Theralac’s® Natural Acid-Proof Formula
The following photos are from the Therabiotics U.S. patent application for acid proofing probiotic bacteria. Acid proof probiotics survive exposure to stomach acid and arrive in the small intestine at full strength. Studies show that greater 99% of unprotected probiotics are killed when exposed to stomach acid (pH 1.6) for one hour, a typical time spent in the stomach. Unprotected probiotics are very ineffective in the intestinal tract!
Theralac’s® patented process involves blending the probiotic bacteria with sodium alginate (from seaweed) and grape skin extract (Antioxidant/Buffer) and is distinctly different and safer than enteric coated formulations that utilize derivatives of acrylic acid (a synthetic chemical). All components in Theralac® are natural, food grade, digestible substances!
Stomach Acid Exposure Test
The photo to the right shows a at pH 1.6. The outer cellulose Vegicap® has dissolved and a protective gel has formed in the approximate shape of the original capsule, the red color is from the grape skin extract which acts as a protective buffer.
The inside of the gel structure (broken open to show the difference) remains dry and at a higher pH that protects the probiotic bacteria while in the stomach. Note the lavender color of the inner contents indicating a higher pH, grape skin extract is lavender at pH > 4.0.
Intestinal Environment Exposure Test
The flask depicted below was photographed immediately and at 5 minutes and 30 minutes after adding the gel structures – simulating what happens when they pass from the stomach into the small intestine (duodenum). It can be seen that the gel structures readily dissolve and disperse at pH 7.5, releasing the probiotic bacteria unharmed.
The photo to the right is of flask that contains simulated intestinal juice at pH 7.5 and two Theralac® gel structures.
The photo to the left is of the flask that contains simulated intestinal juice at pH 7.5 and two Theralac® gel structures after 5 minutes exposure.
The photo to the right is of the flask that contains simulated intestinal juice at pH 7.5 and two Theralac® gel structures after 30 minutes exposure. The gel structure has completely dissolved.
NO OTHER PROBIOTIC FORMULATION HAS THIS DEGREE OF ACID PROOF PROTECTION.