Symprove FAQs

1. What is Symprove?
Symprove is a totally new type of multi-strain supplement. It is a water-based barley drink and each dose delivers 4 species of live, activated bacteria to the gut. We call it a breakthrough multi-strain formula because of the way it effectively delivers these live activated bacteria using a unique transport system without triggering digestion.

2. How much Symprove do I need?
Symprove comes in a 500ml bottle and you need to take the equivalent of your recommended body weight in millilitres.  For example if your weight is 60kg you need to take 60ml each day.

3. Is Symprove available in different flavours?
Symprove is available in 2 flavours – Original as well as Mango & Passion Fruit.

4. How is Symprove delivered?
Symprove ordered before 2pm is dispatched the same day and delivered in 3-4 working days by your usual postman.  We do offer next day delivery for a charge of £7.00.

5. When will my Symprove arrive?
Symprove takes 3-4 working days to arrive.  You must order before 2pm for the Symprove to be dispatched that day.  If you require guaranteed next working day delivery, please select this option and a £7 charge will apply.
6. Does Symprove contain gluten?
No, Symprove is gluten-free. In order to produce the naturally occurring bacteria in Symprove we use a special substrate to enable and activate the bacteria. Symprove is gluten free because during the production process, the substrate denatures gluten to an undetectable level - independently tested at less than 4 parts per million (<4ppm).
 
7. Can Symprove survive at ambient temperatures?
The probiotics in Symprove can easily survive ambient temperatures although we recommend storing Symprove in the fridge once open to maximise its shelf-life.
8. What's the shelf life?
Symprove has a shelf-life of 4 months. Please see the use-by sticker on the bottom of the bottle. Remember, to pop it in the fridge once opened.
 
9. How does Symprove work?
A healthy human digestive tract contains over 350 different kinds of bacteria. Most of these are good for us and live 'symbiotically' within or on the body. Many doctors and scientists believe that problems with these bacteria, for example too few 'good' symbiotic bacteria or the presence of 'bad' pathogenic bacteria can result in digestive and other problems. Symprove contains four kinds of live, activated bacteria. When you swallow Symprove, these naturally occurring bacteria reach your gut where they establish and help to restore a healthy balance of 'normal bacteria'.
 
10. How long does Symprove take to start working?
We've received feedback from so many customers who drink Symprove for a wide range of reasons. Some people notice a different within a week and for others it can take longer. Independent research carried out by experts has shown that if people take Symprove for up to 90 days at a time, it can fully reset the system.
 
11. How long do I need to take Symprove
It's recommended you drink Symprove for at least a month (NICE guidelines) and up to 90 days to give your gut a chance of fully resetting your system.
 
12. Why is Symprove special?
As far as we know, Symprove is the only product available which contains four species of live, activated bacteria with its own Unique Delivery System. This is important because all other multi-strain products contain freeze-dried bacteria which are not ready-to-work when you swallow them. When bacteria are freeze-dried, many do not survive the manufacturing process. With Symprove the bacteria are always active. Many of the yoghurt type products on the market contain only one strain of bacteria which are challenged as they pass through the volatile pH conditions of the gastrointestinal tract.
 
13. How many bacteria are in Symprove?
So many manufacturers talk about the number of bacteria in their products. However, our bacteria numbers refer to actual colony forming units (CFUs). The reason we draw your attention to this is because it's important to recognise that condition, availability and what the bacteria are able to do for you as soon as you drink Symprove outweigh single numbers. Our bacteria are live and activated from the moment you swallow the product and there are 10 billion colony forming units per 50ml serving. Freeze-dried bacteria products have to rehydrate before they can begin work.
 
14. What bacteria are in Symprove?
There are 4 species of naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria in Symprove, L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, and E. faecium. A healthy gut contains all four of these bacteria although some people have an imbalance which is where additional 'good' bacteria help. Every millilitre of Symprove contains at least 200 million live, activated bacteria.
 
15. Why have you changed the bacteria used in Symprove?
We have not changed any of the species of bacteria used in Symprove – we are still using exactly the same bacteria. It is simply that the name of the bacteria has been changed by scientists due to advances in understanding of bacteria species.
 
16. Is L. rhamnosus safe?
L. rhamnosus is the new name for our old bacteria – L casei. It is safe.
 
17. What does Symprove taste like?
Symprove Original has an unusual distinctive malty flavour and many customers describe it as 'tasting full of goodness.' However, our fruity flavour Mango & Passion Fruit is by far the most popular. The viable bacterial account is the same for both.
 
18. Why choose Symprove?
Here at Symprove we believe the best way to take advantage of the benefits of lactic acid bacteria strains is by consuming a product containing live activated bacteria rather than tablets or capsules containing freeze-dried bacteria. This means the good bacteria can get to work in your digestive system straight away. It's also important to take a probiotic that has the right kinds of bacteria in the right amounts. Symprove contains billions of 4 different types of live, activated lactic acid bacteria and it's strains are documented scientifically. We believe there is no better way to introduce good bacteria to your digestive system, but try it for yourself and see what you think.
 
19. Who should drink Symprove?
Anybody who has an unbalanced gut. Symprove is totally different to any other multi-strain bacteria product due to the unique way that Symprove delivers live, activated bacteria. It is important to understand however that Symprove is not a medicine but a food supplement and should be taken in addition to a balanced diet. If you are in any doubt about whether to add lactic acid bacteria to your diet, you should discuss this with your doctor or other appropriate healthcare professional.
 
