FloraGG

Active ingredients per 1 capsule: FloraGG (Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG) 25 Billion CFU, Sunfiber^TM (Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum) 210mg

For adults or children (above 12 years old): 1 capsule daily with room temperature water.
For children below 12 years old: ½ capsule daily. For those who have difficulty swallowing, open the capsule and pour ½ the contents into room temperature water, milk, yogurt of foods.
 

Q. What is FloraGG?
A. FloraGG is a natural probiotic supplement formulated with 25 billion CFU live Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (FloraGG®), which is one of the most extensively studied and widely used probiotic strains. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is naturally present in the human intestines. It is highly viable, possessing excellent acid and bile resistant, and also adheres well to the intestinal lining to exert health benefits. In addition, FloraGG incorporates a patented 5-layer microencapsulation technology (Patent no. M479761) to further protect the probiotics, resulting in >600X higher survival rate than uncoated probiotics. This technology helps further improve the adhesion of the probiotics to the gut and improve their colonization, maximising their efficacy. FloraGG is also fortified with Sunfiber™ to boost the efficacy of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Sunfibre® is 100% water-soluble dietary fiber (partially hydrolysed guar gum) produced from Indian guar bean via enzymatic fermentation. Unlike other fibers, Sunfiber™ helps maintain intestinal regularity and digestive health without the excess gas, bloating and loose stools. With this synergistic pairing, FloraGG helps maintain intestinal, digestive, immune, and skin health, as well as supporting weight management and overall wellness. 

Q. What are the health benefits of FloraGG?
A. Combining the synergetic benefits of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (FloraGG®) and Sunfiber™ prebiotic dietary fibre, FloraGG is beneficial to gastrointestinal health. It helps restore healthy gut flora, mitigate gastrointestinal discomforts, promote regular bowel movements, normalise digestive system and improve mineral absorption. In addition, it maintains healthy immune system and inflammatory responses, supports healthy respiratory system and helps protect against caries development in children. This formula also supports healthy weight management by managing appetite and promoting feelings of fullness. 

Q. What is patented 5-layer microencapsulation technology?
A. The patented 5-layer microencapsulation technology (Patent no. M479761) consists of acid-resistant, bile-resistant, antioxidant, nutrient-rich and colonization layers. The outer 3 layers (acid resistant, bile resistant and antioxidant) provide a physical barrier against harsh conditions such as gastric acid, bile, heat, humidity and stress, to ensure the probiotics are delivered to the gut alive. Meanwhile, the nutrient-rich layer keeps the probiotics and intestinal lining healthy and the colonization layer combines the probiotics and prebiotics to increase colonization of probiotics in the intestinal lining. Compared to uncoated probiotics, patented microencapsulation allows for >600X higher survival rate. 

Q. What makes Sunfiber™ in FloraGG unique?
A. Sunfiber™ is the world’s most researched soluble fiber that helps restore healthy gut flora, support digestive balance, reduce glycemic index of food and supports healthy weight management, without the side effects commonly associated with most fibers - digestive discomforts, including excess gas, bloating, diarrhea and cramping.
This true regulating, all-natural fiber is affirmed as GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) and highly safe for daily consumption. This unique and excellent dietary fiber is suitable for everyone, including those with gastrointestinal disorders.

Q. How to consume FloraGG?
A. Take 1 capsule daily with one glass of room temperature or cold water. Avoid taking with hot water or beverages as this can reduce the viability of the probiotics, thereby reducing the effectiveness of FloraGG.

Q. When is the best time to take FloraGG?
A. FloraGG can be taken any time of the day, with or without food. It is advisable to take first thing in the morning to help kick-start your day with healthy digestive system. Taking FloraGG in the morning can help normalizing bowel movements, prevent constipation, diarrhea and bloating. For those who are concerned over body weight, blood glucose and triglycerides, it is best to take it before meal for best effects.

Q. How often should I take FloraGG to optimise gut health?
A. An unhealthy diet (caffeine, wine, bad food choices), lifestyle factors (such as stress and late nights) and antibiotic use can negatively impact the gut microflora balance. Hence, it is highly recommended to take FloraGG daily to restore healthy gut flora balance, which supports gut health and overall wellness. 

Q. Will FloraGG cause gastrointestinal discomforts?
A. Sunfiber™ prebiotic dietary fiber in FloraGG is unlike other fibers and will not give common side effects from taking other fibers; It may be fiber-associated digestive discomforts, excess gas, bloating, diarrhea or cramping. Nonetheless, some consumers may experience mild abdominal discomforts, such as gas and bloating in the first few days of taking probiotics. This is likely due to the change in the gut flora. Nonetheless, these side effects should subside within a few days or weeks. 

