Align: The Probiotic Supplement with B. infantis 35624 in Most Formulas
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Align is a probiotic supplement manufactured by Procter & Gamble. Four of the current formulas contain one patented and trademarked probiotic strain, Bifidobacterium 35624, previously known as B. infantis 35624 and Bifantis. It is the only product in the US that contains this strain at this time. Beware, however, that the other 2 formulas DO NOT contain strain |
This strain is backed by research, but the research may not support the conditions for which many practitioners unknowingly recommend it. Read what the research really shows.
The Bifidobacterium 35624 probiotic supplements are marketed to:
- Fortify your digestive system with a unique healthy bacteria 24/7
- Promote & Support a healthy digestive system
- Maintain digestive balance
Marketing materials say it "is the #1 Gastroenterologist recommended probiotic and the most recommended probiotic by doctors as well". This claim is based on a survey published in a QuintilesIMS Claim Substantiation Statement dated August 30, 2017.
There are 6 different formulations of Align as of January, 2019 in the forms of 3 capsules and 3 chewables:
- Regular-strength capsules
- Extra-strength capsules
- Immune Support
- Banana-strawberry smoothie-flavored chewables for adults
- Assorted fruit flavored prebiotic + probiotic gummies
- Cherry smoothie-flavored junior strength chewables for kids
What Are The Ingredients in This Probiotic Supplement?
Please always read ingredients before taking any supplement! The ingredients may change depending on the dates the products are manufactured.
As of January, 2019, the regular-strength capsules contain 1 billion CFU of Bifidobacterium 35624 at time of manufacture with a minimum level of 10 million CFU until the “best by” date, which is at least 18 months from the manufacture date based on the package I purchased.
Other ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, sucrose (sugar) magnesium stearate (flow agent), sodium caseinate (milk allergy alert!), titanium dioxide (color), trisodium citrate dihydrate, propyl gallate (antioxidant preservative), gellan gum (thickener).
This product contains milk, but is listed to be gluten-free.
The extra-strength capsules contain 5 billion CFU when manufactured, and “provides an effective level of bacteria (50 million CFU) until at least the “best by” date.” Other ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, sucrose, magnesium stearate, sodium caseinate, titanium dioxide (color), trisodium citrate dihydrate, propyl gallate (antioxidant preservative), and gellan gum.
This product contains milk, but is listed to be gluten-free.
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The Daily Immune Support Formula is unique in this line of products. Rather than having Bifidobacterium 35624 in it, it contains B. animalis subsp. lactis BB-12, commonly known as B. lactis BB-12. The amount of BB-12 is five billion CFU at time of manufacture with an effective level of 1 billion until at least the “best by” date. The ingredients of this formula were not online at the time I updated this page, but I will check in my local store and see if it is available. If so, I will update this page. |
The adult chewables (for ages 12 and older) contain sucrose, fructose, microcrystalline cellulose, artificial flavor, corn starch, maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, sodium caseinate, propyl gallate (antioxidant preservative), and trisodium citrate dehydrate. There is less than 1 gram of sugar per chewable. It, also, contains milk. It “provides an effective level of bacteria (10 million CFU) until at least the “best by” date.”
This product contains milk.
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The Align Prebiotic + Probiotic Gummies are an anomaly in this product line. While the other products contain Bifidobacterium strains, this one contains Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 at a level of 1 billion CFU in 2 gummies at time of manufacture, plus inulin as a prebiotic. The ingredients of this formula were not online at the time I updated this page, but I will check in my local store and see if it is available. If so, I will update this page. |
The junior chewables for kids (for ages 6 and older) provides 10 million CFU of Bifidobacterium 35624 until at least the “best by” date.
Ingredients listed on the website are sucrose, fructose, microcrystalline cellulose, artificial flavor (?), com starch, maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, sodium caseinate, propyl gallate (antioxidant preservative), and trisodium citrate dehydrate. There is less than 1 gram of sugar per chewable. It, too, contains milk. Interestingly, the website says there are no artificial sweeteners and no artificial flavors (?) and that it is gluten-free.
