CDS22-Formula | Original De Simone Formulation UK Probiotic (450 Billion CFU) | Larger 12 Sachet Pack
CDS22-Formula | Original De Simone Formulation UK Probiotic (450 Billion CFU) | Larger 12 Sachet Pack
CDS22-formula 450B — Original De Simone Formulation (12 Sachets)
One of the highest-potency probiotic formulations available, at 450 billion live cultures (CFU) per sachet across 8 strains. CDS22-formula is the original De Simone Formulation developed by Professor Claudio De Simone — the formulation sold pre-2016 as VSL#3 and later as Vivomixx, now supplied in the UK as CDS22-formula. Refrigerated and cold-chain delivered across the UK. £19.50.
- Original 8-strain De Simone Formulation, 450 billion live cultures (CFU) per sachet
- Documented in 200+ scientific publications, including 80+ clinical studies
- The formulation (as VSL#3) is referenced in ECCO material and the AGA 2024 pouchitis guideline (Barnes et al., Gastroenterology 2024)
- Refrigerated (+2–8°C), cold-chain dispatched across the UK
- Food supplement under UK/FSA food supplement rules — not a medicine. Gluten-free. Suitable from age 3
CDS22-formula definition: CDS22-formula is the original 8-strain, 450 billion CFU probiotic mixture developed by Professor Claudio De Simone (the "De Simone Formulation"), sold under the VSL#3 brand until 2016 and later as Vivomixx, and now supplied in the UK as CDS22-formula.
The original formulation, by name
Of the probiotic formulations available to UK consumers, the De Simone Formulation has one of the most extensive evidence bases in the scientific literature. It is referenced in over 200 scientific publications, of which more than 80 are clinical studies spanning IBS, ulcerative colitis, pouchitis and antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.
The AGA 2024 pouchitis guideline (Barnes et al., Gastroenterology 2024;166(1):59-85) states that the evidence favouring probiotics for preventing pouchitis recurrence is limited to the De Simone Formulation. The formulation is also referenced in ECCO material for inflammatory bowel disease, and has been studied in registered clinical trials including NCT01765439. More recent trials name the formulation directly — for example Halkjær et al. (Curr Dev Nutr, 2020, PMID 32617453) and Rousseau et al. (J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr, 2022). These references describe the formulation as studied in the clinical literature — they are not a claim that this food supplement treats any condition.
VSL#3 → Vivomixx → CDS22-formula: the lineage explained
If you previously bought VSL#3 or Vivomixx in the UK and are trying to find the same product, here is how the names connect. The formulation is the constant; only the brand names changed.
| Period | Brand name | Contains the De Simone Formulation? |
|---|---|---|
| Until 2016 | VSL#3 (Actial Srl) | Yes — most pre-2016 "VSL#3" studies relate to this |
| After 2016 | VSL#3 (current) | No — per ECCO official statement |
| Until 2025 | Vivomixx (Mendes SA) | Yes — same 8-strain formulation |
| Now | CDS22-formula | Yes — original 8 strains, 450B CFU |
Per the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) October 2023 statement, the product sold as VSL#3 after 2016 no longer contains the De Simone Formulation. This is why brand name and clinical evidence must be matched by strain list, not by name alone.
For the complete strain-by-strain identity reference, the 2016 split and the source documentation, see The De Simone Formulation: UK reference guide. If you previously bought VSL#3, see VSL#3 alternative UK: the original formula explained.
The 8 strains in CDS22-formula
Each sachet delivers 450 billion live cultures across 8 strains, identified by their NCIMB strain codes for verification against the published literature:
| Strain | NCIMB code | Per sachet |
|---|---|---|
| Streptococcus thermophilus | NCIMB 30438 | 226 billion |
| Bifidobacterium breve | NCIMB 30441 | 24 billion |
| Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis | NCIMB 30435 | 24 billion |
| Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis | NCIMB 30436 | 24 billion |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus | NCIMB 30442 | 38 billion |
| Lactobacillus plantarum | NCIMB 30437 | 38 billion |
| Lactobacillus paracasei | NCIMB 30439 | 38 billion |
| Lactobacillus helveticus | NCIMB 30440 | 38 billion |
Older clinical literature and the US Visbiome product list these strains under DSM codes (e.g. DSM 24731–24737). The organisms are the same formulation; the current UK CDS22-formula label uses the NCIMB designations above.
Why buy from Probiotic.co.uk
- Cold-chain handled: transported refrigerated from the manufacturer in Italy to our temperature-controlled UK warehouse, and dispatched cold — so the live count on the label is the count you receive.
- UK specialist retailer for the De Simone Formulation.
- Fast UK cold-chain delivery, packed to keep the sachets chilled in transit.
- £19.50 per 12-sachet pack.
How we deliver a refrigerated probiotic, safely
A common question: will a refrigerated product survive shipping? Here is the reassuring part. CDS22-formula is shelf-stable at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to 7 days, per the manufacturer's storage leaflet — so a normal 24–48 hour delivery does not affect the live cultures, even if an ice pack has melted on arrival.
