It seems to me there is a fundamental flaw in all of these probiotic pills – in that their chain of distribution is not regulated – i.e. they don’t ensure that their product is maintained below the temperature stated (usually 25 degrees ), above which may result in their products being significantly degraded or simply sterile. One indication that they are aware of this is VSL#3 – they specifically offer a refrigerated service, and will not in fact send through the normal post if the outside temperature exceeds 25 degrees.
The fact they offer a chilled delivery service is obviously great, but the rule of not sending when the temp is over 25 degrees is flawed, because the temperature which you get it in forecasts refers to the temperature in the shade. Obviously the first problem is the temperature varies across the country, but the second and perhaps more important point is that most Royal Mail and many other delivery vans are not air conditioned, so the temperature of a van in full sun will rise to 20+ degrees higher than what the outside temperature may be. Given with the free delivery offered by Amazon may result in these items being in vans for days on end the effect could be decidedly worse. And then we have to take into account the fact these products may be stored in non air conditioned metal roofed warehouses for months on end, it seems highly likely that by the time we receive these probiotic supplements they may only have a fraction of the stated probiotic content as stated at the time of manufacturer, and quite probably, especially if being delivered free delivery in the height of summer, it’ll be no better than a placebo because it’s dead.