Q. Can I take FloraGG together with vitamins and other supplements?
A. Yes, it is safe to do so.

Q. Can I take FloraGG together with antibiotics or other medicines?
A. Yes. However, it is advisable to leave a 2-hour gap between FloraGG and antibiotics or other medications to ensure its efficacy is not compromised.

Q. Can children consume FloraGG?
A. Yes, FloraGG is suitable for all ages. If swallowing the capsule is not possible, it can be opened, and the content can be mixed with room temperature water, milk, yogurt or foods. Take FloraGG daily for healthy bowel movement, digestive wellness and relieve gastrointestinal discomforts, such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating and indigestion. 

Q. Is FloraGG safe for use during pregnancy and lactation?
A. In general, probiotics do not appear to pose any safety concerns for pregnant and lactating women. In addition, Sunfiber™ formulated in FloraGG has been taken by pregnant and lactating women for years to help improve intestinal regularity and mitigate bloating and cramping. Nonetheless, pregnant and lactating mothers are strongly advised to consult physician before taking any supplements. 

Research proven health benefits of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG:

The following are extracted from published clinical studies, in-house studies, and/or case studies and are for reference purposes only. This does not imply that the product from Lifestream Group Pte Ltd is claimed to replicate the same results produced in the studies. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions about a medical condition, please consult your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Any statements or claims made have not been evaluated by the relevant regulatory bodies and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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Supports gastrointestinal health

Some probiotics secrete antibiotic-like substances that kill harmful bacteria. In this clinical trial, renal patients with positive vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) were orally administered 100g yogurt containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or control daily for 4 weeks. Their faecal samples were collected 3 times at about weekly intervals. All patients administered with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG cleared VRE, while 11 out of 12 patients administered control remained VRE-positive. These findings suggest the beneficial effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG as a probiotic therapy for gastrointestinal health of renal patients.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal condition, which causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. In this clinical trial, patients with IBS were orally administered 12 x 109 Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or control daily for 6 weeks. The patients were required to complete IBS severity score system (IBS-SSS) questionnaire on a weekly basis. Compared to control, there was a significant reduction in IBS-SSS from baseline to week 6 for Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG group, suggesting that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG could be an effective therapy for patients with IBS.

Probiotics could promote a faster recovery of acute diarrhea by acting against the harmful bacteria that causes the diarrhea, as well as reduce inflammation and damage to the gut. In this clinical trial, children ages 1 month to 3 years with acute-onset diarrhea were administered oral rehydration solution plus live Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (at least 10¹⁰ CFU per 250 ml) or placebo. The same rehydration solution was freely accessible to the patients until diarrhoea stopped. Compared to placebo, there was a significant reduction in the duration of diarrhea in the treated group. In addition, the hospital stays were significantly shorted in treated group than placebo. These findings suggest that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG helps relieve acute diarrhea in children.

Support healthy immune system

Probiotics help restore the gut flora balance, which helps improve immunity. In this clinical trial, healthy volunteers were orally administered Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for 5 weeks and the effect on cellular immune response to intestinal microorganisms was determined. Oral administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG increased the activational response of T-lymphocytes (immune cells) towards intestinal microorganisms. In addition, the activational response of T lymphocytes on “non-self” intestinal flora was higher than by “self” intestinal flora. These findings suggest the beneficial effects on the cellular immune system of healthy volunteers (J Dairy Res.70(2):165-173 (2003)).

Reduce risk of caries development

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG may be beneficial in maintaining optimal oral health. In this clinical trial, children aged 1 – 6 years old received the milk containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for 5 days a week for 7 months and their oral health was recorded at baseline and at the end of the study. Results showed that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG helped reduce the risk of caries significantly, especially in the 3- to 4-year-old children. These findings suggest that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG holds the potential for supporting dental health in children.

Support respiratory health

Respiratory and gastrointestinal infections are common among the children. However, no effective approach is available in reducing the risk of these infections. In this clinical trial, 742 hospitalised children were orally administered Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG at a dose of 10⁹ in 100 ml of a fermented milk product or placebo, which is the same fermented milk product without Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Compared to placebo, there was a significantly reduction in the risk of respiratory tract infection and episodes of respiratory tract infections that lasted more than 3 days. In addition, the risk of gastrointestinal tract infections, episodes of gastrointestinal tract infections that lasted more than 2 days, vomiting episodes and diarrheal episodes are significantly lower in Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG group, compared to placebo. These findings suggest the beneficial effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in maintaining respiratory and gastrointestinal health in children.

