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Our Members Asked:

Has the probiotic VSL#3 been changed or discontinued? Is Visbiome a good alternative?

Medically reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Last Updated: 06/29/2019 | Initially Posted: 03/16/2019

VSL #3 vs. Visbiome -- box of VSL#3 and Visbiome

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Answer:

VSL #3 (Sigma-Tau Healthscience/Alfasigma) is an eight-strain probiotic that has been promoted as a medical food for a number of conditions such as ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. A U.S. court has ruled that the formula sold in recent years as VSL#3 is not the same as original formula used in many clinical trials, and that this newer formula was falsely promoted as being the same as the original. The inventor of the original formula now sells the product as Visbiome (ExeGi Pharma). For more details, see the What to Consider When Buying section of the Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for probiotics.

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