VSL#3 is a high-potency probiotic mixture that contains three strains of bifidobacteria, four strains of lactobacilli and Streptococcus thermophilus. VSL#3 has undergone the highest standards of scrutiny available for natural health products.
Clinical précis: A proprietary combination of probiotic strains
(VSL#3) in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
(VSL#3) in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
The link between gut microbial flora and IBD6
It’s well recognized that intestinal microbial flora are a primary factor in the development of IBD, and pathogenic bacteria may trigger chronic intestinal inflammation in patients who are genetically predisposed. Furthermore, areas of the gut with the highest concentration of bacteria (the distal ileum and colon) are the locations where disease occurs most often.
It has also been shown that IBD patients have reduced levels of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus - microorganisms considered beneficial in the gut environment because they:
Probiotics are a natural therapeutic option to deliver “missing” bacteria to the gut and restore balance to the microbial flora.
It has also been shown that IBD patients have reduced levels of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus - microorganisms considered beneficial in the gut environment because they:
- Maintain the integrity of the mucosal barrier
- Inhibit growth of potentially pathogenic bacteria that adhere to the intestinal mucosa, persistently stimulate an immune response, and perpetuate chronic inflammation
Probiotics are a natural therapeutic option to deliver “missing” bacteria to the gut and restore balance to the microbial flora.
9 out of 10 pediatric patients achieved remission when VSL#3 was added to standard ulcerative colitis (UC) therapy7
A new meta-analysis documented VSL#3 efficacy.8
A 2014 meta-analysis of the effect of VSL#3 on inducing remission and maintaining therapy in UC and pouchitis concluded:
“Administration of probiotics results in additional benefit in inducing remission of patients with UC. VSL#3 are beneficial for maintaining remission in patients with pouchitis. And, probiotics can provide [an effect similar to] 5-aminosalicylic acid on maintaining remission of UC, although no additional adverse events presented.”
Study details
SIMILAR RESULTS WERE OBSERVED IN OTHER CLINICAL TRIALS, WHICH CONCLUDED:
“Administration of probiotics results in additional benefit in inducing remission of patients with UC. VSL#3 are beneficial for maintaining remission in patients with pouchitis. And, probiotics can provide [an effect similar to] 5-aminosalicylic acid on maintaining remission of UC, although no additional adverse events presented.”
Study details
SIMILAR RESULTS WERE OBSERVED IN OTHER CLINICAL TRIALS, WHICH CONCLUDED:
VSL#3 may delay or avoid other treatments.9
“ . . . VSL#3 may be considered as a safe and effective option for patients suffering from relapsing mild-to-moderate UC, to avoid or delay the administration of steroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics.”
Study details
Study details
VSL#3 promoted remission in 93% of pediatric UC patients.7
In a study where 92.8% of patients achieved remission, the authors observed:
“This is the first pediatric, randomized, placebo-controlled trial that suggests the efficacy and safety of a highly concentrated mixture of probiotic bacterial strains (VSL#3) in active UC and demonstrates its role in maintenance of remission.”
Study details
VSL#3 has undergone the most rigorous level of clinical investigation available for natural health products. VSL#3 bears Natural Product Numbers (NPNs) 80037590 and 80042116.
“This is the first pediatric, randomized, placebo-controlled trial that suggests the efficacy and safety of a highly concentrated mixture of probiotic bacterial strains (VSL#3) in active UC and demonstrates its role in maintenance of remission.”
Study details
VSL#3 has undergone the most rigorous level of clinical investigation available for natural health products. VSL#3 bears Natural Product Numbers (NPNs) 80037590 and 80042116.
To order VSL#3, please set up an account with us.
For more information,
please visit the VSL#3 website
please visit the VSL#3 website
About Ferring Natural Health
Ferring Natural Health is dedicated to exploring natural alternatives to restore the body's healthy balance. Our focus on probiotics and the human digestive system is grounded in a commitment to naturally occurring therapies supported by scientific research.TuZen®, VSL#3®, and BioGaia® are registered or licensed trademarks of Ferring Inc.
©2014 Ferring Canada. All rights reserved. Please read our Legal Notice Tuzen® is a registered trademark of Ferring Inc. VSL#3® and The Living Shield are trademarks of VSL Pharmaceuticals Inc. BioGaia® is a registered trademark of BioGaia AB.