There are hundred of species of microorganisms living naturally in the human gastrointestinal tract. They function efficiently to break down the food we eat into absorbable nutrients. Our microorganisms improve digestion and nutrient absorption as well as synthesize vitamins and breakdown harmful substances. With age the proportion of healthy bacteria declines.

Other factors contribute to the decline of healthy bacteria, such as: antibiotics, corticosteroids, birth control pills, occasional digestive disorders, and antibiotic residues in meats and poultry.¹ Supplementing with probiotics helps maintain healthy intestinal flora.

Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) is the most common probiotic or "friendly bacteria." It guards against organisms that cause disease by creating an environment in which "bad" bacteria cannot live and reproduce. By competing for food and space, large populations of friendly bacteria leave limited resources for "bad" bacteria like hemolytic E. coli to live on. Probiotics also facilitate the removal of heavy metals and other harmful substances ingested in our food. L. acidophilus also produces lactase, the enzyme that breaks down milk sugar (lactose) into simple sugars.

Ray & Terry recommend probiotic supplementation to support healthy digestive tract function. Some of the potential benefits include:

• Better digestive function
• Increased absorption of dietary minerals
• Improved lactose digestion²
• Replacement of helpful bacteria killed by antibiotics
• Alleviation of occasional gas and bloating
• Support for a healthy colon
• Maintenance of normal cholesterol levels^3,4
• Relief of occasional constipation
• Improvement of bad breath

Dosage: Begin by taking the number of capsules suggested below twice daily—after breakfast and after dinner—until desired results occur. Then take the suggested dosage once a day after breakfast.

Children: 1 capsule
Adults: 2 capsules
Seniors: 3 capsules

Ray & Terry’s Mega Probiotic contains 120 vegetarian capsules per bottle.

Ray & Terry's Mega Probiotic is a non-dairy formula and contains no animal products. It is an all-natural way to support a healthy digestive tract. Vitamin C can improve the survival and multiplication of bacteria such as Lactobacillus. If you are taking a Vitamin C supplement, we recommend taking it at the same time as Mega Probiotic.

References:

1. J Food Prot 1998;61:1636-43. Charteris WP, et al.
2. Br J Nutr (2007), 98:736-744. Liong MT, Dunshea FR, Shah NP.
3. Br J Nutr (1996), 76:857-867. Fukushima M and Nakano M.
4. J Dairy Sci. 1997 Aug;80(8):1537-45. Mustapha A et al