CDS22-formula Sachets vs Optibac Every Day (UK Comparison Guide)
Written by Darren Grant (Founder, Probiotic.co.uk) • Reviewed by the Probiotic.co.uk Editorial Team • Reviewed for accuracy and sourcing
Last updated: December 2025
Medical disclaimer: This article is for information only and does not replace advice from a GP, pharmacist, gastroenterologist or IBD team.
TL;DR – Quick answer for the UK
CDS22-formula sachets contain the original De Simone Formulation – an 8-strain, 450 billion CFU high-potency probiotic that has been studied in chronic intestinal conditions since the 1990s.1
Optibac Every Day is a multi-strain daily capsule that provides 5 billion live cultures per capsule plus FOS fibres, positioned as an everyday supplement for gut and immune support in the general population (not as a high-dose IBD product), according to Optibac’s own information and UK retailer listings.2
The two products differ in delivery format (sachet vs capsule), CFU strength (~450 billion vs 5 billion), strain profile (8 vs 6 strains) and clinical heritage. They are not interchangeable. Any decision to use either product should be made with a healthcare professional.
Quick answer for the UK
CDS22-formula vs Optibac Every Day – At a Glance
- Format: CDS22 – high-dose sachet mixed with water; Optibac Every Day – low-dose daily capsule.
- CFU strength: CDS22 – 450 billion CFU per sachet; Optibac Every Day – 5 billion CFU per capsule (~90 times lower CFU per dose).
- Strains: CDS22 – 8 specific strains in the original De Simone Formulation; Optibac – 6 strains plus FOS fibres.
- Positioning: CDS22 – high-potency food supplement used alongside standard care in published IBD/IBS studies; Optibac Every Day – general daily probiotic for adults and children over 12, marketed for everyday gut & immune support.
- Best fit (plain-English): CDS22 is typically chosen when someone wants to match the high-dose De Simone Formulation research approach; Optibac Every Day is typically chosen as a low-dose daily probiotic for general use.
- For UK readers: treat both as food supplements used alongside medical care, not instead of prescribed medicines.
What this guide covers
This UK-focused guide explains the factual differences between CDS22-formula sachets and Optibac Every Day capsules. It looks at:
- How the formulations and strains differ
- Why CFU strength varies so much (450 billion vs 5 billion)
- What is known about the clinical heritage of the De Simone Formulation
- How Optibac Every Day is positioned in the UK market
- Practical questions to discuss with a GP, pharmacist or gastroenterologist
This article is informational only. It does not recommend one brand as medically “better” and does not replace advice from your own doctor or IBD team.
Quick comparison – CDS22 sachets vs Optibac Every Day capsules
The table below summarises the main product differences for UK readers.
| Feature | CDS22-formula 450 Billion Sachets | Optibac Every Day Capsules |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Powder sachet mixed with cold water and consumed immediately. | Vegetarian capsule swallowed with water. |
| Main positioning | High-dose multi-strain probiotic food supplement based on the original De Simone Formulation, studied as an adjunct to standard care in UC, pouchitis and IBS.1 | Daily multi-strain probiotic for general gut and immune support in otherwise healthy adults and teens, according to Optibac and UK retailers.2 |
| CFU strength per daily serving | 450 billion CFU per sachet. | 5 billion CFU per capsule (~90× lower than a CDS22 sachet). |
| Strain count | 8 bacterial strains in the De Simone Formulation. | 6 bacterial strains plus FOS fibres (fructo-oligosaccharides). |
| Example strains | Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium breve, B. longum, B. infantis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. paracasei, L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus.1 | Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11, Lactobacillus acidophilus/helveticus Rosell-52, Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175, Bifidobacterium breve Rosell-70, Bifidobacterium bifidum Rosell-71, Lactococcus lactis Rosell-1058, plus 88 mg FOS fibres per capsule (per Optibac’s label).2 |
| Clinical heritage | De Simone Formulation has multiple RCTs and observational studies in UC, pouchitis and IBS. It is conditionally recommended in some pouchitis guidelines as an option for preventing recurrence in specific settings.3 | Optibac highlight research on individual strains and general probiotic evidence, but there is less publicly discussed trial data on the exact “Every Day” blend compared with the De Simone Formulation. |
| Usage in UK practice | Used by some UK gastroenterology teams as a high-dose adjunct in selected patients, always alongside standard treatment. | Commonly used as an over-the-counter daily probiotic purchased from high-street retailers, supermarkets and online pharmacies. |
| Regulatory status | Food supplement – not a medicine; always used in addition to standard care. | Food supplement – not a medicine; aimed at general gut and immune support. |
Key takeaway: CDS22 and Optibac Every Day sit in different categories – one is a very high-dose multi-strain supplement with an IBD research history, the other is a lower-dose daily capsule for general use.
