VSL#3 vs. Visbiome

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

Reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Initial Posting: 3/16/2019    Last Update: 6/29/2019

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.

Learn more about probiotics:

Have you heard of the probiotic, Keybiotics? Does it do what it claims, and is it worth the money they charge?  >>

Is it best to take probiotic supplements with or without food? It seems like everyone has a different recommendation. >>

Once I've taken probiotics for a few months, will the positive bacteria remain in my system, or do I have to keep taking them? >>

What is Lactospore? I see it is an ingredient in some probiotic supplements. >>

How do I choose the best probiotic supplement? There are so many different strains of bacteria! >>

I am curious why some probiotics do not require refrigeration even though they contain some of the same bacteria in probiotics that require refrigeration? Which probiotics need to be refrigerated? >>

When is the best time to take probiotics to prevent diarrhea from antibiotics - before, during, or after the course of antibiotic treatment? >>

See other recent and popular questions >>

---

---

ConsumerLab.com members may submit questions to CLAnswers@ConsumerLab.com. We read all questions and try to answer those of popular interest.