Garden of Life Probiotics Reviews
Garden of life is one the most popular probiotic brand in the market. Read on to find out reviews on the probiotic products including primal defense, colon ultimate care, ultra care, how effective for kids, women, men, side effects where to buy and more…
Overview
Garden of Life is a RAW Probiotic formula that bears its full spectrum to maintain more live nutrients, probiotic strains and enzymes. Their preparation involves heat regulation not more than 115°F and this accounts for most of its live and more original nature even years after packaging. It is harvested and taken through diminution.
After blending and mixing with other ingredients that facilitate its effectiveness, it is encapsulated and stored. When you order this product via Amazon or any other online marketing platforms, it is transported at controlled temperatures to maintain its viability.
The product guarantees that the probiotics will arrive alive. There are formulas under this brand that are specific to each stage of life including
- RAW Probiotics Women 50 & Wiser
- RAW Probiotics Men 50 & Wider
- RAW Probiotics Kids
- RAW Probiotics Women
- RAW Probiotics Men
What does the “RAW” mean?
The ‘RAW’ in the brand indicates that the probiotics have no additional treatments to preserve them and they are maintained in their original form hence unadulterated. This product, unlike others which may have excipients that facilitate their delivery such as gluten or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose as fillers, is prepared without any. No carriers such as maltodextrin or dextrose, binders or fillers (bulking agents).
Primal Defense ULTRA-Review, Ingredients & Benefits
Primal Defense ULTRA a broad-spectrum probiotic formula, made to provide 15 billion live cells per daily amount and 13 species of beneficial cultures including soil-based probiotics called Homeostatic Soil Organisms (HSOs) plus Saccharomyces boulardii.
With a 15-billion CFU count per serving and HSOs, including S. boulardii and B. subtilis, Primal Defense ULTRA really is an amazing broad-spectrum probiotic formula. For example, S. boulardii and B. subtilis can thrive in the toughest digestive environments and are undeterred by stomach and bile acids. Plus, Primal Defense ULTRA is shelf-stable, meaning that it doesn’t require refrigeration.
Probiotics are important because they’re living microorganisms that play a critical role in maintaining good health. Present in many live foods but destroyed by heat processing, live probiotic cultures populate the intestinal tract where they play a positive role in digestive and immune system health.
All organs and systems rely on the health of the digestive tract, while proper digestion is essential for the body to absorb and utilize the nutrients it needs. In addition, 75 percent of the cells necessary for the immune system to function effectively are connected to the gastrointestinal tract.
Primal Defense ULTRA Benefits:
- Supports normal absorption and assimilation of nutrients.
- Helps support digestive comfort.
- Supports normal digestion of dairy products.
- Promotes healthy digestive balance.
- Helps maintain a healthy immune system.
Primal Defense Review
Ultimate Care 100 billion Review
What it is formulated for
Garden Life Probiotics Ultimate Care 100 billion has a large CFU value making it really beneficial from both ends of quality and quantity. The number of strains are high and above the recommended (quality) while it offers a large population under each strain accounting for its quantity.
This product is formulated for those who would wish to have one with:
- Non-GMO ingredients and end formulation
- Large number of strains and population of each
- A whole product formula
- Pure in its preparation without any additives/excipients probably due to an allergy against them.
- A product that can promise no adulteration. Fillers could also facilitate adulteration as they may be used to a higher ratio to the active ingredients
- No RAW, Gluten Free and Soy Free
The indications of Good Life Product would be pertinent if you:
- Have an unhealthy colon leading to bowel irregularity
- Would wish to boost your overall digestive function
- Would wish to benefit from its immune modulatory function on the gut
- Would wish to support your body maintain its microbiome
- Want to treat constipation, antibiotic induced diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome
- Are continually on medication such as antibiotics
- Are undergoing stressors within your occupation or in the environment you are living
A strategic mix of probiotics, enzymes and prebiotics enable synergistic action of the three in a trio fashion making Good Life Probiotics support and nourish what you eat better. Prebiotic fiber offers nutritional support for healthy tribes of bacteria in the gut.
Supplement Facts
Indications: relieve of occasional symptoms of flatulence, constipation and indigestion; added digestive support; replenishment of good bacteria lost perhaps due to antibiotics taken or diarrhea.
Delivery form: encapsulated content in 30s per container. Best delivered when refrigerated.
Dose: encapsulated once daily serving for adults which may be taken with or without food. You could choose to open and spill the contents of the capsule into your drink or food. This product is not recommended for children.
