Forever Active Pro-B: ingredients, use and what to expect from a probiotic

For information only. Products do not replace diagnosis, treatment or a varied diet. Seek professional advice for symptoms, pregnancy and use by children.

Probiotics are live microorganisms taken in food or as food supplements. Forever Active Pro-B is a capsule supplement that Forever says contains about 8 billion live bacteria from six strains, plus the prebiotic fructooligosaccharide, a type of fibre that feeds bacteria. It is taken as one capsule a day with water.

What the evidence says

NCCIH points out that probiotics differ by strain, and that a result for one strain does not automatically apply to another. For most uses it is still unclear which probiotics help, and many studies are of moderate or lower quality. In healthy people probiotics are usually well tolerated, but the risk is higher for seriously ill people and those with a weakened immune system.

How to fit it into your day

1. Take one capsule a day at roughly the same time, as the pack instructs.
2. Store it in a dry place at no more than 25 °C.
3. Alongside it, eat more fibre: vegetables, fruit, legumes and whole grains.
4. Include fermented foods you tolerate well, such as yoghurt or kefir.
5. After a few weeks, judge whether you notice a difference and whether it makes sense to continue.

When medical advice matters

You can consider Forever Active Pro-B as an optional extra in your daily routine, but not as a substitute for a check-up when you have digestive problems. Talk to a doctor before taking it if you have a weakened immune system or a serious chronic illness, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Blood in your stool, diarrhoea at night, unexplained weight loss or severe stomach pain are reasons for a check-up, not for a new supplement.

Sources: Forever Living Products NCCIH.