Question 1

Has anyone here used and compared and Thorne Bio-Gest against Thorne Betaine HCL & Pepsin?  Which worked better for you (and for what issue)?  Thanks!

Accepted Answer

The only difference between the two is the BIO-GEST uses ox-bile. Which is used to assist in digestion of lipids. The liver and the gallbladder both make bile salts to digest fats. If you are having problems with your liver or have had your gallbladder removed take the BIO-GEST. Even if you don't think you have any problems in that department taking the BIO-GEST is still the recommended choice.

Question 2

What is the benefit of  l-glutamic acid hcl as opposed to all betaine hcl?

Accepted Answer

The Bio-Gest is based on an old time formula that included both. Both the glutamic acid and the betaine are carrier molecules for the HCl. The difference is glutamic acid converts to glutamine to support a healthy GI lining. The betaine helps with liver detox.

Question 3

I just opened a brand new bottle and there is a very strong smell...is that normal? It smells very foul. This is my first time with this product.

Accepted Answer

Just stuck my nose in our almost-empty bottle and, yes, pungent smell.  I don't think it means anything more than some loose dust in the bottle from the production process.  They can use cool blowers on sealed capsules, but most powdered supplements have some residual. (As someone else noted.)  I think it's most likely fine.  It's possible one capsule is broken, and you can dump them out carefully to inspect, but I probably wouldn't bother.  Just take them because they help greatly -- best effect for us is taking 15 minutes after meal. (Set a timer so you don't forget!)  I read advice from someone in Facebook group for low FODMAP diet (where I learned about these, as my doctor offered no such helpful suggestions) that their nutritionist recommended taking not just two, but three capsules per meal for maximum benefit.  We tried that, after finding that two worked very well but, with certain foods, upping to 3 per meal was even better.  (My husband also takes with Source Naturals Essential Enzymes Ultra.  But he has no gall bladder and 1/3 less intestines so he really needs the extra enzymes, esp to break down fats and fiber.)  Try them a week, but also keep a food journal and see if you can identify trigger foods.  (Stress also wreaks havoc with digestion, so avoid that as best you can.  If you can't, modify how you respond to stressors and try some chilling out exercises like yoga, meditation, or mindful breathing.  It's effective if even you don't believe.)  Good luck.  Check back and tell us how it worked for you.

Question 4

Does this have any probiotics in it?

Accepted Answer

Thorne's Bio-Gest does not contain digestive enzymes. Thorne does have a suite of probiotic supplement products, but Bio-Gest is not one of them.

ASIN	B000VYQJ8W
Age Range Description	Adult
Allergen Information	Dairy Free, Egg Free, Fish Free, Gluten Free, Peanut Free, Shellfish Free, Soy Free, Tree Nut Free
Best Sellers Rank	#8,789 in Health & Household ( See Top 100 in Health & Household ) #22 in Multi-Enzyme Nutritional Supplements
Brand	THORNE
Brand Name	THORNE
Container Type	Bottle
Customer Reviews	4.6 out of 5 stars 1,511 Reviews
Dosage Form	Capsule
Flavor	Gallbladder
Global Trade Identification Number	00693749405023
Item Dimensions	2.89 x 2.89 x 5.22 inches
Item Form	Capsule
Item dimensions L x W x H	2.89 x 2.89 x 5.22 inches
Manufacturer	Thorne Research
Manufacturer Part Number	SD405
Material Features	Vegetarian
Model Number	6.93749E+11
Number of Items	1
Primary Supplement Type	Magnesium
Product Benefits	Gut Health Support
Total Servings Per Container	90
UPC	693749405023
Unit Count	180.00 Count

THORNE - Advanced Digestive Enzymes - Supplement with Pepsin, Ox Bile & Pancreatin for Indigestion & Constipation Relief - Minimizes Occasional Gas & Bloating* - Third-Party Certified - 180 Capsules

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