Align Digestive Care Probiotic Supplement, 28-Count
List Price:
Our Price: $19.99
You Save: $10.04 (33%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy 3rd Party: from $17.99 (click here)
Category: Health Care
See more product details
Align Digestive Care Probiotic Supplement, 28-Count Details
Manufacturer: AlignBrand: Align
Product features:
- Satisfaction Guaranteed or your money back
- No # 1 Gastroenterologist recommended probiotic
- Probiotics are good bacteria essential for many vital body functions, including healthy digestion
- Naturally replenishes your digestive system with healthy bacteria
- Does not contain lactose, soy or gluten
Customer Reviews of Align Digestive Care Probiotic Supplement, 28-Count
Customer Review: Why Align is so Mis-Aligned? Product Review by Galina (Dietitian/Nutritionist)
Summary: 3 Stars
Recently, a representative of Procter & Gamble (PG) offered to me FREE samples (plus a purchase discount) of Align probiotic for my patients and blog readers.
Here is the quote from the e-mail I received:
"...Procter & Gamble is offering a deal where you can get $10 dollars back when you buy
$30 worth of any two or more of our GI (Gastrointestinal) brands...", and later "...include in your post/review that Procter & Gamble is providing you with free samples of Align".
Well, so far so good, right? I respect Procter & Gamble, a huge 170-years old company with tremendous resources. Plus, so heavily advertized Align probiotic has already caught my attention earlier.
Probitiotics are live, naturally-occurring microorganisms that promote healthy digestion, boost the immune system & contribute to general health & well-being. However, for people with impaired digestion choosing a right probiotic can be a confusing, choosing a wrong one can be dangerous.
Therefore, before jumping with both feet on such lucrative proposition, my professional reflex of clinically trained Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist has taken control. And, as I've been doing for the last 25 years with ALL the products I recommend to my patients and use myself, I've decided to go through a routine "nutritional ingredient analysis" of the product.
I have been somewhat surprised with the results of the analysis. Read for yourself.
Align Ingredients: Probiotic strain: Bifantis (Bifidobacterium infantis 35624), 1 x 109 colony-forming units (1 billion) (4 mg), microcrystalline cellulose (for even dispersal of cultures), hypromellose (vegetarian capsule shell),sugar, magnesium stearate (for even dispersal of cultures), milk protein, titanium dioxide, sodium citrate dihydrate, propyl gallate (antioxidant stabilizer), FD&C blue #1, riboflavin (colorant)
The Good News: Bifidobacterium infantis 35624
Align probiotic was developed by Procter & Gamble, a huge company with tremendous resources. They have been around for over 170 years.
Align was formulated with the Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 bacteria strain. In a 2009 review of scientific studies on IBS probiotic treatment, Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 showed significant improvement in the composite score for abdominal pain/discomfort, bloating/distention, and/or bowel movement difficulty. Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 has been shown to prevent invasion of the gut lining by one of the bacteria thought to be responsible for inflammatory bowel conditions such as IBS and reduced inflammation in the gut.
The Bad News:
A properly designed probiotic is supposed to work with your body, not against it. For people with impaired digestion and sensitive gut even small doses of potentially dangerous additives and fillers can diminish positive effect of a good bacteria in any probiotic. Here is what have been added to the good bacteria in Align:
1) Sugar
This is public enemy #1. Sugar suppresses the immune system and can cause gas and bloating in people with chronic yeast infections, IBS/IBD and Celiac disease. Marketing a `breakthrough' probiotic containing sugar is backwards logic!
2) Magnesium Stearate
I learned during my visits to few supplement manufacturing facilities that magnesium stearate is used as a lubricating agent for equipment used in manufacturing capsules and other dietary supplements. Magnesium stearate ensures supplement production at a faster rate, and prevents the ingredients in capsules sticking to various parts of the machines used in manufacturing. Can supplement be manufactured without magnesium stearate? The answer is YES. But it will take longer time to manufacture the same product thereby making it more expensive. In addition, individuals with sensitive digestive system might have a problem with absorption of supplements containing magnesium stearate.
