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Mommypotamus » Health » Why I No Longer Recommend Prescript Assist (And What I’m Using Instead)

Why I No Longer Recommend Prescript Assist (And What I’m Using Instead)

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prescript assist probiotic review I’ve been recommending spore-based probiotics for years and giving them to my own family. Prescript Assist was one of my top choices because it was clinically validated and several practitioners I deeply respect reported good results with it. However, it was reformulated in 2017 and – although I usually go by the adage that if you can’t say something positive not to say anything at all – I feel it is important to update you about why. Here are my concerns: 1. Limited or no evidence of benefit for the reformulated version – Of the 29 strains used in Prescript Assist’s original formula that was shown to be helpful for Irritable Bowel Syndrome in randomized, controlled clinical trials, only nine are used in the new formula. Of the nineteen new strains are included, most have no or very little clinical evidence supporting their use. 2. Undeclared allergens – In 2018, Magnetic Clay (now Enviromedica) issued a voluntary recall after they learned that their supplier violated Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), resulting in the presence of undeclared allergens including almonds, crustaceans, milk, casein, eggs, and peanuts. Magnetic Clay urged consumers to return the product to them for a full refund, which I respect immensely. Many companies don’t issue recalls for known problems because they don’t want to offer reimbursements, but Magnetic Clay chose to do the right thing.

What I’m Using Instead

My husband and I both use Seed Synbiotic, which is a 2-in-1 prebiotic and probiotic. (Probiotic + Prebiotic = Synbiotic) Here’s why Seed is my top choice:
  • Transparency – You know exactly what strains are included and in what quantities. (Because strain matters, and so does potency!) Here’s what Seed’s 24-strain blend includes:
    • Digestive Health, Gastrointestinal Immunity & Gut Barrier Integrity Blend (17 research-backed strains)
    • Dermatological Health Blend (5 research-backed strains)
    • Cardiovascular Health Blend (3 research-backed strains)
    • Micronutrient Synthesis Blend (2 research-backed strains)
    • Microbiota-Accessible Prebiotic™ [MAP] Blend (prebiotics)
  • Survivability – Seed uses nested capsules that are designed to survive the harsh environment of the stomach. Basically, there’s an inner capsule with beneficial bacteria that is nested inside an outer capsule filled with a liquid prebiotic that shields the bacteria from oxygen, moisture, heat, and stomach acid.
  • Allergen-Free – It’s free of common allergens like dairy, gluten, and soy.
  • Seed’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Gregor Reid, is literally the guy who coined the word “probiotic.” – In addition, their Scientific Advisory Board is made up of scientists, researchers, doctors and authors across the fields of microbiology, immunology, genetics, metabolomics, gastroenterology, pediatrics, molecular biology, and transcriptomics. They lead labs, teach at world-renowned academic institutions, and have among them 2800+ publications and over 140,000 citations in peer-reviewed scientific journals and textbooks.
Because probiotics work best when taken regularly, Seed Synbiotic is only available via a monthly subscription. However, if needed you can easily skip/reschedule a delivery or cancel if needed.

Want to try Seed Synbiotic?

Click here and use MPSAVE15 for 15% off your first month.

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About Heather Dessinger

Hi, I'm Heather Dessinger, founder of Mommypotamus.com. I'm on a mission to help you put delicious, healthy meals on the table, find effective natural remedies for common complaints, make your own fuss-free personal care and home products, and save time and money in the process.

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    • Tania

      I havent tried this product but I’ve found using a D-lactate free probiotic has done wonders for my son with autism. Antioxidants such as vit D and NAC reduce his stimming impulses. Methyl-folate, magnesium and methyl-b12 (injection in his sleep every 3rd night) make a difference too. When I stopped the injections the family members who had been very against me giving him an injection all said that he needed to go back on it since they could see now that they made a big difference. I’m not a doctor and I’m not promoting any products I just thought I’d share my experience. I love my sons quirks, but I’m happy to have found a few things to detoxify him and reduce symptoms that are uncomfortable for those around him, but most importantly him. He’s done so well that his Kindergarten teacher isn’t even requesting aide support for him when he had a year of funding left over! I contibute at least part of his ability to succeed to these safe biomed supplements. On occasion he gets a digestive enzyme and we did remove gluten, dairy, eggs, and soy from his diet but after a year we allow them on occasion mostly because it helps us focus on nutritious foods such as almond/cashew products, ancient grains, non GMO starches such as potato and corn as well as magnesium rich nuts. All the best!

