Reviews
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Revolutionising how people use live bacterial supplements

Probiotic science has evolved and SMART STRAINS® is leading the live bacteria revolution.

Dr Megan Rossi looking through magnifying glass

With us, taking live bacteria is no longer a billion-to-one shot…

The notion that all live bacteria have similar effects, and that you need to take one daily for your health is outdated. Just as you wouldn’t take an iron supplement to treat a vitamin D deficiency, the latest gut microbiome science tells us how important it is to get specific - we should be taking the right strain, at the right time, in the right way.
Each type of bacteria, known as a ‘strain’, has a specific purpose, and is needed in a specific dose, taken in a specific format, to have any real impact.

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Why does the bacterial 'strain' matter?

When choosing a live bacteria supplement, always look out for the right strain that has been shown to be effective for your specific need (e.g. when you're on antibiotics) in human studies. If you only consider the species, it’s like choosing between a zebra and a dog - they are very different, and do very different things! The other thing to keep in mind is that more strains doesn't equate to a better product. You need to ensure each of the strains have been tested together in human studies, because just like you wouldn’t mix a chihuahua with a rottweiler without taking precautions, different strains can compete.

HCPs in serious discussion about the latest probiotic guidelines

Recommended by International Health Organisations:

The bacterial strains used in SMART STRAINS® have been carefully selected based on recommendations published by the World Gastroenterology Organisation guidelines on probiotics, leading paediatric guidelines, and world-renowned clinical reviews.

Selected strains include the World’s most published Lactobacillus strain (LGG®) and Bifidobacterium strain (BB12®).

All SMART STRAINS® strains, doses, formats and durations of use have been specially chosen to reflect those used in robust human placebo-controlled clinical trials - so you can be confident you’re taking the right strain, at the right time, in the right way.

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Green bacteria icon

Right Strain

Right Time icon green

Right Time

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Right Way

Green bacteria icon

Right Strain

Right Time icon green

Right Time

Green Tablet icon

Right Way

What makes us unique

Forget what you think you know about live bacteria. The science has evolved and the notion of taking a daily probiotic is outdated. You need the...

  • The Right Strain

    We follow the latest research to identify the most effective strain and formulation for each indication

  • The Right Time

    Each product is designed to take exactly when it is needed

  • The Right Way

    The recommended dose, delivered in the right format (capsules, powder or liquid) for the most effective results proven in clinical trials.

Visit our healthcare professional webpage

Are you a healthcare professional?

Explore the latest science-backed insights on live bacteria and gut health, including key findings from randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trials using our strains and formulations. Plus, access additional resources on our dedicated healthcare professional webpage.

I am a healthcare professional
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scientific publications have cited Lactobacillus rhamnosus, LGG®
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scientific publications have described Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB12®
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scientific publications have documented Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14® and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001®
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We’re Credible.

We’re Trusted.

We’re Trailblazers.

Our range of clinically-proven formulations are targeted at specific everyday needs that affect every member of the family. From immune support to fussy babies, our products provide the right strain, at the right time, in the right way to care for you and your family.

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Frequently asked Questions

SMART STRAINS scientist placing petri dish under microscope

General
Usage & Storage
Orders and Delivery

Developed by Dr Megan Rossi, the Gut Health Doctor, SMART STRAINS® is a family of scientifically formulated live bacteria supplements, free of emulsifiers and added sugars. Each product features targeted, evidence-based bacterial strains backed by international health bodies, empowering you to take charge of your gut health with confidence.

SMART STRAINS® has been developed by the Gut Health Doctor to give patients the right strain, at the right time, in the right way. Dr Rossi is determined to revolutionise the way people use live bacteria supplements, arming them with the right information to care for themselves and their family, one strain at a time.

With SMART STRAINS®, taking live bacteria is no longer a billion-to-one shot…

Probiotic science has evolved and SMART STRAINS® is leading the live bacteria revolution.

The notion that all live bacteria have similar effects, and that you need to take one daily for general gut health is outdated.

Just as you wouldn’t take an Iron supplement to take a vitamin D deficiency, the latest gut microbiome science tells us how important it is to get specific - we should be taking the right strain, at the right time, in the right way.
Formulated by Dr Megan Rossi, the Gut Health Doctor, SMART STRAINS® are a family of targeted live bacteria supplements that use evidence based live bacterial strains, backed by international health bodies to help you take control of your gut microbiome. Free from emulsifiers and added sugar.

With SMART STRAINS®, you can rest assured that you will get the right strain, at the right time, in the right way.

SMART STRAINS® for fussy babies, SMART STRAINS® for when you’re on antibiotics, and SMART STRAINS® for your immune system contain NONE OF THE FOLLOWING allergens: gluten (other cereals), lactose, soy, wheat, milk, crustacean shellfish, mollusks, eggs, fish, peanuts, nuts, soybeans, celery, mustard, sesame, lupin and sulphur dioxide and sulphites (>10mg/kg).

SMART STRAINS® for your vaginal microbiome DOES contain milk, as lactoferrin is derived from milk – this is the only listed allergen. Lactoferrin has been clinically proven to increase Lactobacillus growth and decrease Gardnerella Vaginalis in the vagina.  

Should you have any other concerns regarding allergies or conditions, we would advise that you consult with your healthcare provider before taking SMART STRAINS® live bacteria.

All SMART STRAINS® Clinically proven live bacteria supplements contain no added sugars, emulsifiers, sweeteners, flavours or preservatives.

