What's in Symprove?

Symprove* is a water-based drink that contains four strains of live, activated bacteria -. Each 60ml shot contains around 10 billion of these bacteria:

It also contains:

Symprove removes gluten from barley extract during the production process using germination, pasteurization, and filtration. Batches are regularly tested to ensure the final product has <20ppm and is considered gluten free

It comes in several flavours, including original, mango and passionfruit, and strawberry and raspberry (the flavoured versions contains artificial sweeteners).

How do you take Symprove? 

Symprove is a liquid drink taken on an empty stomach 10 minutes before eating

How does Symprove work?

Symprove is different to other products because:

Significant research has been carried out on Symprove including a study comparing eight commercially available probiotics (Actimel, Align, Symprove, Biobalance, Probio7, Yakult, VSL#3 and Bio-Kult)1. In the study (published in March 2015) the eight probiotics were put through three viability tests - to see if the bacteria was in a live state before being taken, if the bacteria survived the transit to the stomach and if the bacteria then thrived in the targeted area of the gut. Symprove was the only probiotic of the eight to pass all three tests. These tests were carried out 'in vitro’ (test tube experiments).

What is the research into Symprove and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) - ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease?

A research study was carried out into the use of Symprove and ulcerative colitis (UC)2. It found that 76% of those with ulcerative colitis taking part in the study had reductions in faecal levels of calprotectin - elevated levels of calprotectin indicate intestinal inflammation.

There are no studies in relation to Symprove and Crohn's disease or other forms of IBD.

What is the research into Symprove and other bowel conditions?

A study into Symprove and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was published in 20143. The study was completed by 152 people symptomatic with IBS who took either Symprove or a placebo for 12 weeks. At the end of the 12 weeks a statistically significant improvement in overall symptom severity of symptoms in those who took Symprove was seen.

No other studies have been carried out into Symprove and other conditions.

Who makes Symprove?

Symprove is made by Symprove Holdings Ltd. Symprove was founded by Barry Smith, a UK (Surrey) farmer who created Symprove to help his farm animals. It was so successful he decided to see if it worked for humans too. The human trials were successful and Symprove started being manufactured for human consumption.

How is Symprove made?

Symprove is made in a controlled environment. They add the bacteria to a water-based solution with a gluten free liquid barley extract. Over a 21-hour period, fermentation occurs, the bacteria multiply and train themselves to tolerate low pH levels allowing them to survive the stomach acid. Once there are enough bacteria, they halt the process, test their samples to ensure quality and purity and then bottle the product.

 Symprove sources barley from local suppliers and tis barley grain is then germinated. The germinated barley is rolled and water is added. It goes through a series of temperature changes. Food structures (such as amino acids, vitamins and enzymes) are extracted which is then pasturised and the four strains of bacteria used by Symprove are added. Symprove has the bacteria grown for them from the core stock used originally to ensure purity of the strain. After 24 hours the bacteria has reached optimal numbers and it is ready to be bottled. The whole process - from germination to bottling takes 10 days.

Symprove says that during the production process any gluten in the barley is removed - through germination, pasteurisation and filtration. Samples are also sent to be checked to ensure Symprove remains under the 20 parts per million limits for a gluten free product.

How does Symprove guarantee the number of bacteria in its products?

Symprove sends samples to an external GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) accredited laboratory for verification. The lab checks the strains of bacteria grown and confirms that there are no other bacteria or contaminants in the product.

Symprove counts the bacteria to ensure there are at least 10 billion live activated colony forming bacteria units per 50ml serving.

How long do you need to take Symprove for?

Symprove suggests you take a full dose (70ml) daily for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks you can choose whether to take a maintenance dose’ (of anywhere up to 60ml) each day.

It is important to remember that balancing your microbiome takes time. It’s a marathon not a sprint. That’s why dietitians say you should give your body three months to get used to any new bacterial product. 

Most people feel the difference with Symprove after three months. Many see results sooner. The key thing to know is that the gut has a high level of plasticity. This means it can easily flip back to being unbalanced for example due to an infection or use of antibiotics. For this reason, lots of people choose to stay on Symprove on an ongoing basis.

How do you store Symprove?

Unopened bottles should be stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened they should be refrigerated. It has a shelf-life of six months.

How is Symprove governed?

Symprove is made in the UK and is a food supplement (it is not a medicine). 

In Ireland most "probiotics" are governed under the same laws as foods, not medicines. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is the primary authority responsible for food safety and legislation. The FSAI is an independent, science-based organization that works to protect consumers and public health.

The FSAI along with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issue guidelines around what companies can say in relation to their product and what health claims they can make. Even if a "probiotic" has medical evidence to support its use for a certain condition they cannot publicise this unless they go through strict medical testing - a very expensive and lengthy process.? 

This is why you will often find that companies do not mention specific health conditions on their website and marketing material. Guidelines have also been issued to say that the term "probiotic" may no longer be used in the promotion of supplements by the companies.

Symprove is compliant with the recently released standards assessing the safety of “probiotics” used in food supplements by the FSAI.

The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASA) also has oversight regarding claims made and any complaints arising.

Where can I buy Symprove from? 

We’ve partnered with Symprove Ireland to offer Crohn's and Colitis Ireland members the supplement at an exclusive discount of 20% off full-price Symprove products or bundles.

You can buy it on the Meaghers Pharmacy website www.meagherspharmacy.ie .

Where can I get more information?

More information including customer reviews are available on www.meagherspharmacy.ie

Crohn's and Colitis Ireland member's discount code

We’ve partnered with Symprove to offer Crohn's and Colitis Ireland members the supplement at a discount of 20% off full-price Symprove products or bundles. Log in to your members portal and head over to "Discounts" to access your code. 

Get your CCI Membership discount code here 

Do not substitute this product for your regular medication, continue taking your prescribed medication to manage your IBD.