Smidge® Optimal Probiotic Capsules: Balanced Digestive Support for Every Stage of Life
Experience a finely-tuned blend of 13 premium probiotic strains designed to nurture your digestive health and overall well-being. Smidge® Optimal Probiotic capsules are crafted to harmonize with your body’s needs, easing mild digestive discomfort, promoting a healthy microbiome, and supporting urinary and reproductive health, as well as a balanced mood.*
Thoughtfully Designed for Maximum Benefits
Each strain in Smidge® Optimal Probiotic is carefully selected and calibrated to deliver optimal benefits while minimizing potential side effects often associated with other brands, such as d-lactic acidosis and histamine sensitivity. This allows for smooth digestion and easy absorption, so your body can fully embrace the advantages of a healthy gut.*
Pure and Allergen-Free
As with all Smidge® products, these capsules are Non-GMO and completely free from common allergens, additives, and unnecessary ingredients. Made in small batches, they deliver uncompromising quality to fit even the most sensitive lifestyles.
Dosage Directions
Infants: Use Smidge® Infant Probiotics only.
Children (Ages 6-12): Take one capsule daily with a meal (The capsule may be opened to give 1/2 at a time or smaller amounts in the beginning)
Sensitive individuals: For an even smaller dose, pull the capsule apart for only a portion of the powder or use Sensitive Probiotic Powder or capsules.
Adults: Start with 1 capsule and work up to 2 capsules daily with a meal.
This Probiotic is safe to take while Pregnant/Breastfeeding. Please be sure to reach out to your Certified Healthcare Professional about using supplements and their dosage while Pregnant or nursing.
How to take:
We recommend taking the probiotics in the morning, and most importantly with a meal. It is beneficial if the meal also contains some fat. Through our research, this is when we have found the best time for the probiotics to survive the stomach acid and reach the intestines where they belong. You may swallow the capsule(s) whole with water, or you may open the capsule and sprinkle the probiotic powder into a smoothie, or on top of yogurt, ghee, or applesauce.
Mixing the powder into liquids is not recommended.
Remember, A Smidge® is BIG! Our probiotics are very clean and pure, so remember to start low and slow when introducing them into your body.
Also be mindful of any changes in your body. Signs that you are taking too much of the probiotic show up as cold or flu-like symptoms: muscle aches, fatigue, brain fog, difficulty sleeping. They are called die-off symptoms. Other symptoms to look out for that can be especially prevalent in children are skin flareups or rashes (eczema, cradle cap, or acne), difficulty concentrating, and bowel movement changes.
Note:
If an allergic reaction occurs, it is not likely that it is because you are allergic to the probiotic, but rather because it is a little too potent for you. Please follow these steps:
- Take 1/2 dose every three days until your body becomes well adapted to it (we suggest two weeks).
- Take 1/2 dose every two days until your body becomes well adapted to it (we suggest two weeks)
- Take 1/2 dose daily until your body becomes well adapted to it (we suggest two weeks) then slowly increase it to a full dose.
Storage
For long-term potency, store Smidge® Optimal Probiotic capsules in the refrigerator and keep them away from moisture. When traveling, they can be safely kept at room temperature for up to two weeks.
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Probiotic sourcing and process
We prioritize sourcing the purest and most effective human-compatible probiotic strains:
- They’re carefully chosen for their ability to deliver powerful gut health benefits, and isolated from natural sources.
- We partner with renowned strain banks, bringing together decades of expertise.
- Through meticulous genomic analysis, we verify the genetic integrity of each strain, selecting those with the most promising traits.
The process at Smidge® is just as thoughtful:
- Our probiotic strains are cultured in carefully controlled environments, using non-GMO, organic plant-based sugars as growth nutrients.
- We avoid common allergens, using a proprietary vegetable blend that excludes nightshades, root vegetables, and the Allium genus.
- The probiotics are freeze-dried at collection to ensure potency.
- Each batch undergoes thorough quality control and testing to confirm viability, safety and stability.
Who takes Smidge® Optimal Probiotic?
