There are several VSL #3 products, but the DS is by prescription only.
VSL#3 has the highest concentration of beneficial bacteria available (from 112.5 billion per capsule to 900 billion per packet).
VSL#3 has Medical Food status
The term medical food, as defined in section 5(b) of the Orphan Drug Act (21 U.S.C. 360ee (b) (3)) is "a food which is formulated to be consumed or administered enterally under the supervision of a physician and which is intended for the specific dietary management of a disease or condition for which distinctive nutritional requirements, based on recognized scientific principles, are established by medical evaluation."There are 5 points that summarize what a Medical Food is:
- Formulated to be consumed orally or administered enterally
- Must be used under medical supervision
- Intended for the specific dietary management of a disease or condition
- The disease or condition has distinctive nutritional requirements, established by medical evaluation, that cannot be met by modifying the diet
- The nutritional requirements are based on recognized scientific principles
