A. There are no known contraindications that would prohibit giving a child Pearls® Elite™ Extra Strength Probiotics. However, it is critical that they be swallowed whole, so the child must be able to take the product without chewing it. Any break in the integrity of the Pearl will affect the efficacy of the probiotics.

A. Palm oil is a natural plant product that is produced from the fruit of the oil palm, or Elaeis Guineensis tree. The exact amount of palm oil in Pearls® Elite™ Extra Strength Probiotics is proprietary. However, it is a miniscule amount per pearl; the amount is less than the weight of an apple seed.

Palm oil in Pearls® Elite™ Extra Strength Probiotics actually “seals” the probiotic bacteria in the capsule, which protects them from air. Probiotic bacteria are anaerobic, meaning they do not require oxygen to live. In fact, the presence of oxygen can actually injure or kill probiotic bacteria. In addition, the palm oil's ability to seal the bacteria in the capsule eliminates the need for the nutritional supplement to be refrigerated – though they can be kept in the refrigerator if desired.

 

A. The gelatin in Pearls® Elite™ Extra Strength Probiotics is derived from fish (tilapia).

A. Take them with meals, between meals, or whenever it is easiest for you to remember.

A. Integrative Therapeutics is committed to stewardship and sustainability in the service of positive social and environmental outcomes. The fact that Enzymatic Therapy does not purchase wild harvest and strives to cultivate sustainable vendor relationships are two examples of this commitment. We have and continue to implement procedures company-wide to improve our efficiency and in turn, reduce our carbon footprint. Palm oil is an important ingredient in Pearls® Elite™ Extra Strength Probiotics and plays an crucial role in the True Delivery™ Technology. Put in perspective, the amount of palm oil found in Pearls® Elite™ Extra Strength Probiotics is very small - far less than the amount found in one commercially manufactured cookie. The level is insignificant and when compared to other uses of palm oil, doesn’t have a substantial impact on the palm oil supply and subsequently on deforestation.

A. Individuals with fish allergies should not take Pearls™ products with gelatin from Tilapia.

A. Yes, clinical research has confirmed that probiotic cultures, like those present in Pearls, with the exception of Pearls Immune, can be safely taken by pregnant and nursing women.†1-3 There are no ingredients in the formula that pose a safety risk to women or the developing fetus. Pearls Immune has added lactoferrin, which has not been studied for use by pregnant or nursing women. References: 1. Kaplas N, Isolauri E, Lampi AM, Ojala T, Laitinen K. Dietary counseling and probiotic supplementation during pregnancy modify placental phospholipid fatty acids. Lipids. 2007 Sep;42(9):865-70. Epub 2007 Jul 24. 2. Abrahamsson TR, Jakobsson T, Böttcher MF, Fredrikson M, Jenmalm MC, Björkstén B, Oldaeus G. Probiotics in prevention of IgE-associated eczema: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007 May;119(5):1174-80. Epub 2007 Mar 8. 3. Rinne M, Kalliomaki M, Arvilommi H, Salminen S, Isolauri E. Effect of probiotics and breastfeeding on the bifidobacterium and lactobacillus/enterococcus microbiota and humoral immune responses. J Pediatr. 2005 Aug;147(2):186-91.