Primal Defense Probiotic

[Marlene]

Hey all,

I went to a Naturopathic doctor a few weeks ago and she put me on L-Glutamine and Primal Defense Probiotic tablets. I didn't think to check the labels because I figured she knew what she is doing. I have had some off days ever since and kept thinking I was glutened by something. The other day I read the label on the Primal Defense and it says something about barley and oat grass. I called the company (Garden of Life) but the lady couldn't tell me if it was gluten free or not and suggested I contact my ND. I emailed her and she wrote back that "it's fine and she's never had anyone react to it before". I am still kind of leary. Has anyone else tried this product? I just emailed the company again because I really think they should be able to tell me if a product is gluten free or not! While I am waiting to hear back from them, I would appreciate if anyone who has taken this product or is familiar with it could answer my post. In the meantime, I think I will stop taking them.

Thanks a lot,

Marlene

[lonewolf]

I've tried it and reacted to it.

[Ursa Major]

Marlene, you're right in suspecting the Primal Defence. Personally, I'd be very leary of anything containing barley and oat grass, and wouldn't take it. If you have felt like being glutened since you have been taking it, it is likely the problem. See if the symptoms improve if you stop taking it. If they do, you have your answer.

There are lots of probiotics out there that contain truly nothing but those bacteria. I have no idea why they should contain anything else.

[ArtGirl]

I've tried it and reacted to it.

ditto

It's the barley and/or oat grass. My understanding is that even though the grass part of the plant has no gluten, there's always a bit of the grain that gets into the mix when the grass is processed so there's a bit of gluten in it. I had a number of Garden of Life supplements and had to toss them and some others when I learned about this I now only buy supplements that specifically say on the label that they're gluten-free (and corn-free, and soy-free, and dairy-free, etc. etc.)

[Marlene]

Thanks all for the speedy response! I think I have the answer I was looking for and will definitely not be taking any more of those! And here I thought I finally had a health practicioner I could trust completely. Shucks!! I am going back to see her in a couple