What is the difference between Hilak Forte and Acipol and which one is better to choose?

Bad habits, unfavorable environmental conditions, viral or bacterial diseases, and potent antibacterial agents negatively affect the level of beneficial bacteria in the stomach, which leads to a suspension of the normal digestive process. Special preparations with beneficial bacteria, a group of which includes Acipol and Hilak Forte, will help restore stable activity of the body. Next, we’ll take a closer look at which is better: Acipol or Hilak Forte?

What common

The following common features of the drugs Hilak Forte and Acipol can be distinguished:

The drugs are prescribed for disorders of the intestinal microflora, which is accompanied by bloating, diarrhea or constipation.
Both drugs can be taken almost from the first months of the baby’s life. Also, the drugs are absolutely safe for pregnant women, unless there is an allergy to the main components.
Minimal number of contraindications and side effects.
Possibility of use both for the treatment and prevention of dysbacteriosis.

Normoflorins

Normoflorin B contains bifidobacteria, Normoflorin L contains lactobacilli, Normoflorin D contains both.

The main advantage is that the bacteria are living, i.e. immediately active.
Number of bacteria: in Normoflorin B and L, 10 billion per ml, in Normoflorin D - 1 billion. This is a plus. Remember, in the last article I told you that it is optimal if there are at least 1 billion bacteria in a probiotic?

Although in liquid forms this is not necessary. There may be fewer of them, because all bacteria are active, they do not need time to build up.

Normoflorin can be taken by pregnant and lactating women.
Children: L. and B. from birth, D. – from 6 months.
It does not contain lactose, so it can be recommended if you are intolerant to milk.
In addition to bacteria, the composition also contains products of their vital activity, i.e. vitamins, microelements, antimicrobial substances. This is natural if the bacteria are alive.
It also contains the prebiotic lactitol, i.e. food for microbes.
Lactobacilli are most active in the first half of the day, bifidobacteria - in the second, therefore Normoflorin L is taken in the morning or afternoon, Normoflorin B - in the evening.

Minuses

When I'm working on a topic, I sometimes write to manufacturers, if there is somewhere to write. In particular, I asked a question through the Normoflorin website to find out how bacteria are protected from the aggressive environments of the gastrointestinal tract, but I did not receive an answer.

I conclude: there is nothing to answer. Apparently, this is why the bacteria content in the probiotic is high, so that at least some of it reaches the intestines.

The second disadvantage: shelf life is 60-90 days. It's a lot. Yes, yes, don't be surprised.

After all, we are talking about living bacteria that live only 30-50 days. Consequently, preservatives are added to the probiotic, but the manufacturer hides this.

Since preservatives are added, allergic reactions are possible.

And indeed, when taking Normoflorin they happen.

The prebiotic lactitol, a sugar substitute, can also cause allergies. It is also often the cause of bloating.

What is the difference

It is worth highlighting the following differences between the drugs Hilak Forte and Acipol:

Acipol is produced by a Russian pharmaceutical company, and Hilak Forte is produced at a German plant, which negatively affects its price.
Hilak Forte simultaneously contains four types of beneficial bacteria, and Acipol contains lactobacilli and kefir grains. So, the drugs differ in composition.
Acipol is available in the form of capsules, and Hilak Forte is available in the form of drops, which facilitates the treatment process for infants.
Acipol has a wider range of uses due to the presence of kefir grains.

Euphlorins

I often came across statements on the Internet that Euflorin is the same as Normoflorin. This is not true, although Euflorin also contains live bacteria that begin to work as soon as they enter the digestive tract.

The main advantage is that they answered me in great detail and honestly.

There are seemingly few bacteria: 10 million in 1 ml, but they are resistant to gastric juice, bile, enzymes, and antibiotics. Therefore, there is reason to assume that ALL bacteria will reach their destination.
Euflorin does not contain preservatives, therefore its shelf life is 30 days, which is comparable to the lifespan of bacteria. Since there are no preservatives, there are no allergies.
In addition, it does not contain a prebiotic, for this reason side effects are extremely rare.
Children – from 3 months.
Pregnant, breastfeeding, and people with intolerance to dairy products can take it.

All liquid forms are stored in the refrigerator.

What is better to take

Acipol or Hilak Forte have different compositions, and, therefore, different spectrum of action and effectiveness.

A feature of Acipol is the presence of kefir grains, which allows you to restore the digestive process after various bacterial or viral infections. In addition, the Russian drug has a low price, which allows you to save on treatment.

In order not to make a mistake in your choice, you need to undergo an examination at a clinic and determine the main cause of the digestive process. Only a doctor can choose the best option, taking into account the health status of a particular patient.

Linux. Advantages and disadvantages

Pros:

The most popular probiotic.
A medicinal product, not a dietary supplement.
Long shelf life.
Does not require storage in the refrigerator.
Can be taken simultaneously with antibiotics.
Contains enterococci, which perform a number of important functions. They are rarely included in the probiotic. Therefore, if a stool test for dysbacteriosis shows a deficiency, the doctor may prescribe Linex.

Dried bacteria, i.e. inactive. It takes up to 8-10 hours to activate them in the intestines. During this time, many bacteria will leave the intestines without having time to start working.

The bacteria content is low. In 1 capsule. only 12 million. Even if you take 6 capsules a day (dosage for adults), it is far from the cherished billion.
The Linex capsule did not pass the acid resistance test. I told you about this last time.
Contains lactose, so if you are intolerant to dairy products, it may cause abdominal discomfort.
The composition includes enterococci - representatives of opportunistic flora, which in case of immunodeficiency can cause infections. As you can see, the content of enterococci in a probiotic is a double-edged sword.

