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What Should I Look for in a Probiotic?

February 17, 2023


Are probiotics just the latest health fad? With so many probiotics on the market it seems that would be the case, but there’s actually a substantial amount of scientific support emerging that probiotics do provide many health benefits. But are all probiotics the same?

With all the available products, it can be challenging to determine which is the right one to take for your specific health goals. Gut health is typically the main priority, which is great, but did you know the gut has a direct impact on your mental health too? This makes the probiotic choice even more important!

There are several things to consider when choosing a probiotic: which strains are included, other ingredients such as prebiotics, how it’s stored/shipped, and how the probiotics are delivered. Let’s look at these benchmarks for the MicroVita® probiotics and see what makes them different from the average probiotic, so you can make an informed choice for your personal health needs.

1. Specific Strain Selection for Mental Health

The first thing to consider is the strains included in the product. For MicroVita®, we targeted specific probiotic strains that support proper dopamine and serotonin regulation as well as absorption of essential nutrients. Each probiotic strain in the MicroVita® probiotics has clinical support validating its inclusion.

One of these strains is Lactobacillus plantarum (PS128), which is included in MicroVita® Focus. Administration of PS128 was shown to significantly increase the levels of both serotonin and dopamine and have been shown to support emotional balance.1 One study demonstrated that two months of use of probiotics PS128 treatment improved SNAP-IV and CPT scores in children, specifically supporting attention.2

All twelve strains in the MicroVita® Probiotic Kit (Focus and Mood) were selected because they support mental and neurological health by utilizing the gut-brain axis, a direct communication line between your gut and brain.

2. Allowing Colonization by Paring Non-competing Strains

One thing not often considered with probiotics is that certain strains are colonizers and some are transient. This means that some will stick around longer by colonizing the intestines and some are just passing visitors. For the transient strains, repeated use is key, but for the colonizers, they need the proper environment.

The strains in the MicroVita® probiotics aim to colonize, and in this process, it’s important that the strains are not in competition with each other. This is where strain selection comes into play. We worked with Dr. Jennifer Kozek to formulate the MicroVita® probiotic kit to give each product’s strains time to colonize and create microbiome diversity.

3. The Right Prebiotics

Another discussion you’ve likely heard about before is prebiotics, which provide the strains with energy on their journey. Think of prebiotics as sending the probiotic strains to school with a healthy lunch. They are ready to go and don’t have to worry about finding food to stay alive throughout both storage of the product prior to your purchase and in your gut environment as well. Inulin is a common prebiotic, as they “snack” on starches of various kinds. But just like kids going to school, they have preferences! In the MicroVita® probiotics, we selected the strains’ favorites so they’re ready to start colonizing.

4. Strains Arrive Alive

Lastly, but most importantly, most strains provide benefit only when they are alive. With the manufacturing and storage process, some value can be lost along the way. You may know it’s often best to store the products in the refrigerator, and that is certainly true for MicroVita®. In fact, we store it cold in our facilities and ship it in gel packs in the warm summer months to help with this. As is common with probiotics, we also include overages to ensure the dosing is accurate as well.

Another factor is the capsules themselves. With certain delivery methods, the good bacteria may be going straight to the stomach acid and provide little to no benefit for you. MicroVita® capsules are designed to pass through the stomach and dissolve in the intestine, releasing the probiotics right where they’re needed so you get the full benefit from these helpful strains.

Hopefully looking at these factors will help you as you determine which probiotics are right for you. If you have any questions about MicroVita®, check out the link below or reach out to us with questions at [email protected]!

Learn More about MicroVita®

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References:

[1] Liu, W, et al. “Alteration of behavior and monoamine levels attributable to Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 in germ-free mice.” Behavioural Brain Research 298 (2016): 202-209.

[2] Wu, C, et al. "Randomized Controlled Trial of Probiotic PS128 in Children with Tourette Syndrome.” Nutrients 13.11 (2021): 3698.