Smidge® Optimal Probiotic is a gentle, thoughtfully formulated probiotic that’s appropriate for various ages and stages, whether you’ve taken probiotics in the past or are new to this integral part of your wellness regimen:
- Men and women: Teens through the golden years
- Mamas: Pregnant and nursing
- Healthy kiddos: Ages 6 to 12
Optimal Probiotic health benefits
Here are some potential benefits of the probiotics in this formula, based on research and studies*:
- A strong and well-regulated immune system: Probiotics support a vigilant immune system and help regulate immune response, as hundreds of studies show.*
- Comfortable and thorough digestion: Probiotics support a healthy digestive system and also play critical roles in helping your body break down and absorb nutrients. They even produce critical vitamins your body needs, like K2 and several B vitamins.*
- A strong gut lining: Probiotics can strengthen the gut lining and may protect the body from the effects of synthetic chemicals and pathogens.*
- A healthy urinary and reproductive tract: Healthy microbes in your urogenital tract can occupy space and produce chemicals that keep troublesome microbes in check, which may ease mild urinary irritation.*
- A sharp memory, steady concentration and an overall positive feeling: Research reveals these friendly organisms help your body produce neurotransmitters that shape how your brain grows and functions — to boost mood and ease stress response.*
- Seasonal allergies: Probiotics may ease itchy skin and mild hives, and one study shows that they may ward off mild allergies in adolescents.* Plus, they may help control blood cells related to mild allergies (the eosinophils level).*
- Dental health: Probiotics may help keep the microbial population in the mouth healthy, which means healthy teeth, fresh breath and a vibrant smile.*
- Skin issues: Probiotics help balance the skin microbiome and therefore may contribute to a healthy complexion, and ease mild rashes and mild fungal issues.*
- Mild candida/yeast overgrowth: Probiotic strains may ease mild yeast infections and help avoid them when taken regularly, according to recent studies.*
What is in Smidge® Optimal Probiotic?
B. infantis is a folate-producing beneficial bacteria, primarily found in the gastrointestinal tracts of healthy infants (and human mouths). It seems to play a critical role in establishing a healthy intestinal lining and a robust and well-regulated immune system.* Research suggests B. infantis regulates the production of tryptophan, the precursor for serotonin (the neurotransmitter associated with a sense of satisfaction and happiness).* A note on folate: it's one of the B vitamins responsible for tissue growth and cell function.*
Perhaps one of the most prominent Lactobacillus bacteria in the gut, research states L. rhamnosus supports a robust respiratory system, helps keep inflammation in check and encourages a healthy intestinal lining.* It's also used in protocols for children and adults with diarrhea and may support mild cases.*
One of the first bacteria to colonize our bodies at birth, B. longum has been associated with helping to digest milk and other challenging foods, as it produces lactic acid from the fermentation of sugar in the gut.* Research suggests that B. longum may support immunity and growth in children.* It's also linked to helping maintain healthy cholesterol levels already within a normal range.* And it's been studied to help alleviate minor stress.
L. casei is found in the human urinary tract and mouth, and in some fermented foods like yogurt, fermented milk and certain cheeses. This strain is commonly used to prevent and treat mild diarrhea and other inflammatory digestive issues.* Another study showed that L. casei was beneficial for people with constipation.* A later study revealed that regular intake of milk fermented with Lactobacillus casei Shirota may improve bowel habits of people with nerve issues.* And, clinical trial researchers found that L. casei supplements may help alleviate symptoms and improve inflammatory cytokines in women with inflammation of the joints.*
L. acidophilus is a common probiotic, also found in foods like yogurt. It produces lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide that some troublesome bacteria don't like. Doing so helps keep the community of microbes in the intestines healthy and balanced.* Clinical research has linked L. acidophilus to keeping the urogenital tract sturdy, and immune system strength.*
Bifidobacteria are a group of bacteria that typically live in the human intestines and stomach, that help to perform essential functions like digestion and maintaining beneficial bacteria. One study suggests that B. bifidum may support immunity by staving off colds in the winter months.* Another clinical study indicates B. bifidum may help with abdominal discomfort caused by gas and bloating.* And yet another study states that B. bifidum can help with occasional diarrhea.* Clinical research suggests that B. bifidum can help maintain comfortable joint movement.* There's also a correlation to improved mental health, as bifidobacterium is classified as a "psychobiotic", which affects central nervous system-related functions and behaviors mediated by the gut-brain-axis.*
L. plantarum is a plant-based, beneficial probiotic strain naturally found in fermented foods like sauerkraut. Several clinical trials have shown that L. plantarum helps support comfortable digestion, helping to minimize gas and bloating.* One of the most common probiotics, L. plantarum seems to support immune system health.* Not only does L. plantarum stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10, it also seems to stimulate the production of regulatory T-cells.* And, preliminary studies indicate that L. plantarum may help strengthen memory, concentration and mood.*