Help reduce food allergy

Food allergy is a growing health concerns for children. IgE-mediated food allergies triggers an abnormal immune response when exposed to one or more specific foods, leading to uncomfortable symptoms. In this clinical trial, infants with suspected cow’s milk allergy (CMA) were orally administered Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or placebo for 4 weeks. Compared to placebo, there was a greater reduction in Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index in Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG group from baseline to 4 weeks after the treatment, suggesting the beneficial effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in mitigating eczema symptoms in children with food allergy.

Manages obesity

Obesity, which body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30, is an alarmingly increasing public health issue worldwide. Obesity is closely associated with metabolic disorders, including high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mortality. Leptin is hormone that is produced by fat cells in the body, which regulates fat storage and maintains normal weight on a long-term basis. Leptin resistance, which is characterised by reduced satiety and over-consumption of food, often leads to obesity.

In this test, male mice aged 7 weeks were fed with normal diet (ND), high-fat diet (HFD) and HFD supplement with low-dose Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) (10⁸ CFU/mouse/day) and HFD supplement with high-dose LGG (10¹⁰ CFU/mouse/day) for 10 weeks. Compared to ND-fed mice, there were significant increase in body weight and epididymal fat weight, decreased leptin responsiveness to exogeneous leptin treatment and remarkable increase in proportion of Proteobacteria in the fecal microbiota. Proteobacteria is the most consistently reported obesity-associated group of bacteria. Supplementation of HFD with high-dose LGG restore exogeneous leptin responsiveness and decreased the proportion of Proteobacteria in fecal microbiota. These findings suggest that LGG supplementation could help alleviate leptin resistance caused by HFD by improving the gastrointestinal health.

Research-proven efficacy of 5-layer microencapsulation:

The following were extracted from clinical studies and for referencing purpose only. This does not imply that the product is claimed to treat, cure or prevent any disease.

1) Increases survival rate of probiotics

A freeze-dry was carried out to compare the number of probiotics that were uncoated or embedded with the patented 5-layer microencapsulation. The result showed a higher survival rate with 10,000 times higher efficiency among probiotics that were encapsulated than those uncoated form.

2) Protects probiotics against high temperatures

Uncoated probiotics and probiotics embedded in the patented 5-layer microencapsulation were stored at 40^oC for 4 weeks. Results showed probiotics protected by the patented microencapsulation against the heat were 1 billion times more resilient than the uncoated form.

3) Maintains stability during storage

Uncoated probiotics and probiotics embedded in patented 5-layer microencapsulation were stored at ambient temperature for 12 months and a stability test was conducted. The patented microencapsulated group showed higher stability with 10 billion times more survivals than the uncoated form.

4) Resistance to gastric acid and bile

Uncoated probiotics and probiotics embedded in patented 5-layer microencapsulation were kept in a gastric environment for 3 hours and 24 hours to determine their acid resistance and bile tolerance respectively. Results showed that gastric acid and bile caused minimal reduction of microencapsulated probiotics but a drastic decrease in the uncoated form.

5) Improves probiotics colonisation in the intestines

In this test, uncoated probiotics and probiotics embedded in patented 5-layer microencapsulation were placed in a gastricenvironment and studied for colonisation. Intestinal colonisation by microencapsulated probiotics was found to be 1027 times more efficient than the uncoated form.

Research proven health benefits of Sunfiber^TM:

The following were extracted from clinical studies and for referencing purpose only. This does not imply that the product is claimed to treat, cure or prevent any disease.

1) Gastrointestinal health

Sunfiber™ or partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a water-soluble dietary fiber that helps relieve abdominal discomforts, improve bowel movement, and support gastrointestinal health by modulating gut microbiota. It is important to note that Health Canada has approved health claims for effectiveness of Sunfiber™ in mitigating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and relieve intestinal issues related to childhood constipation.

Study 1:
In this clinical trial, 44 healthy volunteers (average 41.9 ± 6.3 years old) with a tendency toward diarrhoea, particularly irritable bowel syndrome diarrhoea (IBS-D)-like symptoms, were orally administered Sunfiber™ at 5g/day for 3 months. This resulted in significant improvement in stool form, as evaluated using Bristol stool scale (BSS). In BSS, types 1 and 2 indicate constipation, types 3 and 4 are considered healthy stool, while types 5 to 7 indicate diarrhoea. In addition, there were significant changes in the ratio of some bacteria, including an increase in the number of beneficial Bifidobacterium. These findings suggest that Sunfiber™ helps improve stool form by regulating gut flora.

