VSL3 Helps - Quite A Lot Of Things, ActuallyThe probiotic VSL3 has been proven to help with chemo induced diarrhea, pouchitis, ulcerative colitis and Irritable bowel syndrome. It contains 8 different bacteria, which is more than most probiotic supplements do and also in high amounts - 450 billion active bacteria cells. Now that is a probiotic army at your call. VSL3 is meant to be used under the supervision of a doctor but is readily available, although pricey.
The probiotic VSL 3 mixture is expensive but it does appear to work well for many people providing they take it at the levels used in the various studies. Currently (end of 2007) VSL3 is not covered by health insurance in the US. I have heard of people being able to use the receipts towards a medical expense tax credit (line 330 of Schedule 1 of your federal income tax return) but that was by using a prescription and having it filled by a pharmacy - not buying online. Online you can buy VSL#3 Capsules  which contain 225 billion bacteria or sachets of a powder which contain 450 billion. As this is a probiotic mixture you'll often find the term cfu (colony forming units) used which really is a more accurate term than bacteria. Recommended doses vary from half a sachet to 8 depending on the complaint.VSL-3 dsThere is also a double strength blend which (in the US) is available by prescription only and IS covered by health insurance. You need to ensure that the doctor writes the script for the double strength ie VSL#3 DS because the single strength dose is not covered. Many people are having difficulty getting hold of this double strength dose. Some pharmacist say they need various codes so - a few figures in the hope it helps someone get this useful probiotic. VSL 3 ds NDCNDC (National Drug Code) is 54482093001. GCN (Generic Code Number) is 97109. DIN (Drug Identification Number) is 00903105 TOP of VSL3
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The VSL 3 probiotics stable consists of (big drum roll, please) 