B. breve is one of the most helpful probiotic bacteria in the human body due to its unique ability to compete with harmful bacteria by digesting many molecules. It's also prevalent in the colons of breastfed babies. B. breve is linked to helping with occasional constipation in children.* When combined with a gluten-free (real food) diet, B. breve may promote microbial balance in the children's digestive tracts.* B. breve seems to play a role in helping to establish a healthy microbiome, based on trials involving preterm babies. Clinical research suggests it may be useful in recolonizing the guts of children who have undergone chemotherapy.*
A transient probiotic bacteria that inhabit the human intestines and the colon, B. lactis breaks down body waste and aids in the absorption of various vitamins and minerals. One study showed that B. lactis helped preterm babies gain weight after taking antibiotics, helping develop their immune systems.* Beyond the babies, extensive research has shown that B. lactis is useful for abdominal comfort and proper digestion, helping to get the colon in shape and potentially easing mild constipation.* Notably, preliminary lab research indicates B. lactis shows exciting potential in neutralizing certain toxins from wheat.*
L. salivarius is one of the most prevalent probiotic species in human saliva. It produces organic acids, such as lactic acid and acetic acid from carbohydrates, which can inhibit the growth of surrounding microorganisms, and produce hydrogen peroxide and other antimicrobial substances. L. salivarius seems to help keep the microbial population in the mouth healthy.* Also, several clinical trials indicate that L. salivarius seems to help regulate the immune system and, as a result, support healthy skin.* Importantly, researchers state that it may keep the vagina healthy and comfortable by promoting a healthy pH balance to treat minor infections and restore healthy vaginal flora.*
First isolated from a traditional Japanese pickle, you can also find L. brevis in many fermented foods. It seems to support healthy brain growth by increasing the production of the brain growth hormone, BDNF. Clinical research suggests it also helps with intestinal health and immune strength.* Preliminary research indicates L. brevis can trigger an increase in the production of interferon (a protein released by cells to heighten antiviral defense) in the body, as well as enhance the activity of T cells (which are produced by the thymus gland and actively participate in immune response). One large-scale clinical study showed that L. brevis seemed to make a significant difference in keeping children healthy over the winter season.* Clinical research also suggests it can help support vaginal comfort and health by adhering to vaginal walls and making it an unfriendly environment for troublesome microbes.*
L. gasseri is naturally found in the human digestive and urinary tracts. It's been shown in clinical trials to help people lose weight.* Preliminary research indicates that L. gasseri may inhibit inflammation signaling at the genetic level.* L. gasseri may also support healthy cholesterol levels already within a normal range.*
L. paracasei is a species of lactic acid bacteria used in dairy product fermentation and probiotics. It's been shown to support comfy digestion in several ways by helping to regulate inflammation.* It's also linked to healthy cholesterol levels, blood pressure and a balanced immune system.* Researchers found that supplementing with L. paracasei seemed to shift the entire microbiome toward species associated with good health.*
Microcrystalline cellulose is all-natural refined wood pulp. We chose this ingredient to satisfy the needs of our most sensitive customers.
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), water. Our vegetable (vegan) capsules consist of only two ingredients: HPMC and purified water. HPMC is derived from vegetable cellulose of either pine or poplar. 100% natural, these capsules contain no preservatives, no gelatin, wheat, animal by-products or starch.
Need help?
Frequently Asked Questions
There are so many fantastic options! Here's how we break it down:
- Infant Probiotic: Our Infant Probiotic powder is recommended for anyone under the age of 2. However, because it's such a gentle formula, it's also ideal for sensitive individuals of all ages, or those taking probiotics for the first time. It's our least potent formula. The Infant Probiotic contains seven clinically-proven strains of beneficial bacteria naturally found in the digestive system of a healthy infant, and comprises 50% Bifidobacterium infantis. This strain is special because it dominates in breastfed babies' intestines, as it thrives on a unique molecule from breast milk. In scientific studies, B. infantis has been linked to healthy digestion, growth and immunity in infants.*
- Sensitive Probiotic: The Sensitive Probiotic powder is best for ages 3 and over, or children between the ages of 2 and 3 who have already used the infant formula. It contains one extra strain (L. plantarum) and is twice the potency of the Infant Probiotic. Smidge® Sensitive Probiotic is a powerful formula that does not require large doses. However, it's suited for sensitive individuals who may have reacted to certain strains of bacteria found in other probiotic formulas. Many of our customers with histamine intolerance, digestive issues, skin problems and other health conditions begin with our Sensitive Probiotic powder. In all, it's for those who are serious about gut health: a clean, potent, therapeutic-grade probiotic with eight strains of beneficial bacteria that are essential for digestive health, and no additional ingredients. This product is also available in capsules.
