Dr Mercola Complete Probiotics has been a favourite with many for a long time. Dr Mercola’s enthusiasm for probiotic bacteria and fermented food is well known. Mercola Complete Probiotics supplement has received much praise from consumers and in independent lab tests. And after using this supplement myself for over one year, I got a pretty good picture of the quality.
Mercola Complete Probiotics
It does not take much research to realize that Dr Mercola sticks to high manufacturing principles for his probiotic supplements. He has included high quality and potent bacteria and in large quantities in his New Complete Probiotics.
Dr Mercola Complete Probiotics is backed by academic and scientific research including patents, trademarks, and awards. There are also independent lab tests done that confirm the potency and quality of all the Mercola Probiotic supplements.
Summary of features
- Contains the super-strain Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 (very few supplements include this)
- Contains a minimum of 70-90 billion bacteria in one serving (2 capsules)
- Acid and bile resistant to survive the stomach and intestinal transit
- Non-dairy, free from soy, corn, wheat, and gluten, and is non-GMO
- 10 different well-researched, highly beneficial bacteria strains
- Is stable at room temperature for at least 2 years
- Uses nitrogen packaging and is freeze-dried
- Capsules are vegetable-based. B
Benefits
Mercola New Complete Probiotics contains a high CFU. Also very interesting is one bacterium that not many supplements include, Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 (see end of post.). This has some unique properties and powerful health benefits.
During my first test of this supplement some years back I had a very problematic gut so I was a good guinea pig. The positive effect started after a week and reached a maximum after about a month or so. One immediate effect was a more stable digestive tract, regular bowel movement and an overall pleasant feeling of comfort.
The most stubborn gut problems started to fade slowly after a few months. Bloating, gut pain, inflammation and other symptoms diminished by some 70%, and later were completely gone.
Many satisfied customers report a positive experience from using Dr Mercola Complete Probiotics which is a good sign that it contains a successful combination of bacteria that is live and active.
What about cost?
The large bottle with 180 capsules is $78.00 (June 2018).
The recommended daily serving is two capsules. However, some people have noticed that after taking two capsules for a month or so, they are able to go down to one capsule per day and still get the desired effect. This way the price gets more attractive. You can also take two capsules per day for a month and then stop for a few weeks and then start again. For some this works well and also lowers the cost.
Additional Mercola Probiotics
Complete Probiotics for Women. Check price. This is a new supplement that is an adapted version of the standard Complete Probiotics. The adaption to women is interesting since recent research has revealed that women respond to certain bacteria more than men, especially about weight loss.
Mercola Probiotic Packets for Kids. Check price. Great for children (and others) who dislike capsules. The packets are prepared to just open and swallow. Uses the same formula as Complete Probiotics, just a lower CFU that might be better for kids. The packets contain no sugar but are delicious. They have a fruity raspberry, strawberry and lemon taste that is hard to resist. The packets can be taken as it or mixed with water or juice. Each packet contains 10 billion CFU.
Complete Probiotics Powder Packets. Check price. For adults who dislike capsules. Same formula as the Complete Probiotics capsules. Delicious, fruity taste and very addictive and refreshing.
L. acidophilus DDS-1
All of Dr Mercola Probiotic supplements mentioned above contain the unique bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1. Why is this noteworthy?
L. acidophilus DDS-1 is a highly effective bacteria strain. There are other strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus out there, but without the extension DDS-1. The DDS-1 strain has some powerful properties.
Properties of L. acidophilus DDS-1
- Produces significant quantities of lactase, which is excellent for lactose intolerant people
- It’s acid and bile resistant for intestinal survival; most other bacteria are not this sturdy
- Adapts exceptionally well to the human body, and it very easily colonizes in the gut
- I has an extra strong effect on the digestive system
- Has a powerful support for the immune system
Studies on effectiveness of DDS-1
- In 2010, a major health centre conducted a review on DDS-1 and bowel health. After 60 days of treatment, most subjects showed significant improvement in abdominal health, bloating and occasional elimination irregularities.
- 2003: L. acidophilus DDS-1 support the epithelial cell lines
- 1997: In animal research, DDS-1 was shown to support the production of immune components. DDS-1 performed better than three other strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum.
All of the Mercola Complete Probiotics are great supplements and highly recommended. The supplements are suitable for most people, especially those with a problematic gut.
I’ve tried Dr Mercola’s probiotic supplement for some time now and I must say it’s even better than I expected. I’ve tried some other brands before and I felt a little better. But with this I first had a detox reaction with gas and skin rashes, a little scary. But it went away after a few days. My stomach feels much better and it seem the longer I eat this supplement the better I feel. But I wonder if I should take a probiotic supplement all the time? Can it be too much?
Thanks for a great site
Hi Perra:
I’m happy to hear that the probiotic supplement works for you. Symptoms of detox can be varied and depends on a number of factors as amount of toxins, bad bacteria, and yeast you have in your body and how quickly your body gets rid of it. To ease symptoms just eat less probiotics. Usually a detox involves more that just taking a probiotic supplement; it involves making some dietary changes as well. For a good detox you should eat more raw food, drink more water, and include cilantro (tincture), garlic, MSM, parsil, chlorella in your diet and at the same time avoide sugar and carbs. You can also use infrared saunas and engage in intense exercise to promote an even more thorough detox. Just be aware that doing too much too fast can lead to a “healing crisis” where the detox symptoms can start to bother you too much. If they do, just slow down a little to give your body a chance to catch up.