What is the Recommended Dosage of Align?
The manufacturer's recommended dosage is 1-2 units (capsule or tablet, depending on the formula) per day for each age group. The website does caution that you may experience some gas and bloating while your digestive system adjusts to the probiotic.
What Are Some Reviews of Align?
As of January, 2019, on the aligngi.com website, the regular capsules have a 4.36 out of 5 rating, the extra-strength have a 4.73 out of 5 rating, the immune blend has 4.55 out of 5 rating, the adult chewables have a 5 out of 5 rating, the junior chewables have a 4.8 out of 5 rating and the prebiotic+probiotic gummies have a 4.5 out of 5 rating. Some of these reviewers received incentives for their reviews. Therefore, I looked to other retailers for verified-purchase reviews.
At Vitacost, there were 4.7 out of 5 stars for the regular capsules, with this recent review, but the other reviews were several years old:
"I was skeptical for a long time about probiotics but finally decided to try. After years of various digestive issues and experience with different medications, I have to say this one made the nice list. I have experienced relief in several areas due to Align. Day 2 and 3 felt gurgly and unsettled, but after that smooth sailing. Just be sure to take every day around same time, so you don’t have to start the intro process all over."
At Amazon.com, there were different reviews for the different package sizes of the regular-strength, but all of them averaged over 4.4 out of 5 stars, with recent verified purchases. Some positive and negative reviews were:
“I was hesitant to use Align at first because I’m not sure if it will have bad side effects. I consulted my gastroenterologist and gave it a go after reading the literature. I used to rush to the bathroom after most if my meals so it was really problematic for me when im in restaurants or traveling. This is a godsend. I no longer bloat,and my bathroom problems totally disappeared. I even bought a travel toilet to use when im on the road but fortunately I never got to use it. I am thankful I read the reviews and tried it. I’m reviewing it too so I can help the others who are suffering from IBS like I used to. Thanks Align!” – October 8, 2017, Top Positive Review
“This was recommended by my gastroenterologist due to persistent issues with heartburn, indigestion, and other undesirable after effects associated with certain foods. It works well, getting rid of all problems related with digestion without causing any side effects. It is pricey but I am going to stick with this because it works and I know I can depend on it.” – June 12, 2017
“i have Ibs , only probio that has help me. . been on it for 5 months bought it first at walmart drug dept, was recommended to me.by drugest. I started buying it on Amazon as the price is less.” – March 13, 2018
“Did nothing for me. Stomach pain, can't digest food, bloat remained the same. Tried VSL#3 and it seems to be helping a little. Whenever a product has a special or secret ingredient I always get worried. Is it really special or is it just a way to hide real ingredients, amounts etc.? Just one pill a day doesn't seem right either. You can take more or less VSL depending on condition or spikes. It might be ok for use after I get things under control but I don't think Aline will get me there.” – March 5, 2018, Top Critical Review
“this gave me really bad gas and upset stomach” – January 10, 2018
“I read in a health newsletter that Align Probiotic was the best for IBS problems so I bought a large box to be used over several weeks. I have now used the entire box and don't notice any improvement. I have now purchased another product and will not be buying any more of this probiotic.” – November 5, 2017
Is Align the Probiotic Supplement for YOU?
If you want to determine if this probiotic supplement can help you, read my book about what the research shows, "Bifidobacterium infantis 35624: Not Just for Babies". As I previously mentioned, Bifidobacterium 35624 was previously known as B. infantis 35624.
Purchasers of the book also have free access to the pros and cons of this supplement as I see them. For less than the average cost of ONE box of Align (4-week supply), you can know what the research actually shows and whether or not it may help you.
Where to Purchase Align?
If after reading "Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 - Not Just for Babies" you would like to purchase Align, it can be found at:
Note that pictures of the packages may differ as packages experience updates.
Thanks to Gary for mentioning this supplement. Please let me know what you think!
Other Probiotic Supplement Reviews
To read about my approach to supplement reviews, and about my reviews of other probiotic supplements, click here.
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