Are Optibac supplements enteric coated?

None of the capsules in the Optibac range are enteric coated.

You may have heard that enteric coated capsules are more efficient because they are more capable of surviving the stomach acidity - a key factor in finding a high quality supplement. The capsules in the Optibac range do not require enteric coating, as the live culture strains themselves pass through many tests (as well as clinical trials) to ensure their survival until reaching the intestines where they are able to colonise and multiply. Instead of ensuring survivability of the capsules, we ensure survivability of the natural bacteria; for this reason the Optibac strains are viable in sachet form (for example as in Babies & Children, Bifido & Fibre and One Week Flat) and the capsules can be opened and the contents sprinkled into food or drink for those unable to swallow capsules.

Enteric coating production often involves use of solvents such as alcohol, or heat for drying; both of which could decrease the viability of the bacteria. Furthermore, a small amount of people report that enteric-coated capsules are in fact too strong, and pass through the entire digestive tract without dissolving! For these reasons we concentrate on the survivability & quality of our probiotic strains rather than that of the capsule.

Proven to Survive to Reach the Gut Alive

All of the live cultures strains used in Optibac supplements are tested in-vitro and are scientifically proven to survive through stomach acidity and bile salts to reach the gut alive. Likewise, our For Women supplement contains strains that are proven to survive to reach the vaginal flora.

For further reading, see our Live Cultures article.