About your question if you can eat too much probiotics or for too long. Most research indicate that adding probiotics on a daily basis is exactly what most people need. Earlier generations ate probiotic food almost daily and in many parts of the world many still do. Sauerkraut, fermented vegetables, kimchi, fermented soybeans are eaten daily by millions without any negative side effects. In fact, those people who do include probiotics daily seem to enjoy better health. Probiotics daily keep your gut in balance, help combat virus, bacteria, and yeast infections. Beneficial bacteria train your immune system and create a perfect environment for your body to thrive. So the answer to your question is NO, you cannot eat probiotic for too long. However, people suffering from serious disease or who have a supressed immune system should consult with their physician before engaging in probiotics, detox or dramatically changing their diet.
I am considering buying the pet version for my cat, but am concerned about the freeze dry process. Is this really as effective as the refrigerated probiotics? Does the fact that the pet version is in loose powder form and not in a capsule affect its ability to survive stomach acid. Thanks!
Hi Dave.
This is a good question. It seems that freeze-dried probiotics may last longer than refrigerated or other powdered products. The probiotic powder product will not last as long if it is exposed to moisture as when the container is opened and closed. When composting probiotics for pets, certains strains a chosen that can survive the harsh stomach environment and reach the intestine. All dogs and cats can benefit a lot from probiotics. But they have slighty different needs, so you should get a supplement designed especially for cats. Fortiflora is a brand that seems to work well. Mercola’s Complete Probiotics for Pets is also very good, just a little more expensive.
Can you store the complete probiotics (for humans) in the fridge?
Yes, you can store it in the fridge if you like. But the advantage with Dr. Mercola’s Complete Probiotics (and others too) is that you don’t have to keep it cool. If you keep it in room temperature, it will still keep fresh for up to two years. This is very handy, especially if you’re traveling. However, if you live in a hot climate, you might want to put it in the fridge.
Can you mix the pack form in a smoothie?
Hi Kathy.
Yes, no problem. Mixing probiotic supplements in smoothies does not harm the bacteria. You can mix it in most drinks, juices or smoothies. But hot drinks will not work as the heat will harm the beneficial bacteria. I regurlarly make my own probiotic drinks. I emtpy the probiotic capsule or pack together with some fruits, mix it and enjoy. If I add the probiotics to a vegetable drink then I will first run the vegetables through my juicer. After that I add one probiotic capsule into the juice, stir to dissolve the powder and I’m done.
Hello.my almost 12 month old son got awful bacteria at 4month old and end up on antibiotics for 21 days.that together left him with a bad gut.i still breastfeed and he eats some fruits and veggies since he is 9 month old. But his solids comes out pretty much the way it goes in.my pediatrician is not concern. But I am!very.i want him to get as much as possible from his healthy food and mommies milk.i tried probiotic(klaire labs) when he was 7 month old and that hurt his tummy almost instantly,after second day I stopped. I understand it’s part of the process (most likely) but I couldn’t explain that to my infant baby, and he can’t tell me how bad is the pain.now he is older (even thought still can’t talk) and I’m trying again.but giving him less then suggested. Today is 3th day and he developed a fever. I don’t know if it’s related (can it be?) but I’m home sitting mom and he doesn’t go public places.his stool looks the same so far. I worry. I feel like what if we have one of those rare cases where probiotic cause bacterial illness..should I continue? Also the brand you recommending ..is it good for my baby AND me while I’m breastfeeding? What If I will take it all on me first, will my baby benefit enough thru my milk? And what do you think about the probiotic my son is taking. I’m sorry about many questions and my broken English. Thank you
Hello Victoria.
Sorry to hear about your son’s problems. But this often happens after taking antibiotics for so long, even if the antibiotics are needed. Sometimes a child’s body might repair a damaged gut by itself, but this is rare. More often they need help to rebuild the gut and intestine microflora.
Probiotics can be a great way to do this, but it is not the only way. However, you need to do it right. Please check the post on probiotics and babies.
Breastfeeding is very beneficial for the child’s gut. And even better if the mother takes a probiotic supplement as it will enrich the milk.
Adding probiotics to the child’s diet should be done very slowly. Start off by dissolving a probiotic capsule in a glass of water or juice. Then feed your son a teaspoon once every hour or so until the glass is empty. If you son complains, then give him less, if no complaints, then you add a bit more. Slowly increasing the dose will avoid most symptoms.
Add yogurt or kefir to the diet. Mix it with banana or other fruit and berries.
If you’re into juicing, fresh juice can be a great way to rebuild a damaged gut. Juicing apples, pears, pineapple and mixing in a little vegetables can make it tasty even for children. Fresh juice is packed with vitamins, minerals and enzymes and it is easily digested and assimilated by the digestive tract. Smoothies are similar.
About the best probiotic supplement. Dr. Mercola is very good and so is Bio-Kult.
Be patient! It can take a long time to repair a damaged gut, but it can be done. Be persistent, stay positive and do your own research into this subject. This will boost your confidence and support your efforts.