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    • Tania

      I havent tried this product but I’ve found using a Custom Probiotics D-lactate free probiotic has done wonders for my son with autism. Antioxidants such as vit D and NAC reduce his stimming impulses. Methyl-folate, magnesium and methyl-b12 (injection in his sleep every 3rd night) make a difference too. When I stopped the injections the family members who had been very against me giving him an injection all said that he needed to go back on it since they could see now that they made a big difference. I’m not a doctor and I’m not promoting any products I just thought I’d share my experience. I love my sons quirks, but I’m happy to have found a few things to detoxify him and reduce symptoms that are uncomfortable for those around him, but most importantly him. He’s done so well that his Kindergarten teacher isn’t even requesting aide support for him when he had a year of funding left over! I contibute at least part of his ability to succeed to these safe biomed supplements. On occasion he gets a digestive enzyme and we did remove gluten, dairy, eggs, and soy from his diet but after a year we allow them on occasion mostly because it helps us focus on nutritious foods such as almond/cashew products, ancient grains, non GMO starches such as potato and corn as well as magnesium rich nuts. All the best!

      to Tania" aria-label='reply to this comment to Tania'>reply to this comment

  35. Debbie

    I’m in the Nutritional Therapy Practitioner program and when working with my practice clients I am always recommending a probiotic along with other digestive support. I have been recommending a couple of other brands, but recently heard from Chris Kresser and YOU 🙂 that these are the most effective at colonizing and resulting in more healing. Since you guys are smarter than I am, I am dying to try them to see if I also can recommend when I start my practice!

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  40. Jill Dupre

    I really, really, really need this so bad. I have suffered with severe digestive issues for years. They are so bad I have this unnerving fluttering in my chest. I have had a complete cardiac work up and found no issues. I KNOW it is stomach related because I have the most issues when I feel gassy or like my food is undigested for hours. I have been diagnosed with IBS with constipation but I know there is something more than that going on. My sister suffers from the same issues and she was diagnosed with gastroparesis. Would be a blessing to win and give this a try!

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    • Sara

      From the year 1997- 2010 I was under the impression I had IBS…I was even diagnosed by a “Specialist in the late 90’s who confirmed this impression. The symptoms were severe enough that I had to retire as school bus driver 🙁
      In March of 2010 I was in n the hospital with very painful spasms in my belly/abdomen.
      Tests such as a vaginal ultrasound revealed a twisted colon. Emergency surgery was performed that evening to temporarily in untwist the colon and get my system thoroughly cleaned out before performing the major surgery to remove 3 feet of my colon. I could have died if it had burst! I owe my life to Jesus, and my adult daughter, whose threat that she’d never speak to me ever again, if I didn’t get to the emergency room!
      I pray you received thorough tests! God bless you!

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  69. Kara

    I would love to win because I am pregnant and we have a toddler…ever since my toddler was a baby and “got an ear infection” we’ve been using probiotics. I fell for that whole doctor bit and used an antibiotic and she had been sick ever since…she has hardly been sick in 2 years since starting probiotics! This would be great to help out with the expenses since it seems we are always buying FCLO, probiotics, or something! 🙂

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  167. Elena

    So, I just read all about this stuff this morning. I’m sold, I need it now! Only problem is I just convinced my husband that we could afford to buy fermented cod liver oil. So now I have no money for this! lol. I’m a biology student and have worked with some of these microorganisms, and some very similar to the ones here. Needless to say I am very excited to try this product, and this seems like my chance! THANKS!!!!!

    to Elena" aria-label='reply to this comment to Elena'>reply to this comment

  175. Jordie

    My gut SUCKS. I have terrible eczema and digestive issues (food goes in but doesn’t come out…) and the only way I can solve this is through probiotics in some form. I’ve tried fermenting vegetables but mum is an absolute clean freak and hates me leaving out vegetables without the lids properly shut for more than three hours, and we don’t have access to raw milk because it’s banned in Australia. Having probiotics in a pill would make life SOOO much easier, so that my eczema would go away and I wouldn’t feel so bloated all the time!

