Looking for a VSL3 alternative in the UK? The original De Simone Formulation — the 8-strain probiotic blend used in over 80 clinical trials and referenced in ECCO IBD guidelines — was once sold as VSL#3, then as Vivomixx. It is now available in the UK as CDS22-formula. Same strains. Same 450 billion CFU potency. New name. This guide explains the full brand history, the 2016 commercial split, and why CDS22 is the only product in the UK today carrying the original clinically-studied De Simone Formulation.

The De Simone formulation comprises 8 specific strains — including Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM 24735 and Bifidobacterium longum DSM 24736 — developed by Professor Claudio De Simone and separated from VSL#3 via US and Italian court rulings in 2016. CDS22 is the current authorised UK product containing this formulation, with the legal timeline, strain certificates, and clinical trial index documented in this reference guide.

This pharmacy-grade guide applies strain-specific evidence, CFU viability, storage requirements, and UK regulatory criteria to evaluate leading probiotic products including CDS22, Symprove, Optibac, and Alflorex. Antibiotic timing protocol covered: 2-hour separation rule, 7–14 days post-course continuation, with reference to NHS and FSA guidance.

UK guide: Can you take probiotics with antibiotics? Yes — 2-hour gap rule recommended. Continue 7–14 days post-course. Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea risk 5–30%. Evidence reviewed for Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii with NHS and FSA regulatory context.

The current VSL#3 formulation was changed following a 2016 US court ruling that separated the product from the original De Simone IP, removing the 8 clinically studied strains. CDS22 is the only UK product containing the original De Simone formulation at 450 billion CFU, with over 80 peer-reviewed trials supporting its use in IBS, ulcerative colitis, and pouchitis.

Twenty evidence-based answers covering probiotic strain selection, CFU requirements, refrigeration, antibiotic timing, IBS protocols, and the clinical history of the De Simone formulation. Referenced against ECCO IBD guidelines, Cochrane reviews, and FSA regulatory framework for UK readers and healthcare professionals.

Clinical trials using the De Simone formulation show statistically significant reductions in IBS symptom scores, with evidence reviewed across IBS-D, IBS-C, and IBS-M subtypes. This UK guide covers strain-specific evidence, CFU thresholds, dietary probiotic sources, and product comparisons including CDS22, Alflorex, and Symprove.

High-CFU multi-strain probiotics have demonstrated greater efficacy than single-strain low-dose products in peer-reviewed IBS and bloating trials, with the De Simone formulation studied at doses between 450 billion and 900 billion CFU. This guide explains the clinical rationale for high-potency formulations and compares UK products including CDS22 against lower-dose alternatives.

Evidence-based UK guide to probiotics. Named clinical trials (Hill 2014, Ford 2018, Gionchetti 2000), FSA regulatory framework, five-point evaluation checklist, strain types, CFU guidance, and FAQ. Written for UK readers, patients, and healthcare professionals.