We still ice-pack and foil-line every order anyway, as extra care:
- Easi-Chill coolant packs + insulated foil liners — up to 73 hours of chilled protection in transit.
- Dispatched Monday–Thursday only, so orders don't sit in a depot over the weekend.
- Royal Mail Tracked 24 or DPD Premium Tracked.
- Refrigerate on arrival to maintain full potency through to the best-before date.
Full details: CDS22-formula delivery & cold-chain information.
Product details
Food supplement with 450 billion live cultures per sachet. Format: 12 sachets of 4.4g, 18-month shelf life from manufacture when stored refrigerated. GTIN/EAN: 8055039380144. Price: £19.50.
Ingredients
Maltose, mixture of lactic ferments (Streptococcus thermophilus NCIMB 30438, Bifidobacterium breve NCIMB 30441, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis NCIMB 30435, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis NCIMB 30436, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCIMB 30442, Lactobacillus plantarum NCIMB 30437, Lactobacillus paracasei NCIMB 30439, Lactobacillus helveticus NCIMB 30440).
Gluten-free. The live cell count refers to the product correctly stored in intact packaging at refrigerated temperature (+2–8°C) until the best-before date.
How to use
- Adults and children 7+: 1–2 sachets per day.
- Children 3–6 years: up to ½ sachet per day.
- Open and mix into a cool, non-fizzy drink, yogurt or fruit juice; consume immediately. Do not add to hot liquids.
Storage
- Store in the refrigerator (+2–8°C) to maintain the live cultures.
- Can be kept at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to one week.
- Avoid temperatures above 25°C.
Nutritional declaration
| Per 100g | Per sachet (4.4g) | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 1554 kJ / 366 kcal | 68.37 kJ / 16.10 kcal |
| Fat | 0.5 g | 0.02 g |
| of which saturates | 0.1 g | 0.00 g |
| Carbohydrate | 80 g | 3.52 g |
| of which sugars | 63 g | 2.77 g |
| Protein | 10 g | 0.44 g |
| Salt | 0.28 g | 0.01 g |
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or under medical supervision, consult your doctor before use. CDS22-formula can be taken alongside antibiotics; taking it a few hours apart from the antibiotic dose is commonly advised. Anyone immunocompromised or seriously unwell should speak to a doctor first. The NHS advises seeing a GP if you have digestive symptoms that persist for more than three weeks.
Important: CDS22-formula is a food supplement, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information here is for general information only and does not replace advice from a GP, pharmacist or other qualified health professional. VSL#3® is a brand of Actial Srl; Vivomixx® is a brand of Mendes SA. CDS22-formula has no affiliation with these brands.
Frequently asked questions
Is CDS22-formula the same as Vivomixx?
Yes — Vivomixx (Mendes SA) carried the same 8-strain De Simone Formulation until 2025. The formulation is now supplied as CDS22-formula. CDS22-formula has no affiliation with the Vivomixx brand.
Is CDS22-formula the same as VSL#3?
CDS22-formula contains the original De Simone Formulation, which was sold under the VSL#3 brand until 2016. Per the ECCO official statement, the product sold as VSL#3 after 2016 no longer contains the De Simone Formulation. Most pre-2016 "VSL#3" studies relate to the formulation now supplied as CDS22-formula. The VSL#3 brand belongs to Actial Srl; CDS22-formula has no affiliation with it.
How many strains and how much CFU does CDS22-formula contain?
Each sachet contains 8 bacterial strains delivering 450 billion live cultures (CFU): Streptococcus thermophilus NCIMB 30438 (226 billion), Bifidobacterium breve NCIMB 30441 (24 billion), Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis NCIMB 30435 (24 billion), Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis NCIMB 30436 (24 billion), Lactobacillus acidophilus NCIMB 30442 (38 billion), Lactobacillus plantarum NCIMB 30437 (38 billion), Lactobacillus paracasei NCIMB 30439 (38 billion), and Lactobacillus helveticus NCIMB 30440 (38 billion).
Does CDS22-formula need to be refrigerated?
Yes. CDS22-formula is a refrigerated product and should be stored at +2–8°C to maintain the live cultures, with an 18-month shelf life from manufacture when kept refrigerated. It can be kept at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to one week. Probiotic.co.uk dispatches it cold-chain across the UK to preserve the live count.
Is CDS22-formula a medicine, and is it legal in the UK?
CDS22-formula is sold legally in the UK as a food supplement. It is not a medicine and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. No prescription is required.
Will CDS22-formula survive delivery if the ice pack melts?
Yes. CDS22-formula is shelf-stable at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to 7 days, per the manufacturer's storage leaflet, so a normal 24–48 hour delivery does not affect the live cultures even if the ice pack has melted on arrival. Probiotic.co.uk still ice-packs and foil-lines every order for up to 73 hours of chilled protection, and dispatches Monday–Thursday. Refrigerate the product on arrival.
How do I take CDS22-formula?
Adults and children aged 7+ take 1–2 sachets per day; children aged 3–6 take up to ½ sachet per day. Mix the contents into a cool, non-fizzy drink, yogurt or fruit juice and consume immediately. Do not add to hot liquids.