Smidge Optimal Probiotic

These strains work in synergy to help ease mild stomach issues, support digestion and regularity, generate and maintain a healthy microbiome — and support reproductive and urinary health and a positive mood.* 

Gentle formula appropriate for various ages and stages, including men, women, pregnant and nursing moms, and healthy kids ages 6 through 12. 

Free of common allergens, additives and preservatives. Non-GMO, gluten- and dairy-free. Made in small batches for freshness. 

We use only the highest-quality probiotic bacteria. All strains have been thoroughly researched, documented and banked in recognized microbial culture collections. They’re also tested for purity and freeze-dried at collection to ensure potency. 

What is in Smidge® Optimal Probiotic?

• Bifidobacterium infantis: B. infantis is a folate-producing beneficial bacteria, primarily found in the gastrointestinal tracts of healthy infants (and human mouths). It seems to play a critical role in establishing a healthy intestinal lining and a robust and well-regulated immune system.* Research suggests B. infantis regulates the production of tryptophan, the precursor for serotonin (the neurotransmitter associated with a sense of satisfaction and happiness).* A note on folate: it's one of the B vitamins responsible for tissue growth and cell function.* 
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus: Perhaps one of the most prominent Lactobacillus bacteria in the gut, research states L. rhamnosus supports a robust respiratory system, helps keep inflammation in check and encourages a healthy intestinal lining.* It's also used in protocols for children and adults with diarrhea and may support mild cases.* 
• Bifidobacterium longum: One of the first bacteria to colonize our bodies at birth, B. longum has been associated with helping to digest milk and other challenging foods, as it produces lactic acid from the fermentation of sugar in the gut.* Research suggests that B. longum may support immunity and growth in children.* It's also linked to helping maintain healthy cholesterol levels already within a normal range.* And it's been studied to help alleviate minor stress. 
• Lactobacillus casei: L. casei is found in the human urinary tract and mouth, and in some fermented foods like yogurt, fermented milk and certain cheeses. This strain is commonly used to prevent and treat mild diarrhea and other inflammatory digestive issues.* Another study showed that L. casei was beneficial for people with constipation.* A later study revealed that regular intake of milk fermented with Lactobacillus casei Shirota may improve bowel habits of people with nerve issues.* And, clinical trial researchers found that L. casei supplements may help alleviate symptoms and improve inflammatory cytokines in women with inflammation of the joints.* 
• Lactobacillus acidophilus: L. acidophilus is a common probiotic, also found in foods like yogurt. It produces lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide that some troublesome bacteria don't like. Doing so helps keep the community of microbes in the intestines healthy and balanced.* Clinical research has linked L. acidophilus to keeping the urogenital tract sturdy, and immune system strength.* 
• Bifidobacterium bifidum: Bifidobacteria are a group of bacteria that typically live in the human intestines and stomach, that help to perform essential functions like digestion and maintaining beneficial bacteria. One study suggests that B. bifidum may support immunity by staving off colds in the winter months.* Another clinical study indicates B. bifidum may help with abdominal discomfort caused by gas and bloating.* And yet another study states that B. bifidum can help with occasional diarrhea.* Clinical research suggests that B. bifidum can help maintain comfortable joint movement.* There's also a correlation to improved mental health, as bifidobacterium is classified as a "psychobiotic", which affects central nervous system-related functions and behaviors mediated by the gut-brain-axis.* 
• Lactobacillus plantarum: L. plantarum is a plant-based, beneficial probiotic strain naturally found in fermented foods like sauerkraut. Several clinical trials have shown that L. plantarum helps support comfortable digestion, helping to minimize gas and bloating.* One of the most common probiotics, L. plantarum seems to support immune system health.* Not only does L. plantarum stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10, it also seems to stimulate the production of regulatory T-cells.* And, preliminary studies indicate that L. plantarum may help strengthen memory, concentration and mood.* 
• Bifidobacterium breve: B. breve is one of the most helpful probiotic bacteria in the human body due to its unique ability to compete with harmful bacteria by digesting many molecules. It's also prevalent in the colons of breastfed babies. B. breve is linked to helping with occasional constipation in children.* When combined with a gluten-free (real food) diet, B. breve may promote microbial balance in the children's digestive tracts.* B. breve seems to play a role in helping to establish a healthy microbiome, based on trials involving preterm babies. Clinical research suggests it may be useful in recolonizing the guts of children who have undergone chemotherapy.* 
• Bifidobacterium lactis: A transient probiotic bacteria that inhabit the human intestines and the colon, B. lactis breaks down body waste and aids in the absorption of various vitamins and minerals. One study showed that B. lactis helped preterm babies gain weight after taking antibiotics, helping develop their immune systems.* Beyond the babies, extensive research has shown that B. lactis is useful for abdominal comfort and proper digestion, helping to get the colon in shape and potentially easing mild constipation.* Notably, preliminary lab research indicates B. lactis shows exciting potential in neutralizing certain toxins from wheat.* 
• Lactobacillus salivarius: L. salivarius is one of the most prevalent probiotic species in human saliva. It produces organic acids, such as lactic acid and acetic acid from carbohydrates, which can inhibit the growth of surrounding microorganisms, and produce hydrogen peroxide and other antimicrobial substances. L. salivarius seems to help keep the microbial population in the mouth healthy.* Also, several clinical trials indicate that L. salivarius seems to help regulate the immune system and, as a result, support healthy skin.* Importantly, researchers state that it may keep the vagina healthy and comfortable by promoting a healthy pH balance to treat minor infections and restore healthy vaginal flora.* 
• Lactobacillus brevis: First isolated from a traditional Japanese pickle, you can also find L. brevis in many fermented foods. It seems to support healthy brain growth by increasing the production of the brain growth hormone, BDNF. Clinical research suggests it also helps with intestinal health and immune strength.* Preliminary research indicates L. brevis can trigger an increase in the production of interferon (a protein released by cells to heighten antiviral defense) in the body, as well as enhance the activity of T cells (which are produced by the thymus gland and actively participate in immune response). One large-scale clinical study showed that L. brevis seemed to make a significant difference in keeping children healthy over the winter season.* Clinical research also suggests it can help support vaginal comfort and health by adhering to vaginal walls and making it an unfriendly environment for troublesome microbes.* 
• Lactobacillus gasseri: L. gasseri is naturally found in the human digestive and urinary tracts. It's been shown in clinical trials to help people lose weight.* Preliminary research indicates that L. gasseri may inhibit inflammation signaling at the genetic level.* L. gasseri may also support healthy cholesterol levels already within a normal range.* 
• Lactobacillus paracasei: L. paracasei is a species of lactic acid bacteria used in dairy product fermentation and probiotics. It's been shown to support comfy digestion in several ways by helping to regulate inflammation.* It's also linked to healthy cholesterol levels, blood pressure and a balanced immune system.* Researchers found that supplementing with L. paracasei seemed to shift the entire microbiome toward species associated with good health.* 
• Microcrystalline cellulose (base for encapsulation): Microcrystalline cellulose is all-natural refined wood pulp. We chose this ingredient to satisfy the needs of our most sensitive customers. 
• Vegetarian capsule: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), water. Our vegetable (vegan) capsules consist of only two ingredients: HPMC and purified water. HPMC is derived from vegetable cellulose of either pine or poplar. 100% natural, these capsules contain no preservatives, no gelatin, wheat, animal by-products or starch.