Update: I wrote this article several years ago when my son was 4. My son is 9 now and I still give him Culturelle every day. Now I give him this combined multivitamin and probiotic and we still rave about it with everyone. I still love the original Culturelle and highly recommend it to anyone.
Original Article
What is Culturelle
Culturelle is a brand of probiotic supplements that is widely used for various digestive health purposes and for supporting the immune system. Here are some of the primary uses for Culturelle:
- Digestive Health: Culturelle is often used to help manage and reduce the symptoms of various digestive disorders. It can help with issues like diarrhea, constipation, and gas. It’s particularly noted for its efficacy in treating diarrhea associated with antibiotic use, as well as in managing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Immune Support: The probiotics in Culturelle can help strengthen the immune system. A healthy gut flora, supported by probiotics, plays a crucial role in the body’s defense mechanisms against pathogens.
- Traveler’s Diarrhea: Taking Culturelle can help prevent the onset of traveler’s diarrhea, which is commonly caused by consuming contaminated food or water in different parts of the world.
- Allergy Management: Some studies suggest that probiotics can help manage allergies by reducing inflammation and improving the body’s immune response.
- General Well-being: Regular intake of probiotics like Culturelle is believed to contribute to overall health and well-being by maintaining a balanced gut microbiome.
Culturelle contains the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, which is one of the most extensively studied probiotic strains for its benefits on both gut health and the immune system. As with any dietary supplement, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting Culturelle, especially for those with underlying health conditions or those taking other medications.
My Personal Story of How Culturelle Helped My Son With Daycare Viruses
My son is 4 years old and I wish I could count the number of colds and infections he brought home from daycare/preschool. I lost count after a few dozen colds. I work in an office with
My son didn’t start daycare until he was nearly 2 years old. I was fortunate enough that my mom was able to watch him during the days for me, while my husband and I went to work. When the time came for him to start daycare we took a lot of time to decide on one. Finally, we settled on a place that was clean, had a lot of room, had good lighting and used green methods to sanitize.
Daycare Illnesses
The very first day we set foot in the building both of us came down with a bad cold. We went just for 2 hours for my son to get acquainted with the place. Oh well, I thought. That was just the beginning of a very miserable year. I might add that this was the month of September in a state that has a moderate winter, so it’s probably not the best month to start attending daycare.
The week my son started he came down with another cold, and then another and another. I got sick, my husband got sick and my daughter got sick. This continued until around February or so the next year. By this, we figured he was averaging 2 colds per week.
The agony of having a kid in daycare
It was a miserable period in our life. Colds turned into ear infections. My son also had a few mild cases of pink eye. We were tired and exhausted. We stayed up night after night with a toddler that wasn’t able to sleep due to coughing and all the misery that comes with a cold. I wanted to give up, I wanted to pull him out of daycare.
Mothers and fathers at work who has been through it advised me to stay strong, and that it will get better. None of it made sense. My son was a fruit head. He ate a lot of fruit. He had a healthy diet. I couldn’t understand why he was still getting sick so often.
My introduction to Culturelle
On top of this, my son was battling what I thought was constipation. That’s when I was introduced to
As the weather got warmer he got fewer and fewer colds. However, as the next fall arrived, he started getting sick again. The illnesses
We missed a few doses….
We gave my son the Culturelle religiously and thought nothing of it. Over time we went through very long stretches without any illnesses at all. The days of constant illnesses seemed to have been behind us. One week, during the summer of 2018, for some reason he missed a day of Culturelle and then another day and then another. I would say he went at least a week without it. I guess I got so complacent with his good health, I didn’t have too much motivation to continue giving him anything.
But then….
One day after missing several doses of the Culturelle I got him from daycare where I was told he had a fever. We went home and yes, he had a fever and was not himself. I called his pediatrician who gave me the usual warning signs to look out for before getting
We stayed home and he complained constantly that his throat hurts. I explained to him that he has caught a cold and the sore throat will go away soon. The next day, he complained even more. I started worrying about strep throat. A trip to the doctor, however,
Let me hope that if any of you have young kids or will have young kids someday, that your kids never contract this virus. It’s not a serious virus so
But, I couldn’t help but wonder if there is a correlation between my son stopping the Culturelle and him catching the virus. I will never be able to know for sure, but I can say this. Since last June we had not missed one day of the Culturelle. He gets it every night like clockwork.
How Culturelle Seemed to End the Constant Illnesses
As I write this today on February 28th, 2019 it’s been 9 whole months and he has had no illnesses. On Christmas day he appeared to catch a cold because he had his usual coughing fit, which is his usual indicator that there is a cold to come. However, his body must have fought it off because he never got a full cold at all.
This means that he has gone through the entire fall season and almost the entire winter season, where he goes to what I would like to call the germ factory every day and he still has not gotten sick. No runny nose, no diarrhea, no pink eye, no colds nothing. As I write this, I am recovering from a cold myself and he never caught it from me.
I will never know for sure if the
How Does Culturelle Work?
Culture contains a strain of good bacteria called Lactobacillus
Probiotics are used to restore normal gut flora – billions of helpful bacteria that
I don’t usually care so much about a manufacturer’s claim. However, since I believe this is contributing to my son’s overall health and well being, I will recommend it.