Czap, AL. Townsend Letter For Doctors and Patients, July 1999, Vol.192;Pg. 117-119.
3) Titanium Dioxide
Over the years I have consumed a lot of nutritional supplements; therefore, after reading numerous nutritional labels I have realized that titanium dioxide powder is a popular ingredient used in supplement manufacturing. So, I wondered: " What is Titanium Dioxide? Am I eating a metal"? According to European Commission Environment "titanium dioxide pigment is a white powder with high opacity and brilliant whiteness. These properties have made it a valuable pigment for a broad range of applications in paints, plastic good, inks and paper. Titanium dioxide is also used in many white products including food, cosmetics, UV skin protection". So, vitamin manufacturing companies use this titanium dioxide powder to make our supplements to look white and pretty. There is no added health benefit for ingesting titanium dioxide except if you want to admire your supplement pill on your dinner plate. Furthermore, titanium dioxide has recently been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as an IARC Group 2B carcinogen "possibly carcinogen to humans'' when inhaled. I think, we can do just fine without eating titanium dioxide.
4) Propyl Gallate
This is a preservative used to prevent fats and oils from spoiling. It has been classified as a "xenoestrogen" -- a substance with estrogen-like effects that is stirring international health concerns. "Xenoestrogens have been linked to a range of human health effects, including reduced sperm counts in men and increased risk of breast cancer in women".
5) Artificial Color FD&C Blue #1
FD &C Blue #1 is so toxic that FDA (Food and Drug Administration) have issued a warning to healthcare professionals about its toxicity including death in patients receiving enteral feeding (introduction of liquid food through a tube inserted into intestine.
Why would P&G add such a toxic coloring to its probiotic remains a mystery to me.
Conclusion
In my opinion, Align is somewhat missing the mark, and especially so for people with impaired digestion and GI problems. The potentially harmful additives and fillers included in the product could produce negative effect. That is probably why there are over twenty comments/posts on the Amazon site talk about negative effects of Align for some people.
On a positive note, the good bacteria of Align does work in your gut, provided you are not sensitive to the coloring and the fillers. Also, P&G have done a really good job in manufacturing their products from 100% recyclable materials.
As always, I am just delivering the message. To take or not to take Align is ultimately YOUR choice.
Description of Align Digestive Care Probiotic Supplement, 28-Count
Align is a daily probiotic supplement that naturally helps build and maintain a healthy digestive system, restore your natural digestive balance, and protect against occasional digestive upsets. Simply put, probiotics are good bacteria essential for many vital body functions, including healthy digestion. Common issues such as diet, changes in routine, travel and stress can disrupt your natural balance of good bacteria. Bifantis, only found in Align, is a probiotic that naturally replenishes your digestive system with healthy bacteria. NOTE: This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Align® naturally helps*:
- Build and maintain a healthy digestive system
- Restore your natural digestive balance
- Protect against occasional digestive upsets
What is Align?
Align® is a daily probiotic supplement that helps promote a healthy digestive system.* When taken daily, Align works by providing an ongoing natural defense against occasional digestive upsets.*
How does Align help digestive problems?
When you were very young, most of the bacteria in your digestive system were good Bifidobacteria. The percentage of these good bacteria naturally decreases as we age. Align® delivers Bifantis®, a unique good Bifidobacteria that helps restore your digestive balance.* Not having enough good bacteria in the digestive system can lead to occasional digestive imbalance. Occasional upsets also can be caused by changes in your schedule, diet, travel, or other factors. By delivering healthy bacteria, Align helps restore the balance of good bacteria to build and maintain a strong, healthy digestive system.*
Why do I need Align?
Your body needs good bacteria (?probiotics?) for a number of things, including healthy digestion. But these bacteria are fragile. When you were very young, most of the bacteria in your digestive system were good Bifidobacteria. The percentage of these good bacteria naturally decreases as we age. Align® delivers Bifantis®, a unique good Bifidobacteria that helps restore your digestive balance. Common issues such as changes in diet and schedule, stress, and travel can disrupt your natural balance of good bacteria, which can lead to occasional digestive upsets. Bifantis, the probiotic ingredient in Align, replenishes your system with natural good bacteria.* When taken daily, Align promotes a healthy digestive system, helping to restore your natural balance, and gives you an ongoing natural defense against occasional digestive upsets that can interrupt your life.*
Who should take Align?