20. Is Symprove a natural product?
All the ingredients in Symprove are naturally occurring from the barley we use to the bacteria that make it their home. The only additional ingredients are vitamin C, sorbate and citrate which are found in everyday foods. We also use natural flavours for the mango & passion fruit having carefully tested the stability of the flavoured product before release. Symprove is free from artificial sweeteners, sugars and colours and we do not use GM (genetically modified) products. Symprove is suitable for vegetarians and vegans as well as those who are dairy or gluten intolerant.
 
21. Who makes Symprove?
Symprove is made by Symprove Ltd. The Founding Team have over 25 years experience of making probiotic products. All the ingredients in Symprove are sourced and produced in Great Britain.
 
22. Can people with allergies drink Symprove?
Symprove is non-dairy and gluten free. It contains no artificial colours or flavours. If you have any questions at all please contact us on contact@symprove.com or 01252 413600.
 
23. Does Symprove have any down sides?
Occasionally (about one in 100 people) customers have reported a loosening of the stools during the first few days of drinking Symprove. This is usually quite normal as it means the bacteria are busy at work!
 
24. How much Symprove should I take?
The recommended dose is 1 millilitre for each kilogramme of body weight.  For example, if you weigh 60kg, drink 60 ml each day.  A measuring cup is included.
 
25. How should I look after Symprove?
Symprove contains live activated bacteria. These are tiny living things (microorganisms) and they need you to look after them. Symprove should be stored in the fridge once opened at a temperature of around 5-7°C. Please do not freeze Symprove or leave in direct sunlight. You should always gently shake the bottle before use and replace the cap immediately after pouring Symprove. If you have any queries about how to look after Symprove, call and talk to one of the team on 01252 413600.
 
26. Is there any research into Symprove?
Symprove has a strong R&D department and is constantly looking to improve its product and credentials. Each batch of Symprove is also rigorously and independently tested.
 
27. What are the health claims for Symprove?
Regulatory law means that probiotics are categorised as food products, and it's against the law to make health claims for foods. Many people believe that taking products which contain probiotic bacteria found naturally in the digestive system can help their health and maintain balance in the gut. The internet is a good source to learn more about other people's experiences.
 
28. Who controls the use of health claims on food products in UK?
Any substance sold in the UK where a health claim is made is regulated by the Medical and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MRHA), an executive agency of the Department of Health. Because Symprove is a probiotic food it is classed as a food product and the company cannot make health claims under current legislation. Symprove complies with the restrictions on health claims but would like to draw your attention to scientific research referencing 'good' bacteria and their benefits.
 
29. What quality controls do you have in place?
At Symprove we pride ourselves on offering a high quality product. The production process is run to full food standards and each batch of Symprove is independently tested by an external laboratory. Quite simply, if our stringent standards are  not met, we don't sell it. We know exactly what is in every batch of Symprove including exact bacterial readings.
 
30. How much is Symprove?
Symprove is £21.95 per bottle.
 
31. Do I take Symprove with food?
We recommend you take Symprove first thing in the morning, BEFORE breakfast on an empty stomach. You should leave 5 minutes before eating and taking warm drinks. We recommend this because liquids pass through an empty stomach very quickly and the bacteria in Symprove will have the best chance of reaching your gut quickly. If you do eat immediately afterwards or drink Symprove with food, it won't do you any harm, however, the bacteria will be less effective.
 
32. Can I mix Symprove with other things?
It's best to drink Symprove on its own first thing in the morning, however, if you struggle with taste, Symprove can be mixed with any fruit juice EXCEPT grapefruit juice. Remember to leave 5 minutes before you have breakfast.
 
33. Can I mix Symprove into food? 
We recommend drinking Symprove on its own. Mixing Symprove into food will trigger digestion and all microorganisms find the pH levels in the stomach a challenge. Drinking Symprove on an empty stomach avoids triggering digestion.
 
34. Where can I buy Symprove?
Symprove is available direct from us online or by phone on 01252 413600. Symprove is also stocked at pharmacies and health stores on many high streets.
 
35. How long have 'friendly' bacteria been around?
The bacteria in Symprove have been around for millions of years, humans and bacteria have been dependant on each othersince time began. It's only more recently however that doctors and scientists have worked out just how important that relationship is. The technology behind Symprove has been refined over the last 25 years. Symprove has an agricultural sibling which has been used by farmers and vets worldwide very successfully and safely.
 
36. Can I take Symprove if I am pregnant or breast feeding?
Unless your doctor or midwife specifically agrees to it, you should not take any food supplements or drugs during pregnancy or when you are breast feeding.
 
37. Can I take Symprove and drink alcohol?
The bacteria in Symprove don't like alcohol. It has the same effect on their usefulness as it does on humans, so we don't recommend drinking alcohol for a few hours after consuming Symprove. Unless you are partial to a glass of wine with your cornflakes this shouldn't be an issue!
 
38. How is Symprove made?
Symprove is made in a clean 'laboratory standard' environment through a series of carefully controlled stages. First we boil specially selected grain to create a wort, a little like the first stage of brewing beer. The wort is purified and sterilised, then using temperature controlled and sterilised vats, we carefully introduce each of our four probiotic bacteria. The bacteria we use are high purity laboratory cultures  which are unique to Symprove. The probiotics begin to divide and once the required levels are reached we halt the process and Symprove is ready for bottling. Thoughout every stage the bacteria are carefull nurtured respecting they are living organisms. Read more about this in the 'About Us' section under House of Symprove.