Why I like Culturelle
Culturelle contains only natural flavors and it gets its colors from beet. It is also gluten-free, sugar-free and
I couldn’t find anything concrete about its prevention of sickness in general and even probiotics as a whole is a field that is evolving. I can only attest to my experience. My son doesn’t even know why he is taking it so he cannot be suffering from a placebo effect. Also, when he gets sick its very visual for a third party to observe.
When it comes to kids, I will end by saying please mention it to the child’s doctor. Culturelle is highly recommended by doctors so it is very likely you will get the green light.
You can check the price for kids Culturelle here, and yes they have the adult version too. See the price for it here.
After sharing this
Where to Buy Culturelle Probiotics?
You can pick up Culturelle products at virtually any pharmacy or grocery stores. Be sure to price shop as Culturelle prices can vary – sometimes a lot at different stores. I currently give my son this one as it also contains a multivitamin. If you don’t need a product with a multivitamin, then this Culturelle chewable work very well.
Culturelle also has daily packets to add to kids liquids if they will not tolerate the chewable. I have personally gave my son all three and he has no issues with any of them. The daily packets are tasteless and can be mixed in liquids without any discernable flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Culturelle Probiotics
Culturelle Probiotics offers a variety of products, some of which are marketed as vegan and some marketed as vegetarian. However, not all of their probiotic supplements are vegan, as some might contain ingredients derived from dairy or other animal sources. To ensure you’re getting a vegan product, look for labels on Culturelle products that explicitly state “vegan” or check the ingredient list for any non-vegan items. You can also submit a question on their website.
Yes, Culturelle, like many other probiotic supplements, can potentially cause gas, especially when you first start taking them. This is because probiotics introduce live bacteria into your digestive system, which can alter the balance of your gut flora. As your body adjusts to these changes, you might experience digestive symptoms including gas, bloating, and discomfort.
These symptoms are generally mild and temporary. As your digestive system adjusts to the probiotics, these side effects usually diminish or disappear entirely. If you continue to experience significant discomfort or if the symptoms persist, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that the probiotic is suitable for you and to rule out other potential causes.
Yes, Culturelle probiotics can potentially help with constipation. Many of Culturelle’s products contain the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, which has been studied for its effects on gastrointestinal health. Probiotics like Culturelle can help balance the gut microbiota, and this balance is crucial for regular bowel movements and overall digestive health.
Research has shown that probiotics can improve stool consistency and increase stool frequency, making them a useful supplement for individuals experiencing constipation. However, the effectiveness can vary from person to person, and it’s often dependent on several factors, including the specific strains of bacteria and the individual’s existing gut flora.
For those considering probiotics for constipation or any other digestive issues, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. They can offer guidance tailored to your specific health needs and help determine the best course of action.
Yes, Culturelle probiotics can be helpful in managing diarrhea, particularly diarrhea associated with antibiotic use and traveler’s diarrhea. The primary strain used in Culturelle products, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, has been extensively studied and shown to be effective in reducing the duration and severity of diarrhea.
Culturelle is a brand of probiotic supplements primarily used for promoting gut health and supporting the immune system. Here are the main uses for Culturelle:
Digestive Health: Culturelle is widely used to manage and alleviate various digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. It is particularly effective in treating diarrhea associated with antibiotic use and in reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Immune System Support: Probiotics in Culturelle help strengthen the immune system. A healthy balance of gut bacteria, supported by probiotics, plays a critical role in defending the body against pathogens and maintaining overall immune health.
Preventing Traveler’s Diarrhea: Culturelle is recommended to prevent traveler’s diarrhea, which is often caused by ingesting contaminated food or water while traveling.
Managing Allergies: Some studies suggest that probiotics can help in managing allergies by reducing inflammation and modulating the body’s immune response.
Overall Well-being: Regular use of probiotics like those found in Culturelle is believed to contribute to general health and well-being by maintaining a balanced and healthy gut microbiome.
Some Culturelle products are manufactured in the United States. It’s headquarters are in Cromwell, Connecticut. The company that produces Culturelle, i-Health, Inc., adheres to stringent manufacturing processes and quality control standards typical of dietary supplements sold in the U.S. This includes compliance with the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). These standards ensure that the products are produced in a consistent and safe manner, maintaining the quality and potency of the probiotic strains they contain.
Culturelle probiotics, like other probiotics, are not primarily designed for weight loss. However, the general improvement of gut health through probiotics can indirectly influence weight management in some people. Here’s how probiotics like those found in Culturelle might have an impact:
Gut Health and Metabolism: There is emerging evidence suggesting that a healthy gut microbiota can help improve metabolism and possibly influence weight management. Probiotics contribute to a balanced gut flora, which is essential for digestion and may have an impact on metabolic health.
Appetite Regulation: Some studies suggest that probiotics may influence hormones linked to appetite and energy intake. However, this area of research is still developing, and findings are not yet conclusive.
Inflammation Reduction: Chronic inflammation is linked to obesity. Probiotics can help reduce systemic inflammation by improving gut health and integrity, potentially impacting weight control.
Despite these potential benefits, probiotics should not be viewed as a magic solution for weight loss. Effective weight management typically involves a combination of dietary changes, physical activity, and overall lifestyle adjustments. Culturelle can be a part of a healthy lifestyle that supports digestive health, which might indirectly influence weight management, but it is not specifically a weight loss product.
