These clinically tested probiotics actually work (unlike majority of probiotic supplements), says 'The Gut Health Doctor' Dr Megan Rossi
Walk into any Holland & Barrett, Whole Foods or Boots – or browse Amazon, at your peril – and you’re likely to find an entire aisle dedicated to probiotics. For years, we’ve been told that probiotics are the key to improving our gut microbiome, and offer wide-reaching health benefits – from better metabolism, glowing skin and even happier mood.
But what if the probiotics we’ve been taking aren’t actually doing anything?
According to renowned gut health expert and leading research fellow at King’s College London Dr Megan Rossi – also known as ‘The Gut Health Doctor’ – many of the probiotic supplements lining our supermarket shelves are generic blends formulated with little scientific backing. This is why she’s created Smart Strains: a new line of live bacteria probiotic supplements, developed to target specific strains, at specific doses.
What is Smart Strains?
Smart Strains is a targeted probiotic range designed to deliver precise, clinically tested bacteria that support specific health goals.
The range is made up of four targeted solutions:
For when you’re on antibiotics
For your immune system
For fussy babies
For your vaginal microbiome
Rather than a generic mix, each formula contains carefully chosen strains that have been scientifically shown to address particular issues.
‘Each bacterial strain serves a unique function, requiring the correct delivery format and dose to truly make an impact,’ explains Dr Megan Rossi. ‘It has been years in the making, but Smart Strrains has been developed as the much-needed solution to fill the gap between the latest cutting-edge science and the often misleading products consumers encounter. This is about making live bacteria simple, reliable, and effective for everyone.’
She continues: ‘Think about it this way: you wouldn’t take an iron supplement to treat a vitamin D deficiency, so why would you treat your gut with a generic supplement that doesn’t address your needs?
‘The latest science shows us how crucial it is to get specific – something I discovered some years ago during my PhD in Probiotics. But since then, I’ve been deeply frustrated that despite the scientific world’s progress in understanding the uses of live bacteria in certain need states, the formulations I wanted to give my patients just weren’t available.’
The Smart Strains range
The four-strong range includes:
Smart Strains... for when you’re on antibiotics
From £20.99 / 30 capsules
Designed to support gut health and reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in both adults and children.
Smart Strains... for your immune system
From £23.99 / 30 sachets
Designed to strengthen your immunity and help prevent colds and flu.
Smart Strains... for fussy babies
From £16.99 / 8 ml liquid
Designed to ease colic and digestive discomfort in infants.
Smart Strains... for your vaginal microbiome
From £19.99 / 30 capsules
Designed to promote intimate health, helping reduce symptoms of bacterial vaginosis and thrush.
Why existing probiotics are falling short
A recent survey by Smart Strains revealed that many consumers find probiotics confusing. Nearly three-quarters (70%) of regular probiotic users struggle to choose the right probiotic for their needs, while more than half (51%) are unaware that different strains target different health concerns. Two-thirds (68%) don’t realise that taking probiotics alongside antibiotics can help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. While almost eight in ten (77%) say they haven’t noticed any significant health benefits from taking probiotics.
‘Current brands on the market – even those that claim to be “condition-specific” – either throw too many strains in the mix (which then compete against each other), or don’t use the right strain for the condition,’ says Dr Rossi.
‘Added to this, the majority of products available today are not backed by clinical trials. Surprisingly, many leading brands also include additives like emulsifiers and added sugars – even those targeted at babies and infants – which go against fundamental gut health principles.’
Where to find Smart Strains
If you’re tired of guessing whether your probiotic is actually doing anything, Smart Strains might be worth a try.
The range is available now at smartstrains.com, and via Amazon and all Tesco Pharmacies from 19th February.
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