Core Blends in Garden of Life Raw Probiotics
Garden of Life's "Raw Probiotics" line is known for its specialized blends. While specific ingredients vary by product (like Ultimate Care or Women's Vaginal Care), most formulas include combinations of the following key components:
Replenish Blend: Specific Probiotic Strains
This blend contains high-count probiotic strains selected to support digestive and immune health. For instance, the Ultimate Care product includes Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus strains. Formulas like Women's Vaginal Care incorporate additional strains such as Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
Raw Whole Food Probiotic Blend: Cultured Foods
Reflecting a whole food approach, this blend incorporates concentrates from Bulgarian yogurt and Eastern European wild kefir culture. This diverse kefir culture contributes a variety of bacteria and yeast strains, aiming to increase flora diversity.
Enzyme Support: Protein and Yeast Digestion
Enzyme blends are included to aid digestion. The Ultimate Care formula contains protein-digesting enzymes, while Women's Vaginal Care includes a blend for digesting vaginal yeast. The Colon Care formula features a broader enzyme profile to support colon transit.
Raw Fruit & Veggie Blend
A blend of raw fruits and vegetables, such as red bell pepper, carrot, and strawberry, is added as a natural matrix for the probiotics and to provide additional nutrients in their natural form.
Comparison of Raw Probiotic Product Ingredients
The table below highlights the primary ingredient differences across several Garden of Life Raw Probiotic products.
| Ingredient Component | Raw Probiotics Ultimate Care | Raw Probiotics Women's Vaginal Care | Raw Probiotics Colon Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Targeted Probiotic Blend | Clinically studied B. lactis, L. acidophilus, L. paracasei | Vaginal Care Blend including L. reuteri, L. rhamnosus, L. gasseri | Colon Care Blend with high Bifido strains and other targeted bacteria |
| Whole Food Blend | Bulgarian yogurt and Eastern European wild kefir culture | Bulgarian yogurt and Eastern European wild kefir culture | Bulgarian yogurt and Eastern European wild kefir culture |
| Enzyme Blend | Protein-Digesting Enzymes (Protease, Acid Protease, Protease S) | Vaginal Yeast-Digesting Enzymes (Cellulase, Hemicellulase, Lysozyme) | Colon Transit Support Enzyme Blend (Amylase, Proteases, Lactase, etc.) |
| Fruit & Veggie Blend | Red bell pepper, green pea, carrot, plum, cherry, strawberry, raspberry | Red bell pepper, green pea, carrot, plum, cherry, strawberry, raspberry | Red bell pepper, green pea, carrot, plum, cherry, strawberry, raspberry |
What “Raw” and “Whole Food” Mean for Ingredients
Garden of Life uses the term "raw" to indicate that ingredients are processed at low temperatures (below 115°F) to preserve live probiotics, enzymes, and nutrients. Their whole-food philosophy means products contain no binders, fillers, or artificial ingredients, delivering components in a natural state.
Other Ingredients and Manufacturing
Capsules are typically made from vegetable cellulose, often with organic brown rice as a base. Products are generally made without soy or peanuts but may be processed in facilities that handle these allergens. The inclusion of yogurt concentrate means some products contain dairy. Always review the product label for specific dietary information.
Conclusion
Garden of Life's Raw Probiotics feature a blend of ingredients, including diverse probiotic strains, whole food cultures, and enzymes, tailored to support health. The specific components vary by product to address different needs, but the core focus on potent cultures and a whole-food approach remains consistent. Choosing the right product involves considering the specific blend of supporting ingredients aligned with individual health goals.
For more detailed information on specific strains and their benefits, you can consult research studies and resources like the National Institutes of Health.
