I am reading the GAPS diet book and there is a section on what are probiotics detailing them.

I have listed them and tried to summarise them. The last one is a soil bacteria which people have been questioning and interestingly Dr Campbell the author of the book considers pobiotics containing soil bacteria the most effective.

Lactobacilli: main protecting agents in the stomach and intestines.

Bifidobacteria: produce antibiotic like substances which protect the gut from pathogens maintaining gut integrity and health. They also act as a source of nourishment for the body.

Saccharomyces boulardii: a yeast effective in treating various forms of diarrhoea.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) physiological strains not pathogenic: These digest lactose produce vitamins (vitamin K & group B), amino acids,produce antibiotic-like substances and have a powerful stimulating influence on immunity.

Enterococcus faecium (Streptococcus faecalis: These live in the bowel breaking down proteins and they ferment carbohydrates.

Bacillus subtilis (soil bacteria:) has strong immune stimulating properties and is considered particularly effective with allergies and autoimmune disorders.

One thing that is emphasised is building up a dose gradually to prevent strong 'die off syptoms'

I have just bought BioKult and will be starting to take this soon so cant give an opinion on its effectiveness. I am not sure how available it is more easily over in the US I think.

It contains:
Bacillus subtills
Bifidobacterium 4 types
Lactobacillus 8 types
Streptococcus Thermophilus

Extra ingredients: Cellulose(bulking agent), Vegetable capsule.
Also states contains traces of soya and traces of milk products at a level which would not affect lactose intolerance sufferers!

I would look for something that contains a similar selection of probiotics.