HOWARU (Bifidobacterium lactis HN019) Discovered in 1899, B lactis plays a key role in the human microflora throughout a person’s life. Researchers have identified strain HN019 as having excellent probiotic potential based upon its ability to survive the transit through the human gastrointestinal tract, adhere to epithelial cells, and proliferate.[6] B lactis HN019 has been extensively studied, and its safety and effectiveness is well-accepted.[7,8] To assess the impact of B lactis HN019 supplementation on whole-gut transit time in adults, 100 subjects were given daily doses for 14 days of 17.2 billion colonyforming units (CFU), 1.8 billion CFU, or placebo. Decreases in mean whole-gut transit time over the 14-day study period were statistically significant in the high-dose group and the low-dose group, but not in the placebo group.[8] This level of dosing also supported other parameters of healthy GI function, as were self-reported by patient survey.[8] In another study of preschool-age children, supplementing milk for one year with 1.9 x 10 CFU per day B lactis HN019 and 2.4 g/day of prebiotic oligosaccharides supported both healthy iron status and weight gain.[9] In a randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled human dietary intervention study in elderly subjects (>60 yrs.), supplementary B lactis HN019 resulted in statistically significant increases in the beneficial organisms bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.*[10]

Lactobacillus acidophilus (Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14) This common inhabitant of the human mouth, intestinal tract, and vagina is also found in some traditional fermented milks (e.g., kefir) and is widely used in probiotic foods and supplements. It has a history of safe human consumption. The L acidophilus La-14 strain is of human origin and has been identified as a type A1 L acidophilus. L acidophilus shows excellent adhesion to human epithelial cell-lines.*[11,12]

Lactobacillus plantarum (Lactobacillus plantarum Lp-115) This bacteria was isolated from plant material and is abundantly present in lactic acid-fermented foods, such as olives and sauerkraut. In vitro studies have shown that L plantarum strain Lp-115 has excellent adhesion to epithelial cell lines.[13] In addition, L plantarum is resistant to low pH conditions and survives the presence of bile at duodenal concentrations.*[13,14]

Bifidobacterium longum (Bifidobacterium longum B1-05) The B longum Bl-05 strain is well-accepted as safe for human consumption. B longum is resistant to low pH and bile salts and is well-suited to the intestinal environment.*[14]

Recommended Dose

Children age 1 and up to Adults: Take 1 capsule once daily.

Discontinue use and consult a healthcare practitioner if symptomsof digestive upset (e.g. diarrhoea) occur, worsen, or persist beyond 3 days.

Do not use if you are experiencing nausea, fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, or severe abdominal pain. Do not use if you have an immune-compromised condition (e.g. AIDS, lymphoma, patients undergoing long-term corticosteroid treatment).