My opinion: despite the fact that it has more advantages, I consider it ineffective. Its disadvantages cancel out its advantages.

BAK-SET forte

Pros:

It contains the largest number of bacteria: 14 strains that complement and enhance each other’s effects.
The bacteria are acid-resistant due to microencapsulated technology.
The bacteria content in one capsule is 2 billion.
Pregnant and lactating women can
It can be taken simultaneously with an antibiotic.
Retain viability throughout the shelf life.
There are no lactose, dyes, flavors, or GMOs.

Minuses:

The product is registered as a dietary supplement.
Dried bacteria.
Available from 3 years of age.
It's eubiotic.

However, food for bacteria in the probiotic, on the one hand, is a plus, because creates conditions for their growth and reproduction, but on the other hand it is a minus, because may cause bloating and allergic reactions.

Characteristics of Acipol

Strains of live acidophilic lactobacilli from the drug are able to displace pathogenic flora and inhibit its growth. They produce antibacterial substances that are harmful to salmonella, shigella, staphylococcus and other pathogens of intestinal diseases. The effect of the probiotic is enhanced by lactic acid synthesized by lactobacilli.

The second component of the drug is kefir grain polysaccharide. It exhibits pronounced immunomodulatory activity and the ability to remove toxic substances from the body.

In in vitro studies, therapeutic microorganisms led to the death of pathogenic flora within 1-2 days. More than 10 million CFU of bacilli and about 0.4 mg of fungal polysaccharide are encapsulated for more complete delivery to the large intestine. But even without a protective shell, these strains of lactobacilli are highly resistant to aggressive factors: alkalis, acids and bile.

Reviews of the drug Acipol

Reviews from people who have taken Acipol capsules are completely different. It really helps someone when the medicine is prescribed by a doctor, the correct dosage, the correct intake (at the right time, before meals), but others are not delighted with its effect on the body, and this often happens when the medicine is taken on the recommendation of a neighbor or is prescribed on one's own. But nevertheless, Acipol copes excellently with dysbiosis in adults and children. Even during pregnancy it is suitable as a prophylactic agent.

Many people have noted that taking acipol restores regular bowel movements and improves the general condition of the body, which is especially noticeable in children.

This pharmaceutical drug can be taken during lactation, which is a big plus for most women who use Acipol. As for children and infants, it is necessary to note the positive effect on the body, although in rare cases the child may experience flatulence.

Thanks to the intake of acipol in infants, the adaptation of the gastrointestinal tract to the intake of new food improves. This drug works quite effectively on children after the age of three who suffer from diarrhea and constipation.

In conclusion, we can say that following all the above recommendations, Acipol deserves to be used by people to solve health problems and who really need it, but most importantly, before you start taking it, you should definitely consult with your doctor, this applies to both children and adults. Health is perhaps the most expensive and valuable thing a person has today.

Gephilus

Characteristics:

This is another product that contains only one of my favorite lactobacilli rhamnosus GG, and in even greater quantities than Normobact L - 5 billion in one capsule.
Gefilus in capsules is given from 7 years of age, 1 capsule. per day, regardless of meals, which is very convenient.
Does not contain lactose.
May be taken along with an antibiotic.
Nothing is said about pregnant and lactating women.
Recommendations for use - see Normobact L.

Bion-3

What does the number “3” mean in the name of the product?

First, the triple composition: Bion-3 contains bacteria, vitamins, and minerals.

Secondly, triple action:

Strengthens immunity,
Helps normalize intestinal microflora,
An additional source of vitamins and minerals.

If you have ever looked at a Bion-3 tablet, you have seen that it consists of three layers: a probiotic layer, a vitamin layer, and a mineral layer.

Characteristics:

The bacteria content is only 10 million.
Recommended from 14 years of age.
Convenient to take: 1 t per day with meals.
No lactose.
Pregnant and lactating women can.

There are no indications of acid resistance or antibiotic resistance of bacteria, so I conclude that this is, first of all, a VITAMIN-MINERAL COMPLEX enriched with bacteria.

My opinion: there is no point in recommending it for diarrhea, constipation, food allergies, atopic dermatitis or intestinal infections.

And if they ask for vitamins for adults or something to support the immune system, please.

How to give the product to babies

This medicine is a capsule filled with a light cream-colored powder that has a slight odor of fermented milk products. "Acipol" is used orally, it must be washed down with a sufficient amount of water.

"Acipol" for children under one year old. It can be used from three months. Before giving the drug to the baby, the capsule is opened and the powder is dissolved in warm boiled water, formula or breast milk. Since the acidity in the stomach of infants is much lower than that of adults, lactobacilli easily enter the intestines in the required quantity. The taste of the prepared medicinal suspension is neutral, so children drink it without any problems. According to the official instructions, the drug "Acipol" is not used for newborns, and in case of emergency, you should consult a doctor.
Children under three years of age. It is recommended to give one capsule two to three times a day. They can take the medicine with food. To do this, pour the powder from the capsule into a neutral drink, milk or water.
Children over three years old. The drug is prescribed three to four times a day, one or two capsules. Capsules should be taken before meals, approximately 20-30 minutes before meals. The exact regimen and number of days of admission are prescribed by the attending physician.

You can further check with your pediatrician about how to give Acipol to a child; in some cases, the dosage may vary depending on the severity of clinical symptoms.