Ingredients: 34 RAW beneficial bacteria including lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens, Lactobacillus kefirgranum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactococcus lactis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Brettanomyces anomalus, Debaryomyces hansenii, Saccharomyces unisporus, Saccharomyces turicensis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharmomyces exiguus, Torulaspora delbrueckii, Lactococcus cremoris, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacilus kefir, Lactobacillus parakefir, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactococcus lactis biovar diacetylactis, Leuconostoc lactis, , Leuconostoc cremoris, Leuconostoc dextranicum, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Lactobacillus acidophilus (SD-5221), Lactobacillus paracasei (SD-5218), Bifidobacterium lactis (SD-5220), ISS Bif™ Bifdobacterium lactis (SD-5219). Also contains a concentrate of starter Bulgarian Yogurt, Wild Kefir Culture containing Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis. Its blendn of protein digesting enzyme gives it a more superior action on promoting overall digestion with 50 mg of in summation, Protease, Acid Protease and Protease S.
Other ingredients include the root of carrot and the fruits of Red Bell Pepper, Green Pea, Plum and Cherry
Reviews
According to online market platforms such as Vitacost, whopping 32 accounting for over 95 % of the total reviews rated this product highest. The remaining percentage falls within the 4 star rating. Consumers feel much better after using this product with emphasis being put on the quality, affordability, and voted highly with regard to making the gut healthier.
The high CFU has been appraised making it a superb product for the overall wellness of the gut and the body. Here are some quoted as original texts of customers indicating its guaranteed quality and affordability.
“I advise anyone who loves themselves to stick with garden of life products. Sometimes I wonder how much work this company puts into quality yet they make their products so affordable. I have used and I have only garden of life products and I can tell you it is the way to go. I don’t know how I stumbled on this brand but I thank God I did. I can bet my head for this brand.”
“I love this probiotic. It is reasonably priced and offers many different strands of the good bacteria which most of us desperately need. The only downfall is that you do have to refrigerate it. However most good probiotics do have to be refrigerated.”
From these reviews, much of the negative feedback was inclined towards its packaging and delivery. It is mentioned that they will be delivered cold and refrigerated but some arrive warm and probably dead.
According to Amazon, 73 % rated highly awarding a 5 star while the rest being distributed among the lower ratings. A majority of the remainder were however within the 4 star rating. Some reviews found this product to be of much higher superiority as compared to its market counterparts.
This has been attributed to it having 16 strains of bacteria. Appraisals have been made with regard to its effectiveness to stop bloating and flatulence among treatment of indigestion symptoms too.
Kids
How does this product formulation help kids
Garden of Life® RAW Probiotics Kids is a powerful formulation of 23 probiotics, RAW, and organic fruits and vegetables.
It also has RAW inulin a known prebiotic just like FOS that facilitates the growth and development of bacteria in culture. Since it is for kids, this product delivers over 5 billion live probiotic cells per daily serving.
The rich probiotic strains in this formula help your child’s well-being by:
- Maintaining a healthy digestive tract. Children may eat too much and some of what they eat may introduce harmful bacteria into their gut. This results in a dysbiosis as harmful bacteria breaches the ratio required to maintain a healthy gut. These probiotics replenish the good bacteria’s population or rather increases it to balance the harmful bacteria population.
- Children need proper digestion for them to fully absorb nutrients and benefit from the nourishment. If your child has an indigestion, then it is likely that the food is not being well digested and hence not in the form in which it is best absorbable by the intestines into the system.
- Modulation of immunity. Children need a proper functioning immune system for them to be able to combat diseases. Give your child Garden of life® RAW Probiotics Kids every day to support this function.
Supplement Facts
Indications: relieve of occasional symptoms of flatulence, constipation, immune-booster and indigestion; added digestive support; replenishment of good bacteria lost perhaps due to antibiotics taken or diarrhea.
Delivery form: encapsulated content in 60s per container. Best delivered when refrigerated.
Dose: May be taken with or without food. You could choose to open and spill the contents of the capsule into your drink or food. For children above the age of 3 years, start with ¼ teaspoon daily and gradually increase to full serving of ¾ teaspoon daily or use as directed by pediatrician. You could choose to mix with milk, juice, food or water and taken.
Ingredients: Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus accounting for 81 mg. Total Cultures5 billion CFU
Other ingredients include the juiced root of carrot, Beet, Ginger and the fruits of Green Pea, Cherry, Raspberry, Green Bell Pepper, Strawberry, Banana, Blackberry, Tomato, juiced leaves of Sprout, Red Cabbage, Parsley, Kale, Spinach and flowers and stems of Broccoli, Celery, Cauliflower, Asparagus.
