Probiotic supplements have surged in popularity recently. But do we genuinely need them? And with complex ingredient names like L. acidophilus and L. reuteri, how do you determine which one to choose?
That’s where we come in. In this article, we’re reviewing IN.FORM Probiotic by Nature’s Sunshine, a supplement that claims to support digestive and immune health while optimizing and replenishing beneficial gut bacteria.
Can it deliver on these promises? Let’s find out as we dive into this IN.FORM Probiotic review!
IN.FORM Probiotic Benefits
First, what are Probiotics, and why are they beneficial? Probiotics are live, health-promoting bacteria naturally found in the gut, along with certain foods and supplements. These live cultures balance our gut flora by repopulating and interacting with our gut and immune cells.
A healthy gut rich in beneficial bacteria can help improve:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea (including antibiotic-induced diarrhea)
- IBS
- Immune Function
Beyond digestive health, studies suggest probiotics may help reduce inflammation and prevent certain chronic diseases.
IN.FORM Probiotic Ingredients
If you’ve wandered down the supplement aisle at your local grocery or health food store, you’ve likely been overwhelmed by countless probiotic supplements claiming to be the most effective product. That’s where we come in! Let’s discuss the key factors you should consider when choosing a probiotic to eliminate confusion and see if IN.FORM Probiotic measures up.
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Probiotic Strains & CFUs
When selecting a probiotic, consider which strains are proven to address your specific needs or health concerns, so discussing this with your doctor or Registered Dietitian can be valuable.
The two most common strains include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. For general health, choosing a probiotic with a variety of each strain has proven most beneficial, with at least 10 billion CFUs. Note that higher CFU counts don’t always mean greater effectiveness—focusing on strain variety is most important for overall health.
IN.FORM Probiotic delivers 18 billion CFUs with diverse Lactobacillus & Bifidobacterium strains (11 total) plus a prebiotic blend. Prebiotics promote beneficial bacteria growth in the gut and enhance probiotic effectiveness through synergistic action.
Third-Party Testing
Third-party testing ensures supplement quality and manufacturing conditions. It also verifies product purity and potency, which is crucial given misleading marketing tactics and false claims in the supplement industry.
Popular third-party testing companies include USP, Consumer Labs, and NSF International. Some companies display USP-approved seals on packaging, indicating third-party testing and approval. While absence of this seal doesn’t necessarily indicate poor quality, it does provide shopping assurance.
The IN.FORM packaging states the product has been clinically studied; however, there’s no seal or stamp from major third-party testing companies like USP, NSF International, or Consumer Labs. Nature’s Sunshine (the brand producing IN.FORM Probiotics) states they use analytical equipment for over 600 quality & purity tests and conduct on-site vendor inspections for quality assurance.
Probiotic Storage
While most probiotics can be stored at room temperature, some require refrigeration. There’s been debate about whether refrigerated probiotics are more effective, but no proven benefit exists for refrigerated over shelf-stable probiotics. Choose what works best for your lifestyle. For instance, frequent travelers will likely prefer probiotics that don’t require refrigeration. Most importantly, use them before the expiration date to ensure you’re getting live bacteria.
IN.FORM product requires refrigeration.
Does IN.FORM Live Up to Its Claims?
IN.FORM Probiotic was clinically studied as part of the IN.FORM Program (I will link the study below), that “supports balance of the microbiome.” Nature’s Sunshine states the probiotic is “an essential component of the patent-pending, clinically studied IN.FORM system that utilizes the power of the gut microbiome to support cardiometabolic health and a healthy metabolic age.” The company recommends using the probiotic with other IN.FORM line products to “improve key health indicators including metabolic age, healthy body composition, weight management, and cardiovascular health by supporting gut health.”
While these claims sound appealing and the one trial appears promising, insufficient evidence exists to prove this probiotic would outperform similar products at your local grocery or health store. They also encourage purchasing other IN.FORM program products for optimal results, significantly increasing costs. That said, this product can still provide value as a probiotic supplement supporting digestive health.
Who is IN.FORM Probiotic Best for?
If you’re seeking to improve digestive health and support immune function, a probiotic supplement may prove beneficial. While we can obtain probiotics directly from foods like yogurt, kefir, or kimchi, supplements can help those who don’t enjoy these foods or consume them regularly.
As mentioned earlier, it’s best to consult your doctor or Registered Dietitian to determine which bacterial strains best suit your specific needs. IN.FORM Probiotic appears suitable for general health.
Who is it NOT for?
While probiotic supplements can benefit gastrointestinal health, they aren’t suitable for everyone. Those with compromised immune systems, including individuals undergoing cancer treatment, with autoimmune diseases, or anyone at high infection risk, should consult their doctor before starting probiotics.
Some probiotics may contain lactose, so if you’re lactose intolerant, carefully read the label.
Where to Buy IN.FORM Probiotic
You can purchase IN.FORM Probiotic on the Nature’s Sunshine website here.
IN.FORM Probiotic retails for $36.15 for a 30-day supply (90 capsules, taking 3 capsules daily). They offer Premium Member discounts at $28.90, plus an additional 25% off with subscription, totaling $27.10 monthly.
