Theralac’s Natural Acid-Proof Formula

The following photos are from the Master Supplements, Inc.  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 gel structure 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

In the stomach, an alginic acid shell forms. The contents of the capsule are sequestered and they are protected. When the alginic acid shell passes into the small intestine, and pH begins to move closer to neutral, the shell reverts to sodium alginate and the consistency becomes more like that of a gum.

At this point, the probiotics and the prebiotics are still sequestered. In this state, they are not competing for food and space with the other native bacteria. In the gum the two prebiotics protect and stimulate only the probiotics.

As this gum moves through the small intestine, it is in contact with the lining/villi and effective colonization can occur. In this manner all the bacteria are delivered to both the small intestine and to the colon.

NO OTHER PROBIOTIC FORMULATION HAS
THIS DEGREE OF ACID PROOF PROTECTION.