Reviews
According to Amazon, 69% 5 star rating while 22 out of 26 rated highest. A majority mention that they would order again and again owing to its effect sort of like a double action of both a probiotic and multi-vitamin. Its taste is palatable and kids love it. The most mentioned is its invisibility when added to a child’s drink and they drink it without knowing what is in the drink.
“I give this to my 9 month old every morning with his solids. It alters the taste a little but not so much that he won’t eat the food. Before I started giving him this, he was very irregular with his bowel movements and would explode out of his diaper when his bowel movements eventually did come. The only thing I would suggest is it having a measuring tool to come with it that fits inside.”
The delivery might have been the most occurring issue with complains on how it arrived warm and probably dead.
“I was disappointed when this package arrived at my door warm. The package states it is kept cold from production thru delivery. I contacted the seller and was told in a nice way that it was fine. I contacted Garden of Life and was able to get the name of a company that does ship cold. So I will order again but not from this company.”
“Once again, another garden of life purchase that came without any attempt at being kept cold.”
Women
This brand offers yet another full spectrum and formulas designed to meet your need as a woman. With its 32 probiotic strains, vitamins, minerals, prebiotics and dairy-digesting enzymes, this product offers a variety of benefits.
How does this product formulation help women
- Helps maintain colon and overall gut health
- Immune-booster
- Enhances the absorption of nutrients
- Relieves stomach upsets, constipation and diarrhea
- Good for the regulation of bacterial balance for your vaginal and thyroid health.
Supplement Facts
Indications: relieve of occasional symptoms of flatulence, constipation, immune-booster and indigestion; added digestive support; replenishment of good bacteria lost perhaps due to antibiotics taken or diarrhea.
Delivery form: encapsulated content in 30s per container. Best delivered when refrigerated.
Dose: take 3 capsules per day in divided doses. Only increase to above that number of servings upon consultation on the implication of the increment. It can also be taken with our without food and is not recommended for children.
Ingredients: Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus gasseri, Eastern European Wild Kefir Culture containing Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens, Lactobacillus kefirgranum, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus cremoris, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus kefir, Lactobacillus parakefir, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus lactis biovar diacetylactis, Leuconostoc lactis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Leuconostoc cremoris, Leuconostoc dextranicum, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Brettanomyces anomalus, Debaryomyces hansenii, Saccharomyces unisporus, Saccharomyces exiguus, Torulaspora delbruekii
Other ingredients include lactase 600 ALU, Protease SP 20,000 HUT, Aspergillopepsin 10 SAPU and Protease S 1,000 APU. It also incorporates vitamins and microelements such as shown in the table below.
| Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value | |
| Vitamin C | 24 mg | 40% |
| Vitamin D | 500 IU | 125% |
| Vitamin E | 12 IU | 40% |
| Thiamin (Vitamin B1) | 1 mg | 67% |
| Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) | 1.13 mg | 66% |
| Vitamin B6 | 1.33 mg | 67% |
| Folate | 133 mcg | 33% |
| Vitamin B12 | 10 mcg | 167% |
| Pantothenic Acid | 1.92 mg | 19% |
| Calcium | 30 mg | 3% |
| Iodine | 50 mcg | 33% |
| Magnesium | 8.4 mg | 2% |
| Selenium | 23 mcg | 33% |
| Copper | 0.18 mg | 9% |
| Manganese | 0.67 mg | 34% |
| Chromium | 40 mcg | 33% |
| Molybdenum | 19.5 mcg | 26% |
Reviews
While most were positive remarks on the effectiveness, negative remarks settled on the side effects it has severely caused in their course. Most have had problems with severe constipation or diarrhea. Some claim that they sought for more clarification on the contents of the capsules to no avail. While thoughts of this being a market ploy present in the reviews, most of the online platforms have ranked it highly.
This product by Garden of Life aims at promoting bacterial balance for maintenance of vaginal and urinary tract integrity and health. It features 8 probiotic strains making it fit to take care of your wellness and even prevent infections of the urinary tract including yeast infections such as candidiasis.
Vaginal care?
The capsules each contain a yeast-digesting enzyme. It aids in the breakdown of the yeast cell wall made of ergosterol and therefore acts like some of the antifungals in conventional medicine. The vagina is a jungle of both harmful and good bacteria. There should therefore occur a strike of balance between the two in order to maintain the pH at physiological. Some harmful bacteria such as Gardnerella may pre-expose to vaginal pH change and cause bacterial vaginitis (BV). When probiotics such as Lactobacillus, which is the most important in such circumstances, BV can be controlled.
Suppositories that are antibacterial in nature may also result in an imbalance of these two bacteria since it kills without selecting. Probiotics could come in at this point too.
Apart from this, the probiotics incorporated relieve symptoms of flatulence, diarrhea and constipation.
Supplement Facts
Indications: bacterial vaginitis, candidiasis and vaginosis
Delivery form: encapsulated content in 30s per container. Best delivered when refrigerated.
Dose: encapsulated once daily serving for adults which may be taken with or without food. You could choose to open and spill the contents of the capsule into your drink or food. This product is not recommended for children.
Ingredients:
38 RAW beneficial bacteria including ISS Bif™ Bifidobacterium lactis (SD-5219), Lactobacillus acidophilus (SD-5212), Lactobacillus reuteri (SD-1357), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (SD05217), Lactobacillus fermentum (SD-2468), Lactobacillus paracasei (SD-5218), Lactobacillus salivarius (SD-5208), Lactobacillus gasseri (SD-5685), Raw Whole Food Probiotic Blend: Bulgarian Yogurt (milk) Concentrate, Eastern European Wild Kefir Culture containing Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactbacillus kefiranofaciens, Lactobacillus kefirgranum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactococcus lactis, Lactococcus cremoris, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus kefir, Lactobacillus parakefir, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactococcus lactis biovar diacetylactis, Leuconostoc lactis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Leuconostoc cremoris, Leuconostoc dextranicum, Kluyveomyces marxianus, Brettanomyces anomalus, Debaryomyces hansenii, Saccharomyces unisporus, Saccharomyces turicensis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces exiguus, Torylaspora delbrueckii
The enzymes that digest yeast include cellulose, hemicellulose and lysozyme
Other ingredients include the root of carrot and the fruits of Red Bell Pepper, Green Pea, Plum and Cherry
Reviews
All positive reviews from online review platforms think this product is very effective for issues with Urinary Tract Infections, Yeast Infections and Bacterial Vaginitis. There are some reviews that indicated undergoing a course of antibiotics for long but recurrence of the infection was a norm. On taking up Good Life Probiotics Vaginal Care, they have seen results every day without recurrence on stopping.
83 % customer reviews pointed out to a 5 star rating with a majority of the remainder within the 4 star rating in Amazon.
“I have had BV, GBS and Ureaplasma parvum at same time for over nine months, I’ve seeing over four gynecologist, and been to three different UMC’s and every doctor put me on antibiotics, I was on antibiotics for 4months; I’ve taken oral and vaginal suppositories also off brand and name brand probiotics and nothing worked. Until one day I read about RAW vaginal probiotics. I see that the ingredients were all natural no artificial products. I currently have been taking this product for about four days and I can see a complete change…”
Once again, the problems emanated from its delivery and need to refrigerate and in fact deliver in ice packs. The ice packs are an added cost.
Men
How does it help men
Garden of Life® RAW Probiotics Men is specifically designed to meet your unique needs as a man. Its formula of 31 probiotics such as L. fermentum, is meant to:
- Support a man’s immunity during exercise and physical exertion.
- Support bacterial balance in the gut of men
- Support your healthy stress levels
- Improve prostate and heart health
Supplement Facts
Indications: bacterial vaginitis, candidiasis and vaginosis
Delivery form: encapsulated content in 30s per container. Best delivered when refrigerated.
Dose: encapsulated and taken in 3 serving daily for men which may be taken with or without food. You could choose to open and spill the contents of the capsule into your drink or food. This product is not recommended for children.
Ingredients: 31 RAW beneficial bacteria including Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus fermentum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus gasseri, Eastern European Wild Kefir Culture Containing Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens, Lactobacillus kefirgranum, Lactococcus lactis, Lactococcus cremoris, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus kefir, Lactobacillus parakefir, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactococcus lactis biovar diacetylactis, Leuconostoc lactis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Leuconostoc cremoris, Leuconostoc dextranicum, Kluyveromyces marcianus, Brettanomyces anomalus, Debaryomyces hansenii, Saccharomyces unisporus, Saccharomyces turicensis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces exiguus, Torulaspora delbruekii.
Apart from these, the supplement also contains micro-elements as in the table below.
Other ingredients include the root of carrot and the fruits of Red Bell Pepper, Green Pea, Plum and Cherry
| Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value | |
| Vitamin C | 24 mg | 40% |
| Vitamin D | 500 IU | 125% |
| Vitamin E | 12 IU | 40% |
| Thiamin (Vitamin B1) | 1 mg | 67% |
| Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) | 1.13 mg | 66% |
| Vitamin B6 | 1.33 mg | 66% |
| Folate | 133 mcg | 33% |
| Vitamin B12 | 10 mcg | 167% |
| Pantothenic Acid | 1.92 mg | 19% |
| Calcium | 18 mg | 2% |
| Iodine | 50 mcg | 33% |
| Magnesium | 7 mg | 2% |
| Selenium | 23 mcg | 33% |
| Copper | 0.18 mg | 9% |
| Manganese | 0.67 mg | 34% |
| Chromium | 40 mcg | 33% |
| Molybdenum | 19.5 mcg | 26% |
| Dairy-Digesting Enzyme Blend | 56 mg | * |
| Lactase 600 ALU | * | |
| Protease SP 20,000 HUT | * | |
| Protease S 1,000 APU | * | |
| Aspergillopepsin 10 SAPU |
Reviews
71 % 5 star rating. With 14 % falling for the 4 star rating. May say they felt super charged with energy and were in a good mood. After exercising, and taking this supplement, rejuvenation is the sense of feeling the reviews mention. Points were again taken off for the shipping not including a cold pack. Apart from this, intestinal health of those who have used this product has improved particularly if you take them for irritable bowel syndrome.
Though it can be taken on an empty stomach without any multi-vitamin irritation, some of the complaints fell on the side effects of bloating and indigestion. This is completely normal for multivitamin supplements. This product is however advised not to be taken as a staple as you need to eat well too. It won’t give you total nourishment.
Colon Care
How does it help the colon?
The colon needs to be apt in terms of balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut. Garden of Life® RAW Probiotics Colon Care features probiotic strains that should keep your colon jungle in order. It helps the colon by:
- Ensuring proper transit time
- Ensures proper elimination time
- Supports the immune system
- Alleviates symptoms of bloating, constipation and diarrhea.
Supplement Facts
Indications: bacterial vaginitis, candidiasis and vaginosis
Delivery form: encapsulated content in 30s per container. Best delivered when refrigerated.
Dose: encapsulated and taken in 1 serving daily for men which may be taken with or without food. You could choose to open and spill the contents of the capsule into your drink or food. This product is not recommended for children.
Ingredients: RAW beneficial bacteria including ISS Bif™ Bifobacterium lactis (SD-5674), Lactobacillus acidophilus (SD-5221), Bifidobacterium lactis (SD-5674), RAW Whole Food Probiotic Blend: Bulgarian Yogurt (milk) Concentrate, Eastern European Wild Kefir Culture containing Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus kefiranofeciens, Lactobacillus kifirgranaum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactococcus lactis, Lactonoccus cremoris, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus kefir, Lactobacillus parakefir, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactococcus lactis biovar diacetylactis, Leuconostoc lactis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Leuconostoc cremoris, Lueconostoc dextranicum, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Brettanomyes anomalus, Debaryomyces hansenii, Saccharomyces unisporus, Saccharomyces turicensis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces exiguus, Torulaspora delbrueckii
For colon transit: Glucoamylase Amylase, Proteases, beta-Glucanase, Lactase, alpha-Galactosidase, Lipase, Pectinase, Peptidase, Bromelain, Phytase, Papain, Cellulase, Xylanase, Diastase, Invertase, Hemicellulase
Other ingredients include the root of carrot and the fruits of Red Bell Pepper, Green Pea, Plum and Cherry
Reviews
Customers have received this product really well. Many reviews think it is the best product they have used so far. It is an affordable product offering better and more in terms of quality and quantity. Emphasis needs to be put though, on the side effects, storage and the delivery form.
It is effective on what it states the colon being the most important home to the beneficial bacteria.
Side Effects
One of the issues raised in the reviews about Garden of Life products is on the actual flavor. The taste has been found to be unpleasant when taken without blending with food or drink to mask it. This has an effect on the compliance of individuals who take it regularly. Though this has been backed by ‘natural does not often taste very good’.
Some of the sided effects reported so far are upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, gas, headache, bloating and constipation. You should probably look out for Herxheimer reactions after you have had the supplements. It is normal to have these symptoms but not for long.
Where to Buy
Apart from buying directly from garden of life online store. You can purchase these products from the following.
- Vitamin Shoppe
- Whole Foods Market
- Amazon for those residing in Canada, UK, Australia
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