Frequently Asked Questions
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live 'friendly' bacteria that support the natural balance of your gut, where over 400 species of bacteria are already at work. A daily supplement helps top up these friendly bacteria, supporting your digestive system in its vital job of extracting nutrients and keeping the balance of good and less-friendly bacteria in check. Our Acidophilus range pairs carefully selected strains with a prebiotic base to help them thrive.
What are probiotics good for?
People most often take them to support everyday digestive health and maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, particularly during and after a course of antibiotics, which can't tell friendly bacteria from unwanted ones. Because the gut plays such a central role in extracting nutrients and supporting the immune system, many people find a daily probiotic a simple, convenient way to look after their gut as part of a healthy routine.
What do probiotic supplements do?
Probiotic supplements top up the friendly bacteria that live in your digestive tract, where over 400 different species are hard at work. By supporting the right balance of good and bad micro-organisms, they help your digestive system do its job - synthesising essential vitamins, nutrients and enzymes while removing toxins. A daily capsule is a convenient option if live yoghurt and fermented foods don't feature much in your diet.
Which probiotic is right for me?
For everyday gut maintenance, Acidophilus Plus+ at 5 billion CFU is the sensible starting point six carefully selected strains with a prebiotic base in one daily capsule. Step up to Acidophilus Super Plus+ at 20 billion CFU if you want extra support, such as during and after a course of antibiotics, while travelling, or through stressful periods. And if you'd rather cover gut and general nutrition in one go, our Multivitamins & Minerals with Probiotic combines both jobs in a single capsule.
How many billion CFU should a probiotic have?
CFU stands for 'colony forming units' - a measure of the live bacteria in each capsule. Our Acidophilus Plus+ provides 5 billion CFU, a solid everyday level, while Acidophilus Super Plus+ steps up to 20 billion for those wanting extra support. More isn't automatically better, though - the variety of strains matters too, which is why both formulas contain six carefully selected strains alongside a supporting prebiotic base.
How do probiotics survive stomach acid?
YIt's a fair concern - to work, probiotic bacteria must arrive in your gut alive, yet heat and stomach acid can destroy them along the way. That's exactly why our Acidophilus capsules are formulated to be 'delayed release', protecting the bacteria as they pass through the stomach so more of them reach the gut, where they're actually needed.
Can you take probiotics every day?
Yes - probiotics are designed for daily use, and consistency is really the whole point. The friendly bacteria you take don't set up permanent residence, so a daily capsule helps maintain a steady supply as part of a healthy routine. Many people simply take theirs with breakfast so it becomes as automatic as the morning cuppa.
Do probiotics need to be kept in the fridge?
Not ours. Some older probiotic formulas needed refrigerating to keep the bacteria alive, but our Acidophilus capsules are formulated to be stable at room temperature and delayed-release, so they're happy in the cupboard and protected on their journey through the stomach. That makes them far more convenient for everyday use and for taking with you when you travel.
Should I take probiotics with food?
Taking your probiotic with or just before a meal is a sensible habit - many people find breakfast easiest to remember. Because our capsules are delayed release, the exact timing is less critical than it is with unprotected probiotics. As always, taking it regularly matters far more than taking it at the 'perfect' moment.
Why shop for probiotics at Just Vitamins?
Our probiotics are engineered to actually work: delayed-release capsules protect the bacteria through stomach acid so they reach the gut alive, each formula combines six carefully selected strains with a supporting prebiotic base, and everything is shelf-stable no fridge required. We clearly state the strain count and CFU on every label, in two honest strengths (5 and 20 billion), so you know exactly what you're taking, all manufactured to strict GMP standards in the UK.