Innate Response Formulas, Flora 20-14, Ultra Strength, 60 Capsules

After 65, I decided to try probiotics and discovered they are quite effective. I was taking a popular brand from a well known vitamin company established in the 1960s, but read an article about probiotics in plastic bottles and how many brands which were 3rd party tested had very few active strains since moisture penetrates plastic bottles (more harmful than heat). This specific brand is from Emerson Ecologics. In my case, I was impressed by the small size of each capsule. After using several brands of probiotics for years the other brands were always nearly the length of a US Nickel or about 23+ cm. However THIS probiotic is only about 13 cm (see Pix 2, 3). RESULTS: The first week there was no perceivable difference, however near the end of the first week, the result is very noticeable as for the first time this user experiences regularity each morning. Obviously, in this users opinion, the product is much better than any other probiotic tried. I will update* this review in 30 days*. Thanks for reading.*Update: My review was originally published for May of 2019. This update is for June 2019 for my second order of this same product. The probiotic was received on time and was shipped in a reflective pouch with icepack. However the icepack had totally melted and the glass bottle was warm to the touch. Uncertain if product was harmed. It is unfortunate that third party shippers often use carriers which do not mitigate shipping requirements.

I've been looking for a high-quality probiotic for awhile now, and this was recommended by a trusted friend. It was a bit pricy, but not more than I expected for a nutrient-dense, high-potency supplement. However it arrived without any markings on the box showing that it needed to be kept refrigerated, and when I opened it I discovered that the cold pack it had been shipped with had thawed before arrival. I'm not really even sure at this point if the probiotic is still viable or if I'm just taking a dead placebo. I was also a bit surprised by the large size of the bottle in relation to the amount of pills—they're tiny, which is a good thing in my opinion as they're easier to swallow. The bottle is 5-6 times larger than necessary, which makes we wonder if it's more for marketing in making the size seem relevant to the price.

I am writing this review because there is no way to contact customer service and this item is understandably unreturnable. I sent this to my dad, being on heavy antibiotics. He broke out in an allergic reaction. We stopped it immediately. I don’t understand what he was allergic to because the ingredients seem fine.

A medical personnel recommended that I change my probiotic to INNATE Response Formulas, Flora 20-14 Ultra Strength, 20 Billion CFU Probiotic. I've taken them for years, now, and been very happy with them. When I had a question about shipping for Innate Response, I left a message on the company phone line and was called back by a real person within a few hours! Was told their preferred shipper was iServe and I was delighted that I could purchase them from iServe through Amazon. Thank you Innate Response for a great product and great service.

Editing my review from a 1 to a 4 ... I was concerned that that the product didn't come w/ an icepack as it clearly says "Keep Refrigerated". However, after completing the "milk test", I'm more convinced that the probiotic will do what it's meant to do. (After 36 hours the milk w/ probiotic in it turned to a yogurt like substance. A good sign.) I'm newish to probiotics and will definitely give this one a try. Fingers crossed for better gut health.