A Tale of Two Names, One Formula
The question, "Are Visbiome and Vivomixx the same?" is common for consumers seeking the original, high-potency De Simone Formulation probiotic. The short answer is yes: Visbiome (sold in the U.S. and Canada) and Original Vivomixx (sold in Europe and other regions) both contain the exact same proprietary blend of eight bacterial strains. The differentiation lies entirely in regional branding and distribution rights, which were established following a split from the original manufacturer of VSL#3.
The Historical Timeline: VSL#3, Vivomixx, and Visbiome
The story begins with Professor Claudio De Simone, a medical doctor and immunologist who developed a unique, high-concentration probiotic formula in the 1990s. This formulation was originally licensed and sold under the brand name VSL#3, which gained significant recognition and clinical support for its effectiveness in managing conditions like ulcerative colitis and pouchitis.
A dispute over manufacturing and intellectual property rights led to the termination of the licensing agreement. Following this separation, Professor De Simone retained the rights to his original formulation, leading to new branding:
- Visbiome: Licensed for sale in the United States and Canada.
- Vivomixx: Distributed internationally by Professor De Simone's company, Mendes S.A., particularly in Europe.
- VSL#3 (New Formulation): The former licensee continued to sell a product under the VSL#3 name, but it no longer contained the original De Simone Formulation.
Identical Formulations, Different Packaging
Visbiome and Original Vivomixx share the same ingredients and deliver the same eight bacterial strains at the same high concentrations. They are manufactured to the same quality standards and require cold-chain storage.
Both products contain the following shared strains:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus paracasei
- Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus
- Bifidobacterium longum
- Bifidobacterium breve
- Bifidobacterium infantis
- Streptococcus thermophilus
Comparison Table: Visbiome vs. Vivomixx vs. New VSL#3
The table below highlights the key differences between Visbiome, Original Vivomixx, and the new VSL#3:
| Feature | Visbiome | Original Vivomixx | New VSL#3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formula | De Simone Formulation (DSF) | De Simone Formulation (DSF) | Different Formulation (Not DSF) |
| Bacterial Strains | 8 specific strains | 8 specific strains | 8 strains (different strains/proportions) |
| Potency | 450 billion CFU/sachet | 450 billion CFU/sachet | 450 billion CFU/sachet |
| Region of Sale | US, Canada, and other regions | Europe, UK, and other regions | US, Australia, and other regions |
| Clinical Data | Backed by original VSL#3 and newer Visbiome studies | Backed by original VSL#3 studies | Uses different formulation from original studies |
| Storage | Requires cold-chain storage | Requires cold-chain storage | Requires cold-chain storage |
| Key Distinction | Represents the continuation of the original formula | Represents the continuation of the original formula | A different product with the same name |
Why the Correct Formula Matters
For those managing specific gastrointestinal conditions, the precise bacterial composition is paramount. The therapeutic benefits documented in clinical studies are linked to the specific balance of the eight strains in the De Simone Formulation. A different blend may not yield the same clinical outcome. For instance, a meta-analysis showed the De Simone Formulation was helpful for ulcerative colitis, emphasizing the need for the correct blend. This was central in a legal case where ExeGi Pharma sued a competitor for false advertising regarding their product's similarity to Visbiome.
Conclusion
Visbiome and Vivomixx are different brands sold in different regions, but they contain the same, original De Simone Formulation. The critical distinction is between them and the current version of VSL#3, which uses a different formulation. Consumers seeking the probiotic with proven clinical history should ensure they purchase a product with the authentic De Simone Formulation, choosing either Visbiome or Original Vivomixx depending on location. Making the right choice involves understanding the history and focusing on the scientifically validated formula.
For additional scientific information regarding the De Simone Formulation, the official Visbiome website is a valuable resource: The De Simone Formulation.