Looking for the full CDS22-formula range?
If you want to compare sachets, capsules and drops, you can view the complete UK range here:
1. Formulations in more detail
CDS22-formula – original De Simone Formulation in sachet form
CDS22-formula sachets sold in the UK contain the original De Simone Formulation, a patented 8-strain blend developed by Prof Claudio De Simone. The same formulation has appeared historically under other brand names and has been used in clinical trials for ulcerative colitis, pouchitis and IBS since the 1990s.1,3
- Strains: 8 strains from the genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus.
- Strength: 450 billion CFU per sachet.
- Format: Powder that is mixed with cold water and taken immediately.
- Use in studies: Investigated as an adjunct to standard medical care, not as a replacement for prescribed treatment.
Optibac Every Day – daily capsule for general use
Optibac Every Day (formerly “For Every Day”) is positioned as the brand’s flagship daily probiotic in the UK. According to Optibac and high-street retailers, each capsule provides 5 billion live cultures plus 88 mg FOS fibres and is intended for everyday gut and immune support in adults and children over 12, rather than for specific IBD protocols.2
- Strains: 6 strains including L. rhamnosus Rosell-11 and B. longum Rosell-175, plus L. acidophilus/helveticus, B. breve, B. bifidum and Lc. lactis.
- Strength: 5 billion CFU per capsule.
- Format: Once-daily capsule swallowed with water, with or without food depending on label instructions.
- Added fibres: FOS prebiotic fibres (88 mg) per capsule.
2. CFU strength and daily dose – 450 billion vs 5 billion
A common question in the UK is why CDS22 sachets contain so many more bacteria than a typical capsule product such as Optibac Every Day.
| Product | Approx. CFU per daily serving | Relative dose |
|---|---|---|
| CDS22-formula sachet | 450 billion CFU | Reference / 1.0 |
| Optibac Every Day capsule | 5 billion CFU | ≈ 1⁄90 of a CDS22 sachet dose |
Higher CFU counts do not automatically mean a product is “better”, but they do reflect a different design philosophy. CDS22 sachets are formulated as a high-dose multi-strain supplement similar to the doses used in published IBD and IBS trials. Optibac Every Day capsules are closer to the doses used in many mainstream daily probiotics aimed at the general population.
How to interpret CFU numbers
- CFU tells you how many live bacteria are present at the end of shelf life, not how they will behave in every individual.
- Clinical outcomes depend on the specific formulation, the strains, and the condition being studied.
- Studies with the De Simone Formulation used high doses similar to a CDS22 sachet; results cannot be simply transferred to lower-dose products with different strains.
3. What does the evidence say?
Evidence for the De Simone Formulation (CDS22)
The original De Simone Formulation has been evaluated in multiple clinical trials and observational studies in ulcerative colitis, pouchitis and IBS.1,3 Findings include:
- Improved remission and relapse rates in some studies of mild–moderate ulcerative colitis when used alongside 5-ASA therapy.
- Reduced risk of recurrent pouchitis in patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) when taken after antibiotics.
- Symptom improvements (for example bloating and stool frequency) in some IBS trials.
The American Gastroenterological Association technical review notes that the De Simone Formulation has one of the stronger probiotic evidence bases for preventing recurrent pouchitis in specific clinical settings, although recommendations remain conditional and patient-specific.3
Evidence for Optibac Every Day
Optibac refer to research on some of the individual strains in the Every Day formula and to general probiotic evidence for gut and immune health.2 Compared with the De Simone Formulation, there is less publicly discussed clinical trial data on the exact “Every Day” blend as a named formulation. Most of the messaging focuses on:
- Use as an everyday supplement for adults and teens.
- Suitability during pregnancy, breastfeeding and for people on certain medications (subject to medical advice).
- General benefits for gut and immune function, rather than specific IBD outcomes.
This does not mean the product is ineffective, only that the type and depth of evidence differs from that behind the De Simone Formulation.
