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
Right now I’m using Just Thrive probiotics. In addition to using clinically validated strains, Just Thrive is manufactured in a Certified Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) facility, which is the gold standard for quality and purity.
Just Thrive probiotics are unique in a couple of ways:
- 100% survivability – Unlike many strains which don’t fare well when exposed to stomach acid, Just Thrive probiotics have been proven to arrive in the intestines 100% alive
- It makes antioxidants and vitamins in the gut– Just Thrive contains a strain called Bacillus Indicus HU36®, which produces antioxidants/ carotenoids (the nutrients that give red peppers and tomatoes their color) inside your gut, making it one of the most absorbable forms of antioxidants available. HU36 also produces B vitamins and Vitamin K2.
There are other benefits, too. In addition to HU36, Just Thrive contains three other research-backed strains that aid digestion, support healthy bowels, and provide powerful immune support.