Healthy people who deal with occasional digestive upsets or who are interested in promoting their digestive wellness would benefit from taking Align®.* If you occasionally experience these common digestive upsets, taking Align replenishes your digestive system with good bacteria to help restore the natural balance and promote digestive health.* Taking Align even when you are not experiencing the occasional ups and downs of digestive imbalance gives you a natural defense by promoting a strong, healthy digestive system.*
What is a probiotic?
The word ?probiotic? means ?for life.? Probiotics are good bacteria that provide a health benefit and are essential for many vital body functions, including healthy digestion. Probiotics are increasingly being used and evaluated in the management of digestive health. When you were very young, most of the bacteria in your digestive system were good Bifidobacteria. The percentage of these good bacteria naturally decreases as we age. Align® delivers Bifantis®, a unique good Bifidobacteria that helps restore your digestive balance.* Your body needs beneficial bacteria for a number of things, including healthy digestion. But they?re fragile. Common issues such as diet, illness, and stress can disrupt your natural balance of good bacteria.
Are all probiotics created equal?
Not all probiotics are alike. Different strains of the same species may differ in a number of ways, but what matters most to you is how well the bacteria strain works for you.
What should I look for in a probiotic?
According to a new set of guidelines called The P's and Q's of Probiotics, unveiled by The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP), there are five criteria that consumers should consider when selecting a probiotic: probiotic strain, clinical proof, packaging, quality, and quantity.
See how Align® meets these criteria and is a good option for people wanting to build and maintain a natural defense against occasional digestive upsets.*
See how Align® meets these criteria and is a good option for people wanting to build and maintain a natural defense against occasional digestive upsets.*
- Probiotic Strain: Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 (Bifantis®) is the patented probiotic ingredient in Align that can help build and maintain the body?s natural defenses.
- Proof: Bifantis has been the subject of several clinical studies and has been featured in peer-reviewed journals. Please see bifantis.com for full details.
- Packaging: Align contains 1 x 109 (1 billion) CFU of live bacteria when manufactured, and provides an effective level until the ?best by? date on the package. Align capsules come in specially designed blister packs that ensure bacteria remain alive and effective until the date on the box.
- Quality and Quantity: DNA testing guarantees the purity of Align. The packaging and labeling meet all World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations by clearly stating:
- Strain: Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 (Bifantis)
- Colony-forming units (CFU): 1 x 109 (1 billion) live bacteria
- Suggested serving size: One capsule daily
- Health benefits: Promotes a healthy digestive system with ongoing probiotic protection*?
- Proper storage conditions: Store at room temperature; no refrigeration required.
- Corporate contact information: AlignGI.com or (800) 208-0112
- Calorie content: 0 calories in each capsule
Is Align like yogurt? How is it different from probiotic yogurts?
While some yogurts contain bacteria to confer benefits consistent with those of a probiotic supplement, yogurt in the United States is not required to contain any live cultures, and results from tests of yogurt products show a wide range in the levels of live bacteria. The delivery of probiotics in either yogurt or fermented milk is limited by the need for cold storage and an associated shorter shelf life. Additionally, many people with occasional digestive upsets may have trouble consuming sufficiently large quantities of these products. Align® is different because only Align contains Bifantis®, a patented probiotic strain, available in a convenient capsule form.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
? When used daily as directed
** ADDITIONAL TERMS: Limit one offer per product purchased. USE OF MULTIPLE ADDRESSES OR P.O. BOXES TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL REFUNDS IS FRAUD AND MAY RESULT IN PROSECUTION. MULTIPLE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE ACKNOWLEDGED OR RETURNED. Money Back Guarantee not valid on Align 7ct. samples. This guarantee is limited to the purchase price up to $39.99 and excludes any incidental or consequential damages, negligence, strict liability or any other legal theory. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This guarantee gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state. If UPC and valid original receipt are not included in the request for refund, the purchase price will not be refunded. Reproduction, sale, trade, or purchase of this form or proof of purchase is prohibited. Proof of purchase must be obtained from product purchased by you. No requests from groups, clubs, or organizations will be honored. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. For any questions regarding this offer please contact us at (800) 337-5036. All the information you give us will be kept private and will not be sold to any other company. For details of our privacy policy, please visit www.pg.com/privacy.html.
