Frequently Asked Questions
Here you'll find information on everything from our products, our subscription service and deliveries.
General
What are friendly bacteria supplements and why do I need them?
Friendly bacteria are found naturally occurring in your digestive system and makeup part of your gut microbiome. This gut microbiome has several roles in your body including;
Helping with the production of vitamins B and K
Playing an important role in the development of our immune system
Digesting fibre that has not been broken down by the stomach or small and large intestines
Helping us combat and overcome harmful microorganisms
Supporting the function of our digestive system
This delicate ecosystem can be disturbed by several factors including diet, lifestyle, alcohol and stress. Our range of friendly bacteria supplements delivers live strains of bacteria to help balance your gut microbiome, helping to keep you and your microbes happy and healthy.
What are natural fibres?
Natural fibres are non-digestible fibres which act as a food source for our friendly bacteria, helping them grow and thrive in our gut microbiome. Natural fibres can be found in some foods, including asparagus, garlic, onion, Jerusalem artichoke, banana, barley and rye.
Do I need to take both friendly bacteria and natural fibres?
You do not need to take natural fibres alongside friendly bacteria in order for the friendly bacteria to be effective.
However, we believe it is important to not only provide our gut with friendly bacteria but also the food they need to grow and thrive in our gut microbiome.
You can find several types of natural fibres in our products including fructo-oligosaccharides, soy fibre and gum acacia.
What is Lactobacillus?
Lactobacillus is a genus of bacteria. This group contains a large number of different types of bacteria that produce lactic acid.
Within this genus there are several bacterial species which are naturally present in the human gut, these include Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophillus. They can also be found in fermented foods like yoghurt.
Bacteria from this genus have been featured in countless clinical trials. For example, Lactabacillus rhamnosus GG is one of the most clinically researched strain of friendly bacteria and can be found in one of our products, Probio7 Kidskalm
What is Bifidobacterium?
Bifidobacterium is a genus of bacteria.
Within this genus there are several bacterial species which are naturally present in the large intestine, these include Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium infantis and Bifidobacterium breve, to name a few.
Species of Bifidobacterium are dominant in healthy infants. Probio7 Bifikalm, which has been specifically formulated for infants 2 months + contains a species of Bifidobacterium that is found naturally in healthy infants gut microbiome.
What is Saccharomyces boulardii?
Saccharomyces boulardii is a friendly strain of yeast. It has been used for the last 30 years to support the gastrointestinal tract. Saccharomyces boulardii has been well-researched and has been used safely for many years.
What is CFU?
CFU stands for colony-forming unit. This term is used to describe the number of viable bacterial cells in a sample.
Viable bacteria is defined as capable of surviving or living successfully, especially under particular environmental conditions.
For example, if a friendly bacteria supplement says it contains 10 billion CFU per capsule, this means it contains 10 billion live friendly bacteria per capsule.
Where do the bacteria come from?
The majority of our strains were initially isolated from the digestive tract of healthy humans and others were extracted from dairy sources, such as yoghurt.
This does not mean that the friendly bacteria in our supplements have been taking directly from humans.
The original strains that were initially isolated from a human digestive tract are stored in friendly bacteria 'banks' and the bacteria are cultured by scientists in laboratories to make identical copies that are then used in our supplements.
Our Products
Is Probio7 guaranteed before the best before date?
Yes, our strains of friendly bacteria have been freeze dried making them shelf stable. This means that our products do not need to be refrigerated upon purchase.
In order to ensure that the bacteria are viable until the end of their shelf life, we recommend storing them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
I'm vegan, can I take Probio7?
Several of our products are suitable for vegans and have been approved by the Vegan Society. Our vegan products are clearly marked by the Vegan Society logo (as seen as below)
If you have a certain dietary requirement and you want to know if Probio7 is suitable for you, please contact help@probio7.com or call +44 (0) 2086486777.
I'm pregnant, can I take Probio7?
Probio7 is formulated using natural ingredients which are generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
However, it is always preferable to seek medical advice when taking any food supplements during pregnancy and when breastfeeding.
I have an allergy, can I take Probio7?
Some of our products contain common allergens, these are highlighted in the ingredients. To find the list of common allergens in our product, please see the list below.
If you have an allergen and want to know if Probio7 is safe for you, please contact help@probio7.com or call +44 (0) 2086486777.
Is Probio7 suitable to be taken alongside antibiotics?
Yes, Probio7 products are safe to use alongside antibiotics. If you are due to start a course of antibiotics, we recommend taking Probio7 Restore, to help replenish your gut microbiome during and after antibiotic treatment.
Wait 2-4 hours after taking your antibiotics before taking your Probio7 supplement, with food.
Can I take probio7 alongside other medication?
