Distributed by Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. (BICL), makers of the high quality and diversified Quest® brand, Probiata® is a natural and safe alternative to relieve diarrhea associated with travel, food, alcohol or antibiotic use. Heat-resistant and safe for use by all ages, Probiata® guarantees 1.0 billion live bacteria cells of the unique LC50 strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus. Probiata® replenishes healthy intestinal flora, promoting regularity often within 24 hours. Probiata®, unlike standard anti-diarrhea medications, does not have any adverse side effects such as constipation, loss of appetite or dry mouth.

The Probiata® Story
Most common anti-diarrheal agents do not address the cause of the diarrhea. Rather, they work by disrupting and stopping gastrointestinal tract function. This can lead to side effects including constipation, dry mouth, tiredness, bloating, stomach pain and loss of appetite. Nancy Baines, BICL Vice President says, "Probiata® is a welcome addition to the Canadian marketplace for probiotics and travel products as it offers a gentle and safe way to normalize GI function when a consumer is faced with diarrhea."

Probiata® is a scientific breakthrough. The proprietary LC50 human strain of acidophilus produces lactic acid, which creates a favorable environment for beneficial intestinal organisms and adverse conditions for harmful bacteria. The LC50 strain can more easily implant in the non-sterile mucosal surfaces of the small intestine where it can colonize to help restore normal intestinal function. In the common dairy by-product acidophilus products, the effect is fleeting, since the dairy strains cannot colonize in the surfaces of the human body. Probiata® introduces one billion LC50 strain L. acidophilus organisms per capsule into the intestinal tract to restore regularity often within 24 hours.

Restore Digestive Balance; Combat the Effects of Antibiotic Use
There are more bacterial organisms in the intestinal tract than cells in the human body. This flora, both good and bad, is responsible for regulating normal intestinal function. The balance of flora can be disrupted either by exposure to new bacteria during travel, certain types of food, excess alcohol or stress, birth control pills or antibiotic use. If an imbalance occurs, it can result in an overgrowth of "bad" bacteria, causing stomach upset, constipation, diarrhea and yeast imbalances.

Antibiotic use is particularly destructive to friendly flora. While antibiotics may be necessary to kill off unwanted harmful bacteria and organisms, antibiotics can also kill friendly beneficial bacteria. Studies show 1 in 5 people taking antibiotics experience intestinal side effects such as diarrhea. Probiata® can restore friendly flora during antibiotic use. “People who use a probiotic product to achieve digestive balance, especially after taking antibiotics, will be hard-pressed to find all the features of Probiata® in another product. Probiata® is the only product in Canada that offers the LC50 acidophilus that more easily colonizes in the human body. Plus, Probiata® is heat-resistant and packaged in a blister pack, perfect for keeping handy at home, at the office or while travelling," commented Don Beatty, BICL's Director of Quality Assurance.

Probiotics Category on the Rise
AC Nielsen US estimates the acidophilus sales at $12 million for 2000, up 18% from 1999. In 1995, the category sales were only in the $200,000 range.

• Probiata® has been assigned a DIN # (02244239) by Health Canada in recognition as an effective anti-diarrheal product.
• Probiata® comes in a convenient blister pack, is heat resistant, dairy-free, LC50 L. acidophilus that is suitable for all ages. The suggested retail price is $11.99 Cdn.
• Probiata® is manufactured in the US by Wakunaga of America Co. Ltd and distributed in Canada by Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.

1) Heat resistant.

Supplements requiring refrigeration are often exposed to heat, which can lead to dramatic loss of viability. Probiata® is heat stable and does not require refrigeration.

2) Viable.

Probiata® contains 1.0 billion live cells of LC50 Lactobacillus acidophilus. The viability of other commercially available probiotic products ranges from less than 2,700,000 organisms per capsule to as low as 600 organisms per capsule. The LC50 strain in Probiata® is recognized as adhering better and staying longer in the intestine.

3) Dairy-free.

Dairy by-product acidophilus products can easily die off in the bottle and do not implant in the intestine for long-term effect.

4) Convenient.

Probiata® does not require refrigeration and comes in a convenient blister pack. Probiata® should be taken for upset stomach and diarrhea, three times a day with meals.

5) Suitable and safe for all ages.

Probiata® utilizes L. acidophilus strains with a history of over a 25 years of safe use. It has been proven safe for all ages and can be used by women that are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Boehringer Ingelheim manufactures high quality vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal preparations. The company prides itself on offering products with the greatest potency, purity and effectiveness in the country, thanks to rigorous quality control testing at every stage of production.