Product Description
PB Assist+® is a proprietary formula of pre-biotic fibre and six strains of probiotic microorganisms in a unique double-layer vegetable capsule delivering 5 billion CFUs of active probiotic cultures and soluble pre-biotic FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides) that encourages culture adhesion and growth.
The time-release double-capsule delivery system protects sensitive probiotic cultures from stomach acid. PB Assist+ supports healthy digestive functions and immunities and is safe for use by all members of your family.
Concept
Your gastrointestinal (GI) tract is your body’s first line of defense against food-borne pathogens that can cause sickness and disease. Powerful acids in your stomach kill many of the harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses entering through your stomach with food and other surface-borne pathogens coming in contact with your hands and then with your mouth.
Beyond your stomach, your intestinal tract also performs very important immune functions in the body. A healthy intestinal tract is critical for optimal digestive function and immune protection.
Intestinal Immunities
The walls of the intestine are covered with millions of hair-like cellular microstructures called villi and microvilli. It is through the villi that our food nutrients are assimilated for use. (The surface area of the intestinal tract is estimated to be as large as a tennis court!) The villi of the intestine also include specialized immune cells that function as immune messengers alerting mobile immune cells in the blood stream and in other parts of the body when under attack from invading pathogens.
Living on the villi of the intestinal tract is a group of microorganisms called the intestinal microflora or microbiota. (There are 10 times more microorganisms in the intestinal tract than the 10 trillion cells making up the human body!). Friendly intestinal microflora has a symbiotic relationship with host organisms and provide additional immune defense against pathogenic infection of the GI tract. When healthy colonies of friendly bacteria are present in the intestine, they prevent the adherence and colonization of other pathogenic microorganisms that can cause sickness and disease.* Healthy colonies of friendly microflora prevent the proliferation of pathogenic organisms by competing for nutrients necessary for growth, and by crowding out unfriendly microorganisms as they compete for intestinal surface area. They also produce chemical by-products that create an intestinal environment in which the harmful microorganisms cannot flourish.
Acquired Immunities of the GI Tract
Before birth, a healthy baby’s GI tract is free of bacteria and other microorganisms. During the birthing process, a baby is exposed to colonies of intestinal microflora from their mother. As healthy colonies of friendly microflora grow in a new-born baby’s intestinal tract, the baby’s immune system is “trained” or “programmed” to differentiate between pathogenic and harmless microorganisms and respond appropriately. The body’s ability to respond in a measured way to harmful pathogens, and not to respond to unharmful antigens is an important part of preventing overreactions of the immune system such as in allergies and gut inflammatory diseases. By the second year of life, a child’s intestinal microflora is very similar to adults.
Digestion of Food Nutrients
Intestinal microflora also plays a critical role in the breakdown and absorption of food nutrients, particularly carbohydrates. Some strains of intestinal flora produce enzymes the human body cannot produce but are necessary for breaking down certain carbohydrates into short-chain fatty acids, or SCFAs, for digestion. SCFAs are a major source of food energy and metabolism and also help in the digestive process. SCFAs also contribute to the proliferation and specialization of epithelial cells in the intestine, and to the healthy function of the gut.
In addition to helping the digestion of carbohydrates, gut microflora also produces and helps the body absorb vitamin K and can help with absorption of other nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and iron.
Probiotic Supplementation
There are many ways our intestinal microflora can be compromised or even killed. Stress, physical exertion, toxins in our diet, exposure to harmful microorganisms, and the use of antibiotic therapies can pose significant challenges to the colonization and function of friendly microorganism in the gut. Healthy intestinal microflora is also challenged in people whose diets consist of high levels of animal fats and proteins and are low in fiber. Futhermore, studies have shown a steady decline in friendly intestinal flora in both men and women as they age.
