OPA Probiotic-40 is our daily capsule probiotic. Each two-capsule serving lists 40 billion CFU at manufacture (at least 20 billion through the best-by date) from a 4-strain blend, and a 30-day bottle is $29.99. This guide covers what's in the bottle, what probiotic research can and can't tell you, who should check with a doctor first, and how to compare it with other options.
Key Takeaways
- Serving: 2 capsules. 60 capsules make a 30-day supply.
- Potency: 40 billion CFU per serving at manufacture, with a minimum of 20 billion CFU through the best-by date.
- Probiotic research is strain-specific, so the strain list on the Supplement Facts panel matters more than the CFU number.
- It's about $1.00 a day, which is in the middle of the drugstore range.
- If you have a weakened immune system, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are recovering from surgery, talk to your doctor first.
What's in the bottle
| Detail | What the label says |
|---|---|
| Serving size | 2 capsules |
| Servings per bottle | 30 (60 capsules) |
| Potency | 40 billion CFU per serving at manufacture; minimum 20 billion CFU through the best-by date |
| Blend | 4-strain probiotic blend |
| Delivery | Maktrek® Bi-Pass Technology |
| Directions | One capsule during the day and one in the evening; no more than two a day |
| Price | $29.99 |
The product page doesn't list the four strain names. You'll find each one on the Supplement Facts panel on the bottle.
What probiotic research can and can't tell you
- Results depend on the strain. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements points out that findings for one strain can't be assumed for another, even within the same species.
- More CFU isn't automatically better. Studies have used anywhere from about 1 billion to more than 100 billion CFU a day, and there's no established "right" amount for healthy adults.
- Delivery systems are hard to compare. Capsule technologies aim to get more live cultures past stomach acid. Published data on any one branded system is limited.
- Healthy people may not notice much. Large reviews haven't found consistent effects in healthy adults who take probiotics without a specific reason.
Who might like it
- Adults who want a capsule rather than a powder, gummy or drink
- People comparing higher-CFU probiotics in the $25 to $35 range
- Anyone who's fine splitting the serving between morning and evening
Check with your doctor first if...
- You have a weakened immune system, a serious illness or a central line. NCCIH notes rare but serious infections have been reported in these groups.
- You're recovering from surgery or in hospital.
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding, or you're thinking about it for a child.
Some people notice mild gas or bloating in the first few days. If it doesn't settle, stop and ask your doctor.
Price per day
At $29.99 for 30 servings, it works out to about $1.00 a day. Drugstore probiotics often run from roughly $0.40 to $1.50 a day. To compare fairly, look at the CFU guaranteed through the best-by date, which is 20 billion here, not just the number at manufacture.
Other options
- A single-strain probiotic with published studies on that exact strain, if you have a specific goal to discuss with your doctor
- Fermented foods like yogurt with live cultures, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi
- No supplement at all if you're healthy and don't have a specific reason to take one
How to read any probiotic label
- Each strain is listed by genus, species and strain code.
- CFU is guaranteed through the best-by date, not just at manufacture.
- Storage instructions say room temperature or refrigerated.
- Check the serving size, since some products count CFU across two or more capsules.
- Work out the cost per daily serving.
FAQ
How many CFU does OPA Probiotic-40 have?
The label lists 40 billion CFU per two-capsule serving at manufacture and a minimum of 20 billion CFU through the best-by date.
Which strains are in it?
It's a 4-strain blend. The Supplement Facts panel on the bottle lists each strain.
Is 40 billion CFU better than 10 billion?
Not necessarily. What matters is the strain, and there's no established ideal amount for healthy adults.
Sources
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Probiotics fact sheet
- NCCIH, Probiotics: What You Need to Know
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