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Real Reviews from Real Customers

25 Reviews

Alissa

We are so pleased with this product! It has really helped my son!
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Tammy

I am so thankful for this product. We were using Vayarin and then they stopped shipping to the US. This product works the same as the other one. We are so thankful because it has been life changing for our son.
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Oliva

My husband and I see an improvement in our son’s ability to focus. We definitely want to continue Mark on his Accentrate110, and our confidence in Fenix is very high. We feel like you really care about us, our son, and your service.
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Jill

I cannot even begin to tell you how thankful my family is for Accentrate. My 8yo stopped taking it for 6 weeks and went from homework taking 15 minutes to taking 3 hours. 4 days back on it and he was back to normal. Ty for an amazing product that is keeping my guy balanced, and focused in school and at home!
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Mariano

I just wanted to thank you and your company for your commitment with your patients. Fourth months ago I wasn't able to receive your product directly in Puerto Rico and today I can. This is how your company differentiate from others, hearing the voice of your customer.
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Helen

We were Vayarin users until they stopped making it. We tried a few products that were supposed to be comparable, and they did not work for us. Then we found Accentrate. Vayarin worked perfectly for her, and so does Accentrate. We are very thankful for this product and customer service went beyond our expectations. Thank you!
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Pelac

Hello ,we used to use Vayarin for more than a year, than stopped produced it. This is our third mounth we use Accentrate. It’s even better than Vayarin! My son is 6 years old, the attention is now better. He speaks better too.
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Tammie

We are starting month 3 and we have seen lots of positive changes with emotional balance...she is easier to compromise with and a lot quicker to calm self. She has been helping around the house and helping with younger brother (hw with 6 yr old)…looking forward to many more positives…thank you.
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April

My 8 year old has struggles with focus. Sometimes he has a hard time following conversations and multi step instructions. He started Accentrate more than 2 months ago. His only comment was about the fishy burps! But now he takes them with a small snack and that isn’t a problem anymore. The main difference that we have seen is that he is having an easier time winding down at bedtime. He was having regular meltdowns but they seem to be fewer and farther between. I’m looking forward to seeing if there are any differences once school starts back up since we started at he very end of last school year.
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Lori

It has truly made a difference in our son’s life! We are so thankful to have it!
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Stephanie

We are nearing the end of our first 45 days of Accentrate for our two boys, and we are pleased to say that we did not skip a beat as we took our last Vayarin one day and we had the Accentrate ready for the next morning. It has been such a seamless transition-our boys (ages 10 and 11) have been able to remain focused and calm. My kids even enjoy taking Accentrate so much more than Vayarin. They would fight us every morning when they took Vayarin saying it “tasted fishy”. Accentrate has NO taste, it is only one pill versus the two pills of Vayarin, and it slides down so easily. The kids just think of it as an extra multi-vitamin because it is filled with so many extra nutrients. They actually take Accentrate willingly!
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Kassie J

I used to ask my son how he was feeling and he’d say, “it’s hard to explain mom, cause I don’t really know how I feel.” We use to call it being zombified. He has now been taking Accentrate for 3 months and the difference in the way he feels, acts, eats is something I prayed for every single day. Accentrate gives my child the vitamins that his brain and body needs. I am amazed at the improvement of his overall health and I have Accentrate to thank. Thank you, you’ve given my son his “life” back! I strongly recommend Accentrate to any parent.
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Vincent

I just wanted thank you guys for such an awesome product. We’ve been giving my son Accentrate for a little over a month and a half and we are really starting to see a big change in my son. Before, he could not focus at school, he used to get easily annoyed and bored. Also, he could not deal with transitions, fidgeting, and making noises and whining. He always wanted to do good in school, but physically and mentally he was having a difficult time. The school he goes to color codes a kid’s day by his behavior. Red is bad, yellow is ok, green is a good day, and purple is an awesome day. Everyday he would get either a yellow or red, with a green intermittently, forget about him bringing home a purple. Fast forward to now, and he brings home at least one purple during the week, and almost green everyday. He’s only had maybe 3 or 4 yellows since he has been on it. This week he has earned student of the week, the first time ever in his life. I used to stress out everyday because I knew when I picked up my son, I would have to hear how he had a terrible day. Well not anymore. Accentrate has helped my son and I, tremendously. I hope my story can help other parents. I started to research different alternatives and noticed some good reviews on Accentrate, that’s when I gave it a try. I can only imagine it will get even better with time. You definitely have a returning customer! Again, I couldn’t thank you guys enough.
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Melissa