When intestinal microflora is compromised, our bodies become more prone to infectious pathogens in the gut and our immune system cannot function optimally. Unhealthy conditions associated with compromised intestinal microflora include suppressed immune system function, intestinal deterioration, diarrhea, constipation, infection, and even bone strength reduction. To counter such threats, supplemental strains of friendly microorganisms, or probiotics, can be used as part of regular dietary supplement program.*
PB Assist+® Probiotic Defense Formula
dōTERRA’s PB Assist+ is a proprietary blend of six active strains of friendly probiotic microorganisms that support healthy colonies of friendly microflora in the gut. PB Assist+ includes active strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus salivarious, and Lactobacillus casei to promote healthy colonization and function of microflora higher in the intestinal tract, and Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bifidobacterium longum for healthy digestive and immune functions of the lower intestine. Each of these proprietary strains has been demonstrated to have superior propensity for intestinal adhesion and colonization.
Unique Double-Layer Pre and Probiotic Delivery System
PB Assist+ employs a unique double-layer capsule delivery system that provides a short-chain FOS pre-biotic fiber in outer capsule and a time-release inner capsule providing active probiotic cultures. FOS, or fructo-oligosaccharides, are indigestible fibers that are found in fruits and vegetables that have the ability to selectively promote the adhesion and growth of friendly bacteria while discouraging the growth of less-friendly intestinal microbes. FOS also supports healthy absorption of calcium and magnesium, supports healthy blood glucose and cholesterol levels, and can also suppress harmful enzyme activity in the bowel.
Inside the outer capsule delivering the pre-biotic FOS is a small inner capsule with 5 billion CFU (Colony Forming Units) of six active strains of lacto- and bifido-probiotic cultures. The time-release inner capsule protects the probiotic cultures from the harsh environment of the stomach delivering the active benefits of the cultures at full strength to the site of adhesion in the intestinal tract. The combination of pre-biotic FOS and active probiotic cultures in a single delivery system represents a comprehensive intestinal flora support system that can be safely used by all members of the family.
Primary Benefits
- Supports healthy digestive functions and immunities while creating an unfavourable environment for unhealthy bacteria, yeast, and other harmful microorganisms
- Helps boost GI immunities to prevent digestive infections such as traveler’s diarrhoea
- Helps manage the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome*
- Helps support optimal absorption of food nutrients and energy metabolism*
- Helps support healthy skin conditions*
What Makes This Product Unique?
- Proprietary double-layer, time-release capsule delivery system delivering 5 billion CFU of active probiotic cultures and 50 mg of pre-biotic FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides) per dose
- 30 vegetable double-layer, time-release capsules per bottle
- Unique blend of six proprietary strains of friendly probiotic microorganisms including L. acidophilus, B. lacits, L. salivarious, L. casei, B. bifidum, and B. longum
- Safe to use by everyone in the family
Who Should Use this Product?
PB Assist+ is formulated for use by all members of the family desiring supplemental pre-biotic and probiotic support of intestinal microflora. PB Assist+ is an excellent product for individuals on or completing antibiotic therapy, or who suffer from chronic digestive discomfort. Small children who cannot swallow the PB Assist+ double-layer capsule can be given the contents of the outer and inner capsules blended with food. PB Assist+ is an excellent addition to dōTERRA’s monthly Lifelong Vitality supplement program of Alpha CRS+®, xEO Mega®, and Microplex VMz® and can also be used effectively with the Slim & Sassy® weight management program.
Directions for Use
Take one double-layer capsule 3 times daily, with food for five days each month to reset and re-colonize your friendly digestive flora. Can be used more frequently and for extended periods of time when digestive flora has been compromised by antibiotics or other digestive stressors. Also may be used when traveling to boost digestive immunities, or once a day as an ongoing maintenance program for people with chronic digestive discomfort.
Cautions
Some people may experience an initial change to digestive schedule and function when they begin using pre-biotic FOS and probiotics. For most people, these symptoms are mild and should disappear after a few days. Pregnant or lactating women and people with known medical conditions should consult a physician before using. Do not use if bottle is opened or capsules are broken.
Note:
Although PB Assist+’s double-layer encapsulation technology makes it unnecessary to refrigerate, it is suggested that unopened bottles of PB Assist+ be stored in a cool, dry place and opened bottles be refrigerated when possible.
