CDS22 vs Symprove: Evidence-Based Comparison for UK Readers
Written by the Probiotic.co.uk Editorial Team • Reviewed for accuracy and sourcing
Last updated: December 2025
TL;DR - Quick Answer
CDS22-formula contains the original De Simone Formulation, an 8 strain, 450 billion CFU probiotic blend that has been studied for chronic intestinal conditions since the 1990s.1
Symprove is a liquid, water based probiotic containing four live bacterial strains in a barley based suspension, taken as a daily shot.2
The two products differ in delivery format (powder vs liquid), strain profile (8 vs 4 strains), CFU strength, and clinical heritage. They are not interchangeable. Any decision to use either product should be made with a healthcare professional.
See what customers across the UK are saying about CDS22-formula:
Introduction
People in the UK often search for terms like “Symprove review”, “Symprove vs other probiotics”, or “De Simone Formulation alternative”. Symprove has strong brand awareness as a liquid probiotic, while CDS22-formula is less known but closely linked to the original De Simone Formulation, which has been widely studied in chronic intestinal conditions such as IBS and IBD.1/p>
This guide explains the factual differences between CDS22-formula and Symprove. It focuses on formulations, delivery, evidence and practical use, without recommending one product as medically superior. It is not medical advice.
Quick comparison - CDS22 vs Symprove
| Feature | CDS22-formula | Symprove |
|---|---|---|
| Formulation type | Powder sachet mixed with cold water before use. | Ready-to-drink liquid shot in a water based barley suspension. |
| Strain count | 8 specific bacterial strains (De Simone Formulation). | 4 bacterial strains. |
| Species / strains | Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium breve, B. longum, B. infantis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. paracasei, L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus. | Lactobacillus rhamnosus NCIMB 30174, Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 30176, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCIMB 30175, Lactobacillus plantarum NCIMB 30173.2 |
| Strength | 450 billion CFU per sachet. | Approximately 10 billion CFU (1 × 1010) live bacteria per 70 ml daily shot, according to Symprove’s own dosing and storage guidance.2,3 |
| Clinical heritage | De Simone Formulation has been studied in many trials for chronic intestinal conditions since the 1990s and is conditionally recommended in some guidelines for prevention of recurrent pouchitis.1,4 | Symprove has been studied in several human trials and in vitro models, including a randomised trial in IBS and simulated gut model work on survival and colonisation.3,5 |
| Delivery and routine | Dissolve one sachet in cold water and drink, usually once daily as per patient information leaflet. | Measure a fixed volume of liquid (for example 70 ml) and drink once daily on an empty stomach, as per manufacturer instructions.2 |
| Storage | Refrigerated long term, with clear guidance that product remains stable for a limited time at room temperature during transit when correctly handled. | Stored in the fridge before opening. Once opened, a bottle is used over a set number of days according to label instructions.2 |
| Taste and format | Neutral powder mixed with water. | Flavoured liquid (for example mango and passion fruit or original), with a distinct taste. |
| Positioning | Continuation of the original De Simone Formulation used historically under other brand names. | Non dairy, water based liquid probiotic that aims to deliver live bacteria to the gut. |
1. Formulations in more detail
CDS22-formula - original De Simone Formulation
CDS22-formula contains the De Simone Formulation, a patented 8 strain probiotic blend developed by Prof Claudio De Simone. The formulation has been clinically evaluated for several chronic intestinal conditions, including ulcerative colitis, pouchitis and IBS, in trials that date back to the 1990s.1
Key points:
- 8 strains from the genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus.
- 450 billion CFU per sachet.
- Supplied as a powder to be mixed with cold water and consumed immediately.
- Long term storage in the fridge, with clear guidance on room temperature stability during shipping.