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  257. Ciara

    We are gonna try to start having a baby and I want my body to be in tip top shape and I know this will help get it there! The other day when you posted the link about this stuff I seen it and was amazing at how much sense it made! I have kept the tap open for a bottle of it for days. And even tho I know we can’t afford it right now, I kept the tab open to day dream about getting it (I know sad lol) and I have also shared it with friends so anytime I need to copy and post the link for it, it’s there 🙂

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  260. megan

    I have years of digestive troubles that i have been trying to manage with a whole foods diet, I feel better, but i know i need a really super probiotic and i have yet to find one. I also now have a 3 month old baby who seems to fair much better when i do take probiotics. Since i am currently not working and with no mat leave as i work for myself i cant afford these, but this would be a great way to try and then i can purchase once back at work and can afford them 🙂
    I am really hoping this could be an answer to years of trying to heal.

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  301. Krystal Wight Armstrong

    I’m ‘leaving a comment’ for an entry, as I’m very interested in making these a part of our dietary habits. And Thank you for doing all the work & research to bring us this info, and then to offer a giveaway!
    On a different note…I love your giveaways (and even moreso your super informative and entertaining blog posts), but I’m often not sure what to do with some of the entry fields in your giveaway forms. Like the one that says to check out the product’s link above and then there’s an empty box- I assume I should put my e-mail address in it, but I just thought I’d kindly suggest that with a few of those different entry options, there might be more info on what to fill the boxes in with.
    Thank you again! 🙂

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  399. April

    Heather, I am interested in trying this probiotic for my 3 year old. I am trying to feed him and supplement in ways that will boost his immune system. My question is that I have also read there may be concerns about SBO’s being pathogenic and ” taking over” the gut including the good bacteria housed there. Do you have any thoughts on these ideas? Thanks. I love your blog and respect your opinions.

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    • Heather

      Hi April, first off I would like to say that I am not a healthcare professional and cannot give advice regarding specific situations. Personally, after looking at the research I’ve concluded that there is a huge difference between endospore forming organisms and “spore forming” organisms. Prescript Assist contains only endospore forming organisms, which according to the manufacturer are inactive in the body. They wait until they are expelled to do their thing.

      to Heather" aria-label='reply to this comment to Heather'>reply to this comment

  409. Tania

    Probably a great product and I’d try it for my son who has autism had we not found one that has corrected his gut issues, is d-lactate fee and even though it has a higher upfront cost, it’s a fraction of the cost since it lasts at least 6 months. Plus ours is a powder. I keep the one we have in the fridge but it can remain at room temperature for up to 2 weeks while maintaining 260B /g on date of expiry. I don’t want to appear like I’m promoting any brand but if you google d-lactate free probiotic it should come up. It’s also ships to Canada!

    to Tania" aria-label='reply to this comment to Tania'>reply to this comment

    • Heather

      That’s a great question, but unfortunately there’s no one definitive answer. Some people say they are totally fine and even beneficial during pregnancy/lactation, while others say they’re not. Like most probiotics and other supplements, the label simply says to consult a physician before taking them if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. My takeaway from that is that the answer depends on a persons individual situation and health needs, and that a conversation with a practitioner is best for determining what’s appropriate.

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  411. Jacqueline Muscha

    I am not getting paid for this comment, but I wanted everyone to know that I have tried and currently use Just Thrive Probiotics. They have been the best probiotics I have ever tried, and I have tried everything from the generic to name brand. I have never seen any probiotic clear up my skin and help with constipation like this one does. I cannot say whether it helps with leaky gut or not because I have not technically been diagnosed with that, but I have nothing but rave reviews for it. I actually joined their subscription service because I was so impressed. I give it to my children also. Just open a capsule and put it in their water for them to drink. If you have not had any success with a probiotic yet, I highly recommend you try Just Thrive.

    to Jacqueline Muscha" aria-label='reply to this comment to Jacqueline Muscha'>reply to this comment

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I'm Heather, aka The Mommypotamus. I’m a wife, mom, real food lover, research geek, and amateur homesteader. And potamus... obviously.

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