Jump to:
- What is Smart Strains?
- The Smart Strains range
- Why existing probiotics are falling short
- Where to find Smart Strains
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 to Read Next
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.
| How to take? | Starting on the first day of antibiotic treatment, take daily for the duration of the course and continue for 7 days after treatment has ended. Suitable from 4 years of age.Swallow each capsule whole with a glass of water. For children, open capsule and mix content into cold food or non-fizzy drinks. Preferably take 2 hours apart from antibiotics.For children and adults from 4 years of age: 2 capsules per day (ideally morning and evening). |
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‘It may come as no surprise to you that taking antibiotics can affect your gut health. But did you know that there are things you can do to help?
‘Smart Strains for when you’re on antibiotics is specially formulated with LGG – the world’s most documented bacterial strain. It’s recommended by the WGO guidelines on probiotics and leading paediatric guidelines, for when you’re on antibiotics. So, it’s science you can trust.
‘Each capsule provides 10 billion live Lactobacillus rhamnosus, LGG, replicating the exact bacterial formula and dose used in clinical trials.’
Smart Strains... for your immune system
From £23.99 / 30 sachets
Designed to strengthen your immunity and help prevent colds and flu.
| How to take? | 1 sachet per day provides the recommended 20 billion live LGG and BB-12 + 10μg vitamin D3. To take, open the sachet, sprinkle directly onto tongue, or mix into water, cold food or non-fizzy drinks. Consume immediately. Preferably take with food. |
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‘Did you know that children catch an average of 5-8 colds per year, with adults averaging 2-3 colds each year?
‘Smart Strains for your immune system has been specially formulated with clinically proven live bacterial strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus, LGG - the world’s most documented bacterial strain - and Bifidobacterium lactis, BB-12 - the world’s most published Bifidobacterium strain – clinically proven to support the upper respiratory tract during the winter months.
‘Also includes vitamin D3, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system. The NHS recommends that children and adults above 4 years take a daily supplement of 10μg vitamin D3 during the winter months, and all year long for babies and children up to 4 years.’
Smart Strains... for fussy babies
From £16.99 / 8 ml liquid
Designed to ease colic and digestive discomfort in infants.
| How to take? | Shake bottle for at least 10 seconds to wake bacteria. Turn bottle upside down to dispense drops onto spoon, into liquid or directly onto baby's tongue.The recommended doasade of 6 drops per day provides the recommended 1 billion live Bifidobacterium lactis, BB-12 and 10μg of Vitamin D3 |
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‘Did you know the first 1000 days from birth is a critical window for your baby’s microbiome development?
‘Smart Strainsfor fussy babies is specially formulated withBifidobacterium lactis,BB-12 - the world's most published Bifidobacterium strain - based on recommendations from the World Gastroenterology Organisation Guidelines on Probiotics and leading Paediatric guidelines, for fussy babies.’
Smart Strains... for your vaginal microbiome
From £19.99 / 30 capsules
Designed to promote intimate health, helping reduce symptoms of bacterial vaginosis and thrush.
| How to take? | During antibiotic or antifungal treatment, take 2 capsules daily.For ongoing maintenance: take 1 capsule daily. Swallow each capsule whole with a glass of water. |
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‘Did you know your vagina is home to billions of bacteria that play a pivotal role in your intimate health?
‘Smart Strainsfor your vaginal microbiome is specially formulated withLactobacillus acidophilusLa-14,Lactobacillus rhamnosusHN001 and lactoferrin – clinically proven to colonise the vagina and reduce candida growth.’
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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