Symprove - water based liquid probiotic
Symprove is a non dairy, water based liquid probiotic that uses a barley based medium to carry live bacteria. The product is taken as a daily shot before food.2
The manufacturer lists four strains in each serving:2
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus NCIMB 30174
- Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 30176
- Lactobacillus acidophilus NCIMB 30175
- Lactobacillus plantarum NCIMB 30173
Symprove also contains water, barley extract and flavouring, along with small amounts of vitamins and minerals, as outlined on its nutritional information page.2
2. Strain-by-strain overview
The table below shows the main named strains in each product. For CDS22-formula, individual strain counts form part of the 450 billion CFU total per sachet. Symprove states that each standard 70 ml daily serving contains about 10 billion live CFU, and clinical trials have been based on a daily 70 ml shot rather than listing CFU per individual strain.2,3
| Species / strain | CDS22-formula (De Simone Formulation) | Symprove |
|---|---|---|
| Streptococcus thermophilus | Present as S. thermophilus DSM 24731 / NCIMB 30438 (included in 450 billion CFU total). | Not listed. |
| Bifidobacterium breve | Present as B. breve DSM 24732 / NCIMB 30441. | Not listed. |
| Bifidobacterium longum | Present as B. longum DSM 24736 / NCIMB 30442. | Not listed. |
| Bifidobacterium infantis | Present as B. infantis DSM 24737 / NCIMB 30443. | Not listed. |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus | Present as L. acidophilus DSM 24735 / NCIMB 30439. | Present as L. acidophilus NCIMB 30175. |
| Lactobacillus plantarum | Present as L. plantarum DSM 24730 / NCIMB 30437. | Present as L. plantarum NCIMB 30173. |
| Lactobacillus paracasei | Present as L. paracasei DSM 24733 / NCIMB 30445. | Not listed. |
| Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus | Present as L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus DSM 24734 / NCIMB 30440. | Not listed. |
| Enterococcus faecium | Not present in the De Simone Formulation. | Present as E. faecium NCIMB 30176. |
| Lactobacillus rhamnosus | Not present in the De Simone Formulation. | Present as L. rhamnosus NCIMB 30174. |
How to interpret CFU counts
CFU numbers on their own do not predict clinical outcomes. Effectiveness depends on the specific formulation, strain identity, survivability, and the clinical context used in published studies. For example, CDS22-formula delivers 450 billion CFU powder-based bacteria, while Symprove delivers approximately 10 billion CFU in a water-based liquid shot. These formats behave differently in research settings and are not interchangeable.
3. What does the evidence say?
Evidence for the De Simone Formulation (CDS22-formula)
The De Simone Formulation has been the subject of many clinical studies in chronic intestinal conditions, including ulcerative colitis, pouchitis and IBS.1 A technical review from the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) noted that the De Simone Formulation probiotic led to a lower risk of recurrent pouchitis in certain studies and issued a conditional recommendation for this specific formulation in that setting.4
It is important to note:
- Results are specific to the exact formulation tested. They cannot be assumed for other probiotic products, even if strain names look similar.
- Trials vary in design, dose and patient group. This makes direct comparison with other probiotics difficult.
- The De Simone Formulation used in earlier research now appears under newer brand names such as CDS22-formula, not the brands used historically.
Evidence for Symprove
Symprove has also been studied in several settings. Examples include:
- A randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial in people with IBS, which reported symptom improvements over 12 weeks of Symprove use compared with placebo, using the standard 70 ml daily shot (~10 billion CFU) throughout the study period.3
- Laboratory work using a simulated human gut model (SHIME) suggesting that Symprove bacteria can survive gastric conditions and reach the colon in a live and active state.5
The manufacturer also lists additional studies on its website, covering endpoints such as microbiota changes and symptom scores in specific patient groups.5
Again, these results are specific to the Symprove formulation and trial conditions. They do not tell us how other products will perform.
Independent evidence sources
4. Practical considerations for UK users
Daily routine
- CDS22-formula: Mix one sachet with cold water and drink, usually once a day or as advised by a clinician.
- Symprove: Measure and drink a fixed volume of liquid each morning on an empty stomach, then wait before eating as per label guidance.2
Storage and handling
- CDS22-formula: Stored in the fridge long term. The patient information explains that the product remains stable for a defined period at room temperature during shipping when correctly packed.
- Symprove: Stored in the fridge before opening. Once opened, the bottle is used over a fixed period and should be kept refrigerated between uses.2
Taste and tolerance
Some people prefer a neutral powder mixed with water. Others like the convenience of a flavoured liquid shot. Taste, texture and individual tolerance are subjective factors that often influence long term adherence more than people expect.