Friendly bacteria supplements are generally safe to take alongside other medication. However, if you are taking medication we would advise consulting your GP before taking Probio7.
Is Probio7 suitable for children?
Probio7 supplements are safe for children from birth.
Children develop their microbiome in the womb and throughout early childhood. It’s thought that an unhealthy microbiome in the early stages of life may be responsible for some adult health conditions. We recommend Probio7 Bifikalm from birth. For older children (aged 12 months to early teens) we recommend Probio7 Kidskalm. These products contain friendly bacteria strains specifically formulated to promote and maintain a healthy balance in the gut flora in infants and children.
Can I take Probio7 supplements long term?
Several of our Probio7 supplements have been formulated for daily, long term consumption. This is recommended to maintain a diverse gut flora. On the other hand, some of our products may be used at a specific time for example, when travelling abroad.
If you unsure how long you should take a Probio7 product for, get in touch with us at help@probio7.com or call +44 (0) 2086486777.
I'm immunosuppressed, why can't I take friendly bacteria supplements?
Patients who are immunosuppressed do not have the ability to mount an immune response to microbes that they come in contact with. Microbes, even those considered beneficial, can sometimes cross the gut barrier and grow in the blood or internal organs. Growth in these areas can cause septicemia, myo-endocarditis, or pancreatitis. Since there is currently insufficient clinical evidence around this area, the risk is thought to be too high to recommend friendly bacteria supplements for individuals who are immunocompromised.
If you are unsure whether friendly bacteria supplements are safe for you, contact us at help@probio7.com or call +44 (0) 2086486777. Or, visit your GP.
What if I don't like swallowing supplements?
Not a problem! Our capsules can either be swallowed whole or pulled apart and sprinkled over cold food or mixed in with a cold drink.
The capsules cannot be sprinkled onto hot food as this can affect the stability of the bacteria and may prevent all the bacteria reaching your digestive system alive. We recommend pulling the capsules apart and sprinkling it over some granola and yogurt or mixing it into a morning smoothie!
The bioavailability of our products will not be affected when mixed with food. Many foods have beneficial bacteria growing in them naturally including yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut which shows that bacteria are able to survive on food
When is the best time to take Probio7?
The best time to take Probio7 is in the morning, with breakfast.
Can I take two Probio7 supplements at the same time?
Yes, you can. There is no limit to the number of bacteria you can consume as they are a natural part of our digestive system. It is almost impossible to overdose on friendly bacteria.
Taking two different products from the Probio7 range means you can get a range of benefits from several different friendly bacteria species.
However, it is important to bear in mind that if you have never taken a friendly bacteria supplement before or you suddenly increase your dose, you may notice some temporary changes in the state of your gut microbiome which may result in more flatulence or bloating. This is nothing to worry about – this shows that the bacteria are working and should subside in a few days!
How do I store Probio7?
Our products do not need to be refrigerated and are shelf stable for at least 2 years. To get the most out of our products leave them somewhere cool, dry and away from direct sunlight.
When will I see an effect?
In order to see the beneficial effects of Probio7 we recommend taking it for at least 4 weeks. However, if you are not happy with the effect of Probio7 please email our nutritionist rebecca@probio7.com or book a call through this link to discuss alternatives.
Which product should I take if I have IBS?
People suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may be recommended friendly bacteria supplements to help manage their symptoms. However, as IBS can vary significantly between individuals whilst product might work well for one person, this isn't guaranteed to work well for someone else and you may have to try several different products until you find one that works for you.
If you would like to discuss different supplements for your IBS with a nutritionist then please email rebecca@probio7.com or book a call through this link.
Why do I need different strains of probiotics?
Friendly bacteria supplements are characterised by their genus, species and strain code and their properties are strain specific.
To put it into perspective, a species is a genetic concept. It indicates the same origin but not the same properties. All dogs fall under the species Canis familiaris however, dogs within that same species have very different properties. The strain code is like a dog’s breed, it indicates the same properties.
Some strains are known to be beneficial for certain properties. For example, the well-known strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has been tested in several clinical studies to help alleviate diarrhoea symptoms caused by a number of factors including, antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and travellers’ diarrhoea.
We include a range of different strains of friendly bacteria in our products, so you are able to get a number of benefits from one capsule. Additionally, our products have been formulated to suit the specific need or target age.
For example, Probio7 Bifikalm has been formulated for infants from birth and contains two strains of friendly bacteria that are naturally found in an infant’s gut microbiome.
How many billion live cultures are suitable for me?
Unfortunately, this is not a simple one-word answer! The number of live cultures suited varies on the individual. It is also not just about numbers, the bacteria strains are also very important.
We all have a unique gut microbiome, it is as personal as a fingerprint! Therefore, it is important you find a product that is right for you. You may have to try several different friendly bacteria supplements before you find the best one for you and your gut microbiome.
