One of the most well researched probiotics known under name VSL#3 is not being produced in the USA anymore.
According to the inventor of this formulation, Professor Claudio de Simone, exactly the same formulation as the former and original VSL#3 now is being sold under a new name Visbiome. If you live in Europe this probiotic goes under the brand name Vivomixx.
While manufacturing of VSL#3 formulation has been discontinued in 2016, you can still find a probiotic VSL#3 in Europe. European formula is manufactured in Italy. However, do not be fooled. This probiotic manufactured in Italy has the same species (not strains (!!) but totally different formulation. Since this new Italian formulation has not been clinically tested they can only speculate that their formulation has the same properties. Here are some details on what US court has decided regarding Italian formulation.
This is a great example of a probiotic (Visbiome) formulation that has clinically proven properties and and non probiotic ( new VSL#3 formulation) formulations with unknown strains.
Moreover, there was also a comparative study of the old (US) and new (Italian) formulation where the efficacy and safety of Italian formula was under question.
This is very important point. Many probiotic producers take certain clinically tested probiotics, mix and match them with other strains that were or weren’t tested in any other clinical studies and claim their probiotics may have certain properties. They cannot do these claims unless they tests their formulated probiotic in a clinical setting and prove that their formula does what they say it does.
VSL#3 (now Visbiome) is one of the most researched probiotic formulating that has been studies and published in nearly 80 different clinical studies. It can help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Ulcerative Colitis, antibiotic associated diarrhea, metabolic syndromes and many other health issues.
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Visbiome doesn’t work nearly as good as VSL#3 did. It is very unfortunate they discontinued the only product that used to help my gut. Visbiome felt like total waste of money!
The VSL website says they are repackaging their product, and then they’ll be able to sell it in the U.S. again. They told me it hasn’t been discontinued.
The official VSL#3 product is rebranded now under the name of Visbiome.
I completely agree. I’ve increased my dosage and it has done nothing for me. I’m so disappointed. VSL #3 was excellent for my stomach.
Tatyana, same here! I tried Visbiome for a few months but it did not help. I switched back to VSL3, which is the only probiotic I’ve ever tried (and I’ve tried a lot) that worked on my SIBO! I am unsure where you are located but in the US, you can still order VSL3!
When VSL3 became unobtainable in the USA, I changed to Visbiome after using other probiotics that did not work nearly as well.
For me, Visbiome works 100%, so happy.
Ordering it through Walgreens was 10% cheaper than buying direct from their website.
Thank you for sharing, Esteban. It looks like it works differently with different people.
So what do you recommend for someone who has been taking the “made in Italy” VSL #3 and found it works?
If you found it works for you you can continue to use it. The strain composition is the same however the preparation method is different. These strains using this particular preparation method were not tested in clinical studies. So Italian formulation cannot claim any of those studies. This is all it means. I hope it helps.
I tried Visibome, but it didn’t work for me & caused a setback. I was able to buy 6 boxes of VSL#3 through Walmart a few months ago & I’m back on track but now I can’t find VSL#3 anywhere. It doesn’t seem right that maybe legally the right thing was done, unfortunately some people’s health are on the line and we pay the price.
I am sorry to hear about that. You should definitely contact the manufacture and let them know the probiotic with the new does not work the same way. Where was VSL3 from Walmart made? Italy or USA? I am just curious.
It’s now available on their website!!! I just got some for my 5 yr old daughter:)
…yes, but where can you purchase the “made in Italy” formulation of VSL 3 now? I, too, found it to be very effective. Anyone??
Where can you buy “made in Italy” VSL#3 probiotic or
Visbiome online or in pharmacy..I live in Florida zip 34601.
I have been taking VSL#3 for one year. It has done nothing to help my diarrhea and stomach cramping. Walgreen said they are no longer selling due to the lawsuits. I have been suspected of having colitis.please send any recommendations as I have been dealing with this issue 5 years.No energy
And headaches.
Dear Barbara, thank you so much for your comment/message. Have you considered to do microbiome testing? I will be happy to give you personal recommendation during consultation.You can read more about microbiome testing here: https://mygutmatters.com/into-micbobiome/
And you can book your consultation here https://mygutmatters.com/work-with-karina/
if you have any more questions please feel free to reach out via email mygutmatters@gmail.com
I was just on the VSL #3 website for Alfasigma USA and they are selling VSL #3. The bottle of 60 capsules is $61.67. It is not the re-branded name.
I do not understand, why there are reports of them not being able to sell it if they are in fact selling it. Is it not the same product? I do not want to purchase it if it is not the same. I have had the one form Italy. I bought the 2 pack from National Discount Vitamins.com but now they only have the new re-branded Visbiome. Does someone have any information about this?
Like I mentioned in my article, Italians are still making VSL#3 but they are doing it in a slightly different manor not the one that was clinically tested in published articles. That’s why there was lawsuit.
Visbiome (formerly known as VSL#3) is produced in the USA and has clinically proven formula.
Hello my name is Elena . I’m 50 year old . I have atopick dermatit not too strong . My skin is dry …
Elena, I am sorry to hear about your problems. Please let me know if I can help.
What’s the best way to take 2 Visbiome pills… 1 after breakfast & 1 at bedtime, or 2 at bedtime? Which will do my gut (and SIBO) the most good? Thank you.
I recommend to use probiotics in the morning right before the meal or right after. Hopefully the meal contains natural prebiotics that will feed the probiotics.
I’m confused , so if I bought the VSL#3 after 2016 is this formula the same? The formula I’ve been buying during 2017 / 2018 is the one that works for me but I’m confused if this is still the same formula they’re currently selling under vsl #3 name
Layla, good questions. Where is it made? USA or Italy?
My daughter was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. Her doctor recommended both VSL#3 and Visbiome. I read about the lawsuit with VSL#3, but can’t find anything published beyond 2019. I believe I read VSL#3 is being manufactured again in the USA. Please advise.
The original formula that was used in clinical studies is in Visbiome product. The new formulation of VSL#3 is not the same that showed benefits. I would personally choose visbiome. VSL#3 cannot even make any claims for that particular reason.