The HSO Probiotic Blend: The Core Ingredients
At the heart of Primal Defense Ultra is its proprietary HSO (Homeostatic Soil Organism) Probiotic Blend. This powerful component features a total of 13 beneficial species, providing 15 billion live cells per daily serving (5 billion CFU per capsule). The blend includes a variety of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, along with the unique soil-based organisms that make this product stand out. This broad-spectrum approach is designed to repopulate the gut with a wide range of beneficial microflora.
Key Probiotic Strains in Detail
The HSO blend is not a single entity but a diverse combination of microorganisms, each playing a specific role in supporting gut flora:
- Saccharomyces boulardii: A hardy, non-pathogenic yeast that helps nourish the intestinal lining and supports its normal barrier function, a key aspect of the body's defense system. It is known to be particularly resilient to stomach and bile acids.
- Bacillus subtilis: A soil-based organism (HSO) that helps support healthy lactic acid bacteria counts and maintains optimal pH levels within the gut.
- Lactobacillus plantarum: A well-researched strain known for its ability to survive the journey through the stomach and contribute to a healthy intestinal environment.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus: A common and well-known probiotic strain that resides in the small intestine.
- Bifidobacterium lactis: This beneficial bacterium is often found in the large intestine and supports overall colon health.
- Other Strains: The blend also includes other important strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium breve, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus salivarius, Bifidobacterium longum, and Lactobacillus paracasei, providing a comprehensive range of support.
Fermented Grasses and Ionic Minerals
Beyond the probiotic strains, Primal Defense Ultra includes additional components to enhance its effectiveness.
Whole Food Fermented Grasses
The formula contains fermented organic barley grass and organic oat grass, which are produced using the proprietary Poten-Zyme® fermentation process. These fermented whole food ingredients contribute to the product's nutritional value and provide a synergistic effect with the probiotic blend.
Ionic Plant-Based Minerals
Primal Defense Ultra also contains ionic plant-based minerals, which include a small amount of iron. These minerals provide a valuable nutritional foundation, further distinguishing it as a whole food dietary supplement rather than just a simple probiotic.
The Role of Other Ingredients
The other ingredients in the formula serve primarily to create the vegetarian capsule and ensure product stability. These include vegetable cellulose (for the capsule) and organic rice hull. These are functional ingredients that do not contribute to the core probiotic action but are necessary for the product's form and shelf-life.
Primal Defense Ultra vs. Original Primal Defense
For many, the key question revolves around the differences between the Ultra and Original versions of Primal Defense. The primary distinctions lie in the CFU count and the specific strains included, providing a more potent and comprehensive formula in the Ultra version.
| Feature | Primal Defense Ultra | Original Primal Defense |
|---|---|---|
| CFU per Daily Serving | 15 Billion (5 billion CFU per capsule) | 3 Billion (1 billion CFU per caplet) |
| Number of Species | 13 beneficial cultures | 12 beneficial cultures |
| Key Additional Strain | Includes Saccharomyces boulardii | Does not include Saccharomyces boulardii |
| Formula Focus | Higher potency, broad-spectrum support | Broad-spectrum support, primarily HSO focus |
Conclusion
In summary, the ingredients in Primal Defense Ultra comprise a sophisticated and comprehensive formula designed to support and balance the gut microbiome. The blend features a potent 15 billion CFU daily serving of 13 beneficial species, crucially including soil-based organisms (HSOs) and the robust Saccharomyces boulardii. These powerful probiotic strains are complemented by a whole food matrix of fermented grasses and ionic minerals, offering a complete approach to digestive and immune system health. The combination of these ingredients makes Primal Defense Ultra a distinctive product in the probiotic market, aimed at providing extensive support for a healthy internal environment.
Note: As with any dietary supplement, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare practitioner before starting use. You can find more information about the product on the official Garden of Life website.