Our range of products vary from 1 billion to 100 billion bacteria per capsule! Each product we have has been formulated to suit a specific need or target age.
If you are unsure what product is right for you, take our Probio7 product quiz– a 5 minute free online questionnaire about your diet and lifestyle to help recommend a suitable Probio7 product. To take the quiz, click here.
Do Probio7 strains reach the gut alive?
All of our strains of friendly bacteria have been tested in-vitro (outside of the body, in test tubes) to survive the harshest of conditions to ensure they reach the digestive system alive. One of the biggest challenges for bacteria supplements is surviving the stomach acid. Our strains have been tested to survive this acidity. Once the bacteria reach the digestive system they become activated and can start carrying out their number of beneficial properties.
Our strains of friendly bacteria are very hardy, and they do not need to be consumed within the capsule in order to reach the digestive system alive. This is why you can pull the capsule apart and sprinkle the contents over food or drink and why some of our products come in an easy to use sachet or suspended in oil.
We also recommend taking our supplements in the morning with breakfast, when our stomach acid is at its lowest. This further ensures all the bacterial strains arrive in the digestive system alive.
Your Account
How do I create an account?
Creating an account with us is really easy! Click here to create a new account.
Can I change the email address on my account?
Yes! If you need to change your email address send us a message at help@probio7.com and we can change your account email for you.
Can I change my shipping address?
Yes! Changing your address is very simple. First log into your account by clicking the 👤 icon on the top right hand corner and fill in your log in details. Once you've logged in, click the "Manage Addresses" button. There you will be able to add or change your saved addresses.
Alternatively, send us an email on help@probio7.com and we can change or edit your shipping address for you.
What if I forgot my password?
No problem! If you have forgotten your password just click the 👤 icon in the top right hand corner of your screen. Then click "forgot password", you will then be able to change your password.
If this does not work, please send us an email on help@probio7.com.
Product Quiz
What is the product quiz?
If you need help figuring out which Probio7 product is right for you, we recommend taking our 5 minute online free quiz.
This will ask you a series of questions about your diet and lifestyle to help recommend a Probio7 product that is most suited to you. Click here to get started.
Can I retake the quiz?
Yes of course! You can take the consultation as many times as you like. If any of your answers have changed you may be recommended a new product.
Can I change my previous answers?
Yes, you can. You will be able to scroll through your consultation and check over and change any answers you have given.
I didn't receive a recommendation, what do I do?
I am afraid we are unable to recommend a product that is suitable for you. If you would like to discuss some alternatives then please email our in-house nutritionist Rebecca at rebecca@probio7.com or book a call through this link.
How can I book a free 1:1 nutrition consultation?
You have the option of booking a call with one of our nutritionists at the end of the product quiz.
Or you can book a call through this link or email rebecca@probio7.com.
Subscriptions
How do I set up a subscription?
You can set up a subscription on one of our product pages. You have two options when buying a product, One Time Purchase or Subscribe and Save. Select Subscribe and Save.
Once you have selected Subscribe and Save you can choose how often you would like to receive your subscription. Add your chosen product to the basket and checkout as normal.
Does the price ever change?
There may be changes to the one-time and subscription prices of our products on occasion. But don't worry, we would never change the price without telling you first. We will always contact you well in advance of your next order.
Do I need an account to subscribe?
No, you can set up a subscription without creating an account with us, however we recommend setting up an account to make managing your subscription easier.
How do subscriptions work?
Subscribe and save is super simple!
You are able to choose how often you want your product to be shipped and can edit, pause or cancel your subscription at any time. When you purchase through Subscribe and Save you get 20% off your product.
If you need help managing your subscription service, please email help@probio7.com.
How often will I receive my subscription?
It is up to you! You can receive your product every 1, 2 or 3 months. If you need to pause your subscription at any time, you can do this from your account or email help@probio7.com.
Can I subscribe to multiple products
Yes, you may subscribe to multiple different products at once.
The only exception to this is introductory offers, which are limited to one per person.
You can also add a one-time purchase to your subscription order. You can later add or remove products from an existing subscription, as well as manage Delivery, Schedule, Charge Date, and more.
How do I change my delivery date?
Log in to your account. From the My Account page, click the Manage Subscriptions button. Here you can see all active, paused and cancelled subscriptions. Under Actions, click Editon any active subscription. Here, you can modify your Next Charge Date and Subscription Delivery Schedule, as well as Quantity.
Need help? We're happy to assist you, just email us at help@probio7.com.
How do I change my delivery frequency?
Log in to your account. From the My Account page, click the Manage Subscriptions button. Here you can see all active, paused and cancelled subscriptions. Under Actions, click Edit on any active subscription. Here, you can modify your Subscription Delivery Schedule and Next Charge Date as well as Quantity.