5. When do people choose each product?
This section describes common patterns seen in customer questions and online discussions. It is not a recommendation.
Reasons people choose CDS22-formula
- They want to align as closely as possible with the original De Simone Formulation used in earlier research.
- They prefer a sachet format and are happy to mix a drink each day.
- They value a very high CFU count per serving (450 billion CFU per sachet).
- They are already familiar with earlier brands that used the same formulation and want continuity.
Reasons people choose Symprove
- They prefer a ready-to-drink liquid shot that fits into a morning routine.
- They have heard about Symprove through media, word of mouth or healthcare professionals and want to try a liquid probiotic.
- They like the idea of a non dairy, water based probiotic that has its own clinical studies.
6. Key questions to discuss with your healthcare professional
- Which, if any, probiotic formulation is appropriate for my condition, medications and health history?
- Is there published evidence for the specific formulation we are discussing, in people similar to me?
- What dose and duration were used in those studies, and is that realistic for me?
- How should probiotics fit alongside diet, prescribed medicines and other treatments?
For general information about probiotics and digestive health, the NHS provides an accessible overview that explains current evidence and limitations.6
About this article
This comparison was prepared by the editorial team at Probiotic.co.uk. The team reviews publicly available scientific literature, manufacturer technical data, and clinical guidelines to provide accurate, evidence-based information about probiotic formulations sold in the UK.
Content is fact-checked against independent sources where possible, including NHS guidance, peer-reviewed publications and official probiotic research databases. This article does not provide medical advice.
Why this comparison matters
Different probiotic formulations cannot be assumed to have the same effects. CDS22-formula and Symprove differ in strain identity, delivery format, CFU levels, and clinical heritage. This article helps readers understand factual differences so they can discuss options with healthcare professionals.
Summary
- CDS22-formula and Symprove are complex, high strength probiotic products, but they use different strains, formats and formulation logic.
- The De Simone Formulation in CDS22-formula has a long clinical heritage and is conditionally recommended in certain guidelines for prevention of recurrent pouchitis.1,4
- Symprove is a non dairy, water based liquid probiotic with its own set of human trials and in vitro data.3,5
- Results from one formulation cannot be assumed for another, even if strain names sound similar.
- The right choice depends on clinical context, personal preference and professional advice.
Learn more: You can view the full CDS22-formula sachet product details here: CDS22-formula 450 Billion – 12 Sachets .
This article is for information only and does not replace medical advice. Always discuss probiotic use with a qualified healthcare professional.
To learn more about CDS22-formula, see the full product range here: CDS22-formula range.
Scientific references and sources
- De Simone Formulation – official scientific site – overview of formulation history, strain identity, and scientific background.
- Symprove – Ingredients and Nutritional information – official strain list, dose format, storage instructions and excipient profile.
- Symprove Professional Technical Information – confirms ~10 billion CFU per 70 ml daily dose, viability throughout shelf life, and clinical trial dosing used in human studies.
- Sisson et al. (Randomised, placebo-controlled IBS trial) – 12-week study using Symprove at ~1010 CFU/day, demonstrating symptom improvements. Summary available via Symprove science pages and independent systematic reviews.
- Symprove Science Portal – includes SHIME in-vitro gut model research demonstrating bacterial survival and colonisation characteristics.
- American Gastroenterological Association Technical Review – conditional recommendation for the De Simone Formulation for prevention of recurrent pouchitis in specific clinical settings.
- NHS – Probiotics Overview – independent guidance on probiotic use, regulatory considerations and evidence limitations.
- NHS Guidance on Probiotics (Symprove summary article) – clarifies evidence standards and positioning of probiotics within UK clinical practice.
- Symprove dosing guidance – confirms 70 ml per day intake requirement and timing on an empty stomach.
- Symprove ingredient breakdown – confirms four-strain composition: L. rhamnosus NCIMB 30174, E. faecium NCIMB 30176, L. acidophilus NCIMB 30175, L. plantarum NCIMB 30173.
This comparison is independent and informational, based solely on publicly available scientific and manufacturer data.
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 EU and UK probiotic retail, regulatory compliance, ingredient sourcing and microbiome product education. Darren works directly with manufacturers, clinicians and regulatory bodies to ensure accuracy in probiotic guidance.