- Optimal Probiotic capsules: Smidge® Optimal Probiotic is a gentle, thoughtfully formulated probiotic that’s appropriate for various ages and stages, whether you’ve taken probiotics in the past or are new to this integral part of your wellness regimen:
- Yeastbiotic: Our Yeastbiotic capsules feature the friendly yeast Saccharomyces boulardii, which can gently crowd out pathogenic yeast.* S. boulardii is clinically proven to support people during antibiotic treatment, especially with candida, diarrhea and C. diff, as guided by a healthcare practitioner.* And you don't have to worry about it affecting your antibiotics. Most people use this one on a short-term basis.
Please keep in mind that the age to progress from one formula to another for every person varies. Since everyone is unique and responds differently to different formulas, it's important to consider the individual's health history, diet, metabolism, and recommendations by a practitioner — not just age. And our customer service team is here to answer your questions :)
Yes. Smidge® Optimal Probiotic capsules (and all of our probiotics!) can be shipped when it's hot outside. Because it requires refrigeration, we only ship orders Monday through Wednesday using two-day premium shipping services that include tracking. We also have an overnight shipping option.
Smidge® probiotics are freeze-dried, so they hold up well to warm temperatures.
Here's the fun part. We recommend taking your probiotic with a meal or directly before the meal (around the same time daily). It's beneficial if the meal also contains some natural, organic fat or oil.
Taking your probiotic with yummy food provides a buffering system for the supplement and ensures its safe passage through the digestive tract. Food also provides the friendly bacteria in your probiotic with the proper nourishment to ensure its survival in your gut.
Our probiotics work best with an ancestral diet: unprocessed foods (meat, vegetables, fruits), healthy fats (olive oil, butter, lard, coconut oil, etc.) and no grains (i.e., no wheat, corn, rice, etc.).
Please avoid taking probiotics with certain foods that may diminish the potency:
- Avoid chlorinated water.
- Avoid hot soup and hot beverages (coffee, tea, etc.).
- Avoid highly processed foods (store-bought juice, sugar, wheat and soy products).
Lots! Our Probiotic capsules contain 13 clinically-proven probiotic strains; 12 human strains and one plant strain (L. rhamnosus, L. casei, L. acidophilus, L. paracasei, L. brevis, L. gasseri, L. salivarius, B. bifidum, B. breve, B. infantis, B. longum, B. lactis and the plant strain, L. plantarum).
We use only the highest-quality probiotic bacteria: All strains have been thoroughly researched, documented and banked in recognized microbial culture collections. And, our strains are non-GMO and tested for purity.
Absolutely. Our Optimal Probiotic capsules are free of common allergens. All strains are grown on a dairy-free, soy-free, vegetarian, non-GMO culture. The product does not contain milk/casein, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat/gluten, peanuts, tree nuts, yeast, corn or soy.
Nope. Most commercial probiotics are up to 80% prebiotics. This is notable because adding prebiotics reduces the potency of a probiotic supplement and therefore, reduces the cost per bottle. More importantly, we intentionally keep prebiotics out of our probiotic formulas, as many of our customers have extremely sensitive digestive systems or are biohackers who only want purity.
A probiotic can work alone and does not require a prebiotic. Our pure probiotics can colonize without a prebiotic.
Plus, not all people taking a probiotic need a prebiotic. In fact, we recommend starting our probiotics without a prebiotic, before determining whether or not to add it to your protocol. We believe it's important to focus on diet and real food to support the colonization of good gut bacteria and starve off pathogens.
Here's some additional background regarding our philosophy on prebiotics: Most commercially available prebiotics are made from FOS/inulin. This starchy, sugary substance can feed pathogens like E. coli and many Clostridium species, which would be counterproductive to gut health and overall health. There's also a concern that some kinds of yeast are able to use inulin/FOS for fuel, thereby leading to overactive yeast production in the body.
The strains in our Optimal Probiotic capsules are sourced U.S., as is the production of the final product :)
Our probiotics and supplements work best in conjunction with a wholesome, real food diet. Think healthy fats, wild-caught fish, grass-fed meat, organic vegetables, and the elimination of GMOs, additives, preservatives, chemicals and processed sugar/flour. So eat clean and eat up!
Yes! Plus, like all of our probiotic formulas, it’s cGMP certified to ensure product stability and purity. The hardy strains in our Optimal Probiotic are resistant to low Ph conditions in the tummy, meaning they’re genetically characterized to pass through your gut safely and can withstand bile, so they can do their very important job.