Independent evidence sources
- De Simone Formulation – official scientific site – overview of strain identity, clinical history and published trials.
- NHS – Probiotics overview – independent explanation of what probiotics can and cannot claim to do.
- Peer-reviewed review clarifying evidence specific to the original De Simone Formulation .
- Optibac Every Day – official product page – strain list, CFU count and usage instructions.
4. Practical considerations for UK readers
Daily routine
- CDS22-formula sachets: Mix one sachet with cold water and drink immediately, usually once a day or as directed in the patient information sheet or by a clinician.
- Optibac Every Day: Take one capsule daily with water (check current label for timing and age recommendations).
Storage and handling
- CDS22-formula: Stored in the fridge long-term. Packaging explains that the product remains stable for a defined period at room temperature during shipping when correctly packed.
- Optibac Every Day: Store in a cool, dry place and avoid high temperatures, as per the Optibac label.
Who typically chooses which product?
This is not a recommendation, but common patterns seen in UK questions and reviews include:
- CDS22-formula sachets: chosen by people who want to align closely with the high-dose De Simone Formulation used in published IBD/IBS studies, often after discussion with a gastroenterologist or IBD nurse.
- Optibac Every Day: chosen by people looking for a lower-dose daily capsule from a familiar high-street brand, often as a first step into probiotics.
Important medical note
Neither CDS22-formula nor Optibac Every Day is a medicine. Do not stop or change prescribed treatment for ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, pouchitis or IBS without speaking to your hospital team or GP. Probiotics should be considered an add-on to standard care, not a replacement.
5. Frequently asked questions (for UK readers)
Are CDS22-formula and Optibac Every Day the same type of probiotic?
No. CDS22-formula contains the original De Simone Formulation, an 8-strain, 450 billion CFU probiotic blend supplied as a powder sachet. Optibac Every Day is a 5-billion CFU capsule with seven lactobacillus and bifidobacterium strains. The formulations, CFU levels and clinical heritage are completely different and results from one do not apply to the other.
Which is stronger — CDS22-formula or Optibac Every Day?
CDS22-formula provides 450 billion CFU per sachet. Optibac Every Day provides 5 billion CFU per capsule. This is roughly a 90× difference in CFU strength. Strength is not the only factor, but the scale difference is significant.
Is Optibac Every Day clinically equivalent to the De Simone Formulation?
No. Clinical studies on the De Simone Formulation cannot be transferred to other probiotics, including Optibac. Each product has different strains, ratios, technological processes and outcomes.
Which product is better for IBS?
Neither CDS22-formula nor Optibac Every Day is a treatment for IBS. Some people prefer high-dose multi-strain sachets; others prefer lower-dose capsules. The decision should be based on tolerance, cost, and discussion with a healthcare professional.
Can either product replace medications?
No. Both are food supplements. In research, probiotics were always used alongside prescribed therapies, not instead of them.
How long should I try a probiotic before judging effects?
Most clinical studies run 4–12 weeks. A reasonable trial period should be agreed with a GP or specialist.
Where can I buy CDS22-formula in the UK?
CDS22-formula sachets are available directly from Probiotic.co.uk with cold-chain delivery and next-day shipping.
Summary
CDS22-formula sachets and Optibac Every Day capsules serve different purposes. CDS22 provides a very high-dose, 8-strain formulation aligned with published De Simone research, while Optibac Every Day is a lower-dose daily capsule designed for general gut support. They are not interchangeable and should be used alongside medical care, not instead of it.
Related reading
About the Author
Darren Grant is the founder of Probiotic.co.uk and the authorised UK distributor of CDS22-formula. He specialises in probiotic retail, regulatory compliance, strain-level formulation analysis and microbiome product education across the UK and Ireland.
Scientific references and sources
- Official De Simone Formulation scientific site
- Optibac Every Day – product page & strain list
- PubMed Clinical Studies Database
- NHS – Probiotics overview
Learn more about CDS22-formula sachets
If you want to see the full product information, ingredients and patient leaflet, you can view the UK sachet product page here: CDS22-formula 450 Billion – 12 Sachets (UK) .
To explore the full CDS22 range for UK customers, visit: CDS22-formula collection (UK) .
What UK customers say about CDS22-formula
This comparison is independent and informational, based solely on publicly available scientific and manufacturer data.