My daughter just started Accentrate a week ago, she is 13, about 105 pounds, 5 feet. I have been having her take one in the morning and at night more to get it built up into her system. I must say that I can definitely tell that all of her spark plugs are beginning to fire. I’m so glad to find something that works for her.
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Mandy

We are on month 4 of Accentrate and my 11 year old girl seems so much better!
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M Tucker

We first tried Vayarin for three or so months. We didn’t notice any improvements. Then we found Accentrate, which has the phospholipid omega-3s that Vayarin has, but also has many other vitamins, minerals, and cofactors, and it was cheaper so we thought we’d give it a try. He’s been on it for more than six months. At his parent teacher conference and his report card, his teachers have said his attention and focus is improved. He’s still energetic at home and when we go out. But he can sit and read. He can sit in class and pay attention.
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Linda W

My son has been steadily improving with his behavior after 3 months on Accentrate. He has had far less episodes at home and at school. He went from failing in all subjects except gym and art, to passing all but one subject, which is reading.
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Kendra O.

I’ve spent at least a couple hundred dollars on different vitamins but they either tasted gross, too chewy or just couldn’t stomach them. I was introduced to Accentrate recently and thought we’d give it a try with our kids. They’ve been on it pretty regularly since summer and they say it helps them. I think it’s a solid product just by doing my own research on what vitamins are beneficial for children struggling with focus. This is the only vitamin that I have found that combines everything I was looking for. My kids range in age from 8-12.
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Jen P

My son has been taking Accentrate for the last four months. We’ve noticed improvement! The first benefits we noticed were calming in his behavior. He had fewer mood outbursts. He still did, but to a noticeably lessor extent. We have found recently, that we do not have to hassle him to sit and do his homework or reading either.
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Corrie

I actually purchased the 3-month supply for both me and my son, so we’re almost through the whole package. Hence, the additional order placed this week. I wanted us both to try it first for a month or so to determine if it’s something we’d like to keep taking. I have noticed some improvements in both of us – specifically in our ability to remember things. That’s been a big issue for both of us – something I’ve often referred to as being “scatter-brained.” I’ve noticed more changes in my son, so I think it’s impacting him more quickly than me, but I’ve seen enough to want to continue. As for the product itself, we love the packaging with the dates - it can be difficult to remember if we’ve taken medicine from day to day, so have a package that helps us manage that is so helpful!
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Cherie M

My son has been on Accentrate since June 2018. He is doing very well. The first thing we noticed was that he had significantly calmed down after a week of taking Accentrate. We didn’t notice improvements in focus or attention until later in September, but this might also be because he wasn’t in school in June or July. We’ve continually reordered because we feel it helps. It’s nice to take one pill instead of multiple supplements.
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Cherie M

The first thing we noticed was that he had significantly calmed down after a week of taking Accentrate. We’ve continually reordered because we feel it helps. It’s nice to take one pill instead of multiple supplements.
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Twinkie Mom

Accentrate has been very successful for our family. We started our son on it roughly 2 months ago and have noticed an improvement in his behaviour and his focus. Conversations with him are more enjoyable and he seems to be able to keep himself settled a bit more. We like that this product is healthy and that it feeds the brain everything it needs. For this reason, we’ve decided to put our other child on this supplement as well. A few weeks in, we coupled Accentrate with a gluten free and dairy free diet and noticed even greater improvements.
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Nikki

My son just finished up the three-month supply we bought and we are re-ordering. While this didn’t help him focus and concentrate like the medication did, there was enough improvement that I’d rather him be on a natural product than on an addictive substance with side effects. His teachers say that he is manageable and are supportive of our decision.
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Rebecca

We saw that fish oils, magnesium, multi-vitamins might help. And they did. But it was always hard having her take three different pills. This product is great because it’s one small pill with all these nutrients that we were already comfortable with. She didn’t like the fish oil pill, and said it was very fishy. This doesn’t taste fishy to her at all. The tracking component of the packaging is just brilliant. It’s helped us more than once notice we missed a day.
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