I just purchased md complete probiotics platnum, had taken immu probio for years and found they were no longer helping me. Has any one tryed the patnum ones,if so did they help you. I have IBS and ulcerated colitis and j pouch, and had taken antibiotics for years as it helped with many trips to the bathroom and some relief from gas and bloating. Any suggestions for a good probiotic that is not very costly that I am unable to afford
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Hi Mikeey, I've found VSL #3 to be very helpful in controlling symptoms. When I have had flare ups in the past, I was able to find relief in a round of probiotics, removing alcohol from my diet completely (inflamatory), and doing a 1-2 liquid diet of green smoothies, which consist of spinach, kale, and fruits.
Hi Eldoza- Thanks so much for your response. Just wondered if you took the VSL#3 packets or the over the counters pills , the packets are extremely expensive. Just wondered how long did you take either packets(how Many) or pills. Thank you so much.
I took the packets as I didn't think the pills would be strong enough for me. I know the packets were like $105 for a 30 pack. But the way I figured, $105 was cheaper than a hospital stay 
I would do 1 pack a day. I have read on different places what some people respond to lower doses. So if cost is a big concern, I would start with the pills as they much cheaper and then go up from there.
Thank you very much, I wish you great health
Hello mate there are a ton of probiotics in the market and though VSL3# is surely one of the best but there are many other good brands . Just consult a GI or any local medical officer can suggest you one too. I personally take sporlac ds tablets. They are super cheap and VSL3# too as I have them stored since my UC days. One thing to remember keep them in a cold place as the bacteria dies when exposed to heat and dont leave the tablet in open for too long. Another thing if you're on antibiotics just remember to have a gap as much as you can get between both the tablets as they tend to countact . Antibiotic just kill any bacteria good or bad in your gut . So you wont really have much benefit if you take them at same time . GOOD LUCK 👍
Thank you so much Raj
Prior to VSL3 being on the market in the US, the closest thing was PB8, which is available at WholeFoods and is much cheaper. I took it for years when I had UC.
After j-pouch surgery, PB8 didn't work for me to keep pouchitis away. I switched to VSL3, per my doctor's instructions. The studies on pouchitis used the VSL double-strength packet, two per day. But I use one and I've been pouchitis-free for 1.5 years. I skip some days too.
A while ago, I did the cost analysis between VSL3 pills and the powder to see if you can get the same dose with pills cheaper, and it would take 16 pills a day, I think, and cost about the same or more.
Some insurance plans may still cover DS (double strength) VSL3 It's worth a phone call to see if it's covered under your insurance.
Hi Sunflower- Thanks much much for your advice,it is so appreciated