Digestion & Nausea
Health, Care, Beauty Products
Bestsellers in Digestion & Nausea
Carol Bond's Laxatone a Laxative for Good Bowel Movements 100 TabletsCarol Bond; Carol Bond; Health Care
Best price: $8.95
Original Seaband for Children(Colors Vary)Sea-Band; Sea-Band; Health Care
Best price: $6.22
Price in other shops:
Triphala Traditional Ayurvedic Purifier 16 oz 16 OuncesPlanetary Herbals; Planetary Herbals; Health Care
Price in other shops:
Freelax Overnight Laxative, Caplets 30 capletsFreelax; Freelax; Release date: 2005-05-16; Health Care
Price in other shops:
Dramamine Original Formula, 36-Count Boxes (Pack of 3)Dramamine; Dramamine; Health Care
Best price: $28.39
Price in other shops:
Rite Aid Gas Relief, Chewable Tablet, Mint Flavor, 100 ct.Rite Aid; Rite Aid; Health Care
Price in other shops:
Pepcid Complete Antacid, Mint-Flavored 2 Pack, 150 ChewablesPepcid; Pepcid; Health Care
Price in other shops:
Zantac 75 Ranitidine Tablets 75 mg/ Acid Reducer, Bonus Pack 80 +25 - 105 eaZantac 75; Zantac; Health Care
Price in other shops:
Bromo Seltzer Antacid Pain Reliever, Pre-measured Foil Packs - 10 eaBromo Seltzer; Bromo Seltzer; Health Care
Price in other shops:
Correctol Stool Softener Laxative, Soft Gels - 30 eaCorrectol; Correctol; Health Care
Price in other shops:
Similar Products
Source Naturals Daily Essential Enzymes, 500mg, 360 CapsulesSource Naturals; Source Naturals; Release date: 2006-06-21; Health Care
Best price: $25.56
Price in other shops:
Culturelle Probiotic With LactobacillusAmerifit Nutrition; Amerifit Nutrition; Health Care
Best price: $13.49
Price in other shops:
Digestive Advantage Intensive Bowel Support, 96 Counts CapsulesDigestive Advantage; Digestive Advantage; Release date: 2005-01-11; Health Care
Best price: $21.00
Price in other shops:
Heather's Tummy Fiber POUCH Organic Acacia 16 oz. for Irritable Bowel SyndromeHeather's Tummy Care; Heather's Tummy Care; Health Care
Best price: $12.00
Price in other shops:
Citrucel Methylcellulose Fiber Therapy for Regularity, Fiber Caplets, 180-Count BottleCitrucel; Citrucel; Release date: 2007-07-24; Health Care
Best price: $17.99
Price in other shops:
Prevacid 24HR Caps 42-CountNovartis Consumer Healthcare; Prevacid 24HR; Health Care
Best price: $15.45
Price in other shops:
Prilosec OTC Acid Reducer, Delayed-Release Tablets, 42 CountPrilosec; Prilosec; Release date: 2007-04-30; Health Care
Best price: $14.99
Price in other shops:
FiberCon Fiber Therapy for Regularity, Caplets, Value Size 140 capletsFibercon; Fibercon; Release date: 2005-05-16; Health Care
Best price: $14.85
Price in other shops:
ALIGN 42 CAPSULESALIGN; Single Detail Page Misc
Best price: $28.99
Align Digestive Care Probiotic Supplement, 42 countAlign; Align; Release date: 2010-02-08; Health Care
Best price: $27.25
Price in other shops: