Fem-Dophilus®

Fem-Dophilus® Fem-Dophilus® contains two patented and clinically tested strains of probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1® and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14®, discovered and developed by Drs. Gregor Reid and Andrew Bruce of Urex Biotech. Research has confirmed that GR-1 and RC-14 taken as an oral supplement colonize and protect the vaginal tract. Over twenty years of research has shown that GR-1 and RC-14 help to restore and maintain the balance of flora important to vaginal and urinary tract health.* This patented product is manufactured at a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) pharmaceutical facility under strict quality control to ensure potency and consistency. The probiotic strains in Fem- Dophilus are delivered in a proprietary polysaccharide matrix that protects the bacteria from stomach acid and enhances the survival of these species as they reach the intestinal tract.* Fem-Dophilus has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Breakthroughs in 2007 by Prevention Magazine in its January 2008 issue, and was the only dietary supplement included on the Top 10 list. Probiotics Support for Vaginal Health Purchasers of other Jarrow Formulas® probiotic products are aware of the many health benefits that can be experienced from supplementing with beneficial bacteria, i.e. probiotics. For instance, Jarro-Dophilus EPS® is designed to boost the natural “friendly” bacteria of the gut by supplying beneficial strains that are needed to maintain a healthy intestinal environment. Jarro-Dophilus EPS is a compatible blend of friendly bacteria designed to promote intestinal balance.* Restoring the balance of microorganisms to the gut both helps to crowd out unwanted organisms and promote proper immune response, as well.* Less well known is the fact that special strains of probiotic bacteria also contribute to vaginal health.* Women with an unhealthy intestinal microflora profile are at a higher risk of developing urogenital infections. Fortunately, scientific findings indicate that supportive microflora that can colonize the vagina play an important role in maintaining health. This suggests that the daily ingestion of certain probiotics may also provide a natural, safe and effective means of balancing microorganisms in the vaginal tracts.* Clinical research supports the proposition that proper use of oral probiotics can do just this.* Oral Probiotics Influence Vaginal Floral Balance Clinical trials have found that oral intake of probiotics can significantly and beneficially affect the balance of vaginal flora.* However, only certain probiotics can provide this benefit. Direct comparisons have demonstrated that the probiotic species and strains must be carefully selected in order to promote vaginal health. The major criteria required in selecting beneficial probiotics are their ability to colonize the vagina and reduce undesirable vaginal microflora. In one trial, GR-1 and RC-14 administered in skim milk were given orally to 10 women twice daily for 14 days. GR-1 and RC-14 were recovered from the vagina and identified by morphology and molecular typing within 1 week of commencement of the trial. In another randomized, placebo-controlled trial, GR-1 and RC-14 were given to 64 women for 60 days. Microscopy analysis showed the restoration of healthy vaginal flora level in 37% of women taking GR-1 and RC-14 vs. 13% in subjects in placebo group. Other trials have also confirmed the benefits of GR-1 and RC-14 intake.* In order for a probiotic to be effective, significant numbers of live bacteria (indicated as Colony Forming Units or CFU) must survive when the probiotic is taken by mouth. Tests for the gastrointestinal survivability of strains have shown good results. GR-1 and RC-14 are also bile tolerant and survive passage through the gastrointestinal tract. RC-14 and GR-1 are tolerant to 0.3 and 0.5 percent (w/v) bile, respectively. According to the experts, both strains can therefore be considered both acid and bile tolerant given that a concentration of 0.3 percent is considered physiologically relevant.* Safety Several human and in vitro studies have documented the safety of GR-1 and RC-14. Jarrow Formulas obtains the materials for Fem- Dophilus from a pharmaceutical GMP level manufacturer. Advanced and accurate genetic analyses are conducted to ensure the correct identity of the strains. This is the ultimate in quality control. More than 20 clinical studies spanning 20 years of research have validated the safety and beneficial effects of the probiotic strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 that make up Fem-Dophilus.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

** IMNatural Customer Service Representatives are not licensed health care providers and therefore cannot prescribe or recommend products by law.