Need help? We're happy to assist you, just email us at help@probio7.com.
How do I change my payment details?
It’s easy! Go to your account page, click My Subscription. Then, click Billing Information, here you’ll see an option to change your payment card.
Need help? We're happy to assist you, just email us at help@probio7.com.
Can I pause or skip a shipment?
Yes, absolutely. To pause a subscription at any time, log in to your account. From the My Account page, click the Subscriptions tab.
To Pause an order, simply click Cancel under Actions on any subscription product you want to Pause. You can Re-activate a cancelled subscription at any time.
You can also Skip an upcoming shipment by clicking the Delivery Schedule tab. Then, select Skip for any upcoming order you would like to skip.
Need help? We're happy to assist you, just email us at help@probio7.com.
How do I cancel my subscription?
Log in to your account. From the My Account page, click the Manage Subscriptions button.
Here you can see all active, paused and cancelled subscriptions.
Under Actions, click Cancel on any active subscription.
Need help? We're happy to assist you, just email us at help@probio7.com.
Delivery & Orders
Where can I buy Probio7?
Our products are available online at Amazon or probio7.com.
When you buy directly from our website you are able to get 20% off through our Subscribe and Save service! Probio7 supplements are available from a range of independent health stores and pharmacies across the UK. They are also stocked by major high street retailers such as Holland and Barrett, Boots and Superdrug.
Do you ship internationally?
We are able to ship internationally to most countries. For international shipping we provide free shipping on all orders over £150. Standard shipping typically costs £15 on orders under £150. We aim to ship your order within 24 hours. Please visit the Delivery & Shipping Information page for more info.
How long will it take for my order to arrive?
We usually dispatch your order within 24 hours of purchase. The typical time it takes for your order to arrive is within 1-2 working days for UK orders or 5-7 working days for international orders.
Please ensure the shipping address is correct at the time of placing the order. Probio7 accepts no responsibility for orders not arriving safely due to factors such as incomplete or wrong address information.
Once orders are in transit, Probio7 has no control or liability and has no delays due to factors such as customs checks or unforeseen events.
How much does shipping cost?
UK
- Free Shipping on all orders within the UK over £30
- Standard shipping fee of £3.9 on order under £30
- Usually dispatched within 24 hours
- Expected delivery 1-2 days
EU*
- Free tracked delivery on all orders over £85
- Standard shipping fee of £8.50 on orders under £85
- Expected delivery 3-5 days
China
- 顺丰国际直邮,总价包含关税。SF Express Delivery, China duty and import Tax included in total price.
- 标准运费约人民币 103 元 (根据当日汇率), 定期免邮优惠。Standard shipping of RMB103 on all orders (subject to daily exchange rate), free shipping when on promotion.
- 预计5-10个工作日递送。Expected delivery 5-10 working days
点击了解更多
Rest of the world*
Free tracked delivery on all orders over £150
Standard shipping fee of £15 on orders under £150
Expected delivery 5-7 days
* Please check any restrictions, duties, taxes and any other fees that are collected from your country before you place the order. Probio7.com will not be responsible for any of the above Duties and Fees.
* Please check whether products in your order are legally permitted in your country before you place an order. Probio7.com will not be responsible in the event the requested products are detained or confiscated by foreign customs.
Can I track my order?
Yes, all domestic Probio7 orders are sent via Royal Mail 1st class tracked and a tracking number will be provided with your order confirmation.
International orders are also tracked and a tracking number will be provided with your order confirmation.
Cancellations & Returns
How can I cancel an order?
To cancel your order please contact help@probio7.com to arrange your return or cancellation.
We will need to know your order number, the item you want to cancel and the reason for cancellation.
How can I cancel my subscription?
Log into your Probio7 Account
Click Manage Subscriptions
Select Cancel under the list of actions
If you have any issues, get in touch with our team
at help@probio7.com who will be more than happy to help.
What is your returns policy?
The UK Distance Selling Regulations entitles you to cancel the contract for the purchase of any item within 7 working days of delivery. However, Probio7 allows you 14 days for your convenience.
If you would like to return a product, please contact help@probio7.com and someone will assist you.
Other
Do you offer discount codes?
Keep an eye out for any promotions we may be running. The best way to keep up to date with promotions is by signing up to our email list
I have a discount code, where do I redeem this?
When placing your order, there will be a field for you to apply your promo code on the checkout page.
Do you have a referral programme?
Yes! Invite a friend to try Provio7 and when they make their first purchase, you'll receive a 20% discount. Sign up here!
Media enquiries?
For any press enquiries please contact info@probio7.com
Want to collaborate with us?
Interested in a collaboration with us? Please message us on our instagram @probio7 or send us an email at info@probio7.com