Study 2:
In this clinical trial, 20 healthy volunteers were orally administered 5g PHGG up to 3 times a day, including a 3-week washout period. A stool diary was kept daily, while clinical data, along with serum/plasma and stool samples were collected on a weekly basis. Results showed that PHGG administration significantly improved stool frequency and consistency. In addition, it also improved diversity of gut flora and increases abundances of metabolites, including butyrate, acetate, and various amino acids. Furthermore, PHGG intake was associated with a bloom of beneficial bacteria Ruminococcus, Fusicatenibacter, Faecalibacterium and Bacteroides, and reduction of harmful bacteria Roseburia, Lachnospiracea and Blautia. After stopping the prebiotic, majority of the effects disappeared. These findings suggest the beneficial effects of PHGG in improving gut microbiota.

Study 3:
In this clinical trial, healthy volunteers were administered 21g Sunfiber™ daily, which was spread out as 7 g servings, 3 times a day for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, both beneficial bacteria Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus levels significantly increased compared to baseline. In addition, the stool pH decreases, indicating the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids(SCFA).

Study 4:
In this clinical trial, constipated women were orally administered 11g Sunfiber™ twice per day for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks consumption, the Lactobacillus levels significantly increased and the participants reported significant relief of constipation, compared to control period.

Study 5:
In this clinical trial, 77 patients with small bowel intestinal overgrowth (SIBO) were orally administered standard antibiotic treatment or antibiotic plus 5g Sunfiber™ for 10 days. SIBO occurs when there is an abnormal increase in bacteria which are not commonly found in the digestive tract, resulting in gas, bloating and other discomforts. Results showed that the eradication rate of SIBO in the antibiotic group alone was 62.1%, while the eradication rate was 87.1% in the antibiotic plus Sunfiber™ group. This study suggests that Sunfiber™ may be useful as an adjunct therapy for SIBO by increasing the efficacy of antibiotics, which is the first line of treatment for SIBO in eradicating SIBO (Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 32: 1000-1006 (2010)).

Study 6:
In this clinical trial, healthy female volunteers were orally administered 6g Sunfiber™ daily for 2 weeks and the composition of their gut microbiome was compared before and after Sunfiber™ supplementation. Sunfiber™ supplementation resulted in significant increase in Bifidobacterium levels, as well as butyrate (short-chain fatty acid)-producing bacteria. Compared to baseline, the Bifidobacteria levels remained significantly higher for 2 weeks after stopping Sunfiber™ supplementation, indicating its long-lasting benefits (Benef Microbes. 6(4):451-5 (2015)).

Study 7:
In this clinical trial, healthy adults with loose stools were orally administered 5g Sunfiber™ for 12 weeks. Compared to placebo group, Sunfiber™ supplementation resulted in significant increase in Bifidobacterium level and normalisation of stool form. These findings suggest that Sunfiber™ serves as a prebiotic fiber, as well as aiding in bowel regularity (Nutrients. 11(9)(2019)).

2) Immune health
PHGG is a prebiotic fiber derived from guar gum and contains glucomannan. Bacteria in the colon ferments glucomannan into short-chain fatty acids, which provide far-reaching benefits for gastrointestinal and immune health.

Study 1:
In this clinical trial, patients admitted to Hokusei Hospital were orally administered PHGG at 5.2 g/day at mealtimes, or placebo. After starting the PHGG administration for 2 months, incidence of influenza during hospitalisation, stool pH and Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSS) were compared between the two groups. Results showed that there was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the incidence of influenza between PHGG and placebo groups, with greater incidence of influenza in the placebo group. In addition, the placebo group had more patients with high stool pH, as well as with very poor BSS, which score 1 or 7. The average pH for a healthy person is in the range of 7.0 to 7.5. A high stool pH could be due to deficiency of beneficial bacteria, short-chain fatty acids and fiber. These findings suggest the beneficial effect of PHGG on the intestinal environment and immune health, which contributes to reducing the incidence of influenza.

3) Gastrointestinal tolerance of low FODMAP supplement

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is commonly treated by adjusting the diet of IBS patients. Increasing the intake of dietary fiber and limiting the intake of FODMAP are the two frequent recommendations for IBS patients. As most fibers are high in FODMAP, this results in a limited number of suitable dietary fibers for IBS patients. Sunfiber™ is however different. This unique fiber, which is low in FODMAP and yet providing a rich source of dietary fiber, would be an ultimate choice for IBS patients. In this clinical trial, healthy adults (19 – 32 years old) were orally administered either one of 3 types of low FODMAP supplements, or positive control, which is 5g fructooligosaccharides (FOS) mixed in lactose-free milk. Following treatment consumption, breath hydrogen was measured at baseline, 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours. Hydrogen breath test is a test for lactose intolerance or bacterial overgrowth in small intestines. Compared to positive control, all three of the low FODMAP supplements resulted in lower breath hydrogen response at 3 and 4 hours after consumption. This indicates that low FODMAP formulas may be better tolerated in individuals with IBS.