Core Probiotic and HSO Blend
The central component of Primal Defense is its proprietary Homeostatic Soil Organism (HSO) probiotic blend. Garden of Life suggests these soil-based organisms, typically found in nutrient-rich soil, are designed to survive the digestive tract's harsh conditions like stomach acid and bile. The blend aims to populate the intestinal tract with beneficial flora, supporting digestive and immune system health.
Key probiotic species
The HSO blend features a variety of beneficial bacteria, including strains from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families. Specific strains in Primal Defense include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus brevis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, and Bacillus subtilis. The Ultra version also contains Saccharomyces boulardii.
Whole Food Matrix and Minerals
To aid probiotic culture growth, the HSO blend is delivered in a whole food matrix created through Garden of Life's Poten-Zyme® fermentation process using organic grasses.
Whole food components
- Fermented Organic Barley Grass and Organic Oat Grass: These provide a nutritional base for cultivating probiotic organisms.
Minerals and added ingredients
Primal Defense formulas include ionic plant-based minerals, such as trace amounts of iron.
Other ingredients
Other ingredients vary by product form (caplets vs. powder) but can include calcium carbonate, sodium croscarmellose, silica, magnesium stearate, rice maltodextrin, a vegetable coating, and bacterial proteases.
Primal Defense vs. Primal Defense Ultra Ingredients
Primal Defense and Primal Defense Ultra differ in potency and probiotic diversity.
| Feature | Primal Defense HSO Formula | Primal Defense ULTRA Formula |
|---|---|---|
| CFU Count | 1 billion live CFU per caplet (3 billion per daily serving) | 5 billion live CFU per capsule (15 billion per daily serving) |
| Probiotic Strains | Contains 12 probiotic strains | Contains 13 probiotic strains, including Saccharomyces boulardii |
| Unique Strain | Does not contain Saccharomyces boulardii | Contains Saccharomyces boulardii |
| Format Options | Caplets and powder | Vegetarian capsules |
| Primary Focus | General digestive balance and immune support | Higher-potency formula for broad-spectrum probiotic support |
The Role of Homeostatic Soil Organisms (HSOs)
HSOs are a defining feature of Primal Defense, intended to replicate beneficial microbes from healthy soil and support digestive and immune function by surviving the digestive process. Bacillus subtilis is one included HSO. While some suggest HSOs may aid human lactoferrin production, more research is needed. The Federal Trade Commission has historical documents on HSOs and the brand.
How the Poten-Zyme® Process Works
Garden of Life's Poten-Zyme® process is a patented fermentation method used for the HSO probiotic blend and fermented grasses, aiming to enhance nutrient absorption. This process ferments organic barley and oat grasses, creating a whole food matrix for probiotic viability. The probiotics are cultured in dairy during this process, making the final product vegetarian but not vegan.
Conclusion
Primal Defense contains a unique blend of Homeostatic Soil Organisms (HSOs), various Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, and a whole food matrix of fermented organic grasses. The Ultra version offers higher potency and includes Saccharomyces boulardii. These components, along with ionic minerals and the Poten-Zyme® process, work together to support digestive and immune health.
