4 different types of bifido and 4 types of lactobacillus bacteria culture. For sure it is free of gluten (is written on the package material) and it looks also free from dairy and soy (when I look at the ingredients, but it is not like the gluten explicit written on it).

For me this stuff, it was a DISASTER, a big disaster, I already had D that time, but after using this, it get worse and worse. After a week, I could start living in the bad room especially during night. The dietician told me it could get a little worse before it got better, that's why I used it for a whole week. Far before the MC problems started I have been using other probiotics, the ones you can buy in the supermarket like yakult, activa (if that are familiar brands in the US). Gave my also problems. But that could also be due to the lactose in these products.

So my experiences with it are quite bad and probably will not try it again in future. But I am sure for others it will do some good

[mbeezie]

I use Culturelle and it now comes in a Dairy Free verison. I have never had an adverse reaction and plan to continue using it.

Mary Beth

[NJ]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I'm going to pick up the dairy free version of Culturelle and try it for 30 days. I'll let you know how it goes, but I'm sure everyone reacts differently.

Thanks, again!