SMART STRAINS® for when you’re on antibiotics is suitable for vegetarians and vegans
SMART STRAINS® for fussy babies is vegetarian but NOT vegan (Vitamin D is from lanolin, which naturally coats sheep wool ie. no animal is harmed)
SMART STRAINS® for your immune system is vegetarian but NOT vegan (Vitamin D is from lanolin, which naturally coats sheep wool ie. no animal is harmed)
SMART STRAINS® for your vaginal microbiome IS NOT suitable for vegans and some vegetarians ie. It is suitable for lacto-vegetarians - those who consume dairy

SMART STRAINS clinically proven live bacteria supplements are available to buy online through smartstrains.com, and amazon.co.uk

SMART STRAINS are also available to buy in-store at selected partner stores. To find your nearest stockist visit our store locator.

All SMART STRAINS® live bacteria supplements should be stored in a cool, dry place below 25°C. They do not need to be refrigerated.

The recommended daily dose of SMART STRAINS® depends on which SMART STRAINS® live bacteria supplement you have chosen:

SMART STRAINS® – for your vaginal microbiome: During antibiotic or antifungal treatment take 2 capsules daily. Provides the recommended 10 billion live La-14® and HN001™ + 100mg lactoferrin

For ongoing maintenance take 1 capsule daily.

SMART STRAINS® – for fussy babies: 6 drops per day. Provides the recommended 1 billion live BB-12® + 10µg vitamin D3.

SMART STRAINS® – for when you’re on antibiotics: For children and adults from 4 years of age: 2 capsules per day (ideally morning and evening). Provides the recommended 20 billion live LGG®.

SMART STRAINS® – for your immune system: 1 sachet per day. Provides the recommended 20 billion live LGG® and BB-12® + 10μg vitamin D3.

How long you should take SMART STRAINS for depends on which SMART STRAINS live bacteria supplement you have chosen.

SMART STRAINS® – for your vaginal microbiome: Take at the first sign of any changes in your vaginal microbiome. If on antibiotic or antifungal treatment, take daily alongside them for the duration of the course and continue at the lower maintenance dose for at least 3 months after treatment has ended.

SMART STRAINS® – for fussy babies: Take once daily for a minimum of 21 days.

SMART STRAINS® – for when you’re on antibiotics: Starting on the first day of antibiotic treatment, take daily for the duration of the course and continue for 7 days after treatment has ended.

SMART STRAINS® – for your immune system: Take daily when your immune system needs support, especially during the winter months.

Side effects are rarely reported and generally consist of bloating, but this is understood to be a temporary effect as your gut adapts itself to the new bacteria. If you notice any side effects you should consult your healthcare professional and contact us at customersupport@smartstrains.com

SMART STRAINS are classified as food supplements and as such, we are unable to give health or medical advice regarding the products. Should you have any questions about the effect of SMART STRAINS on an existing or new medical condition, or potential interactions with medication, we would advise that you seek the advice of your healthcare provider (i.e. GP/Consultant).

At SMART STRAINS® we offer 2 delivery options:

Royal Mail Tracked 48 delivery is our standard delivery service. If this service was selected then it should take between 2-3 working days for your order to arrive. This is subject to Royal Mail conditions and we are unable to guarantee these delivery times.

The other delivery option is Royal Mail Tracked 24 delivery service. If you selected this service then your order should arrive on the next working day provided that your order was placed before 4pm. If it was placed after 4pm then your order will be dispatched on the next working day and should arrive the following day (2 days from purchase). As above, this is subject to Royal Mail conditions and we are unable to guarantee these delivery times.

For orders over £30 there is no additional cost for shipping and delivery. All orders over £30 will be sent via Royal Mail Tracked 24.

For orders under £30, delivery costs will vary depending on the option selected:

If you select our standard Royal Mail Tracked 48 delivery option at checkout (this is preselected) there is an additional cost of £2.99 which will be added at checkout.

If you would like your SMART STRAINS® faster, choose the Royal Mail Tracked 24 delivery option at checkout. For this delivery service there is an additional cost of £3.99 that will be added at checkout.

If you have ordered SMART STRAINS® by accident or have changed your mind then you have up to an hour after you have placed your order to cancel your delivery.

To cancel your order please contact our customer services team at customersupport@smartstrains.com within one hour of placing your order.

If an hour has passed since you placed your SMART STRAINS® order and you still want to cancel then unfortunately we will be unable to cancel your order. However, once your delivery arrives you are able to return the product for a full refund up to 14 days after it arrives.

For more information on how to return your SMART STRAINS® contact our customer services team at customersupport@smartstrains.com

You can amend your delivery details up to an hour after you placed your order of SMART STRAINS® live bacteria supplements.

To change your delivery details, please contact our customer support team, supplying your full name, email address and order number as well as the delivery address you wish to change to within one hour of placing the order.

If an hour has passed since you placed your delivery and you have provided incorrect delivery details please contact our customer support team, supplying the above information, and they will be able to advise on the best course of action.

We are able to deliver to all the United Kingdom mainland as well as the channel islands, isle of wight and Isle of Man. If you are unsure as to whether we deliver to your location, please contact our customer service team who will be able to advise.

To track your delivery you will need the tracking code that is included in your order dispatch notification. Once you have this number you can track the location of your parcel on the Royal Mail website. Please give up to 2 days from when you placed your order for your tracking number to arrive. If you have misplaced or havent received a tracking number or order dispatch notification please contact our customer services team at customersupport@smartstrains.com who will be able to advise.

If you have an issue with your delivery, for example it has arrived damaged or is missing, please contact our customer support team at customersupport@smartstrains.com. Our dedicated team will be able to assist you with your issue and if appropriate issue a replacement or refund your order.

If you ordered SMART STRAINS® by mistake or have a change of heart regarding your order, you have up to 14 days from receiving your order to return the product to us. Once the product has been received we will issue your with a full refund via the method of payment you used originally. You will need to pay the costs of return but upon receipt we will refund you for the cost of the product.

To initiate a return please contact our customer services team at customersupport@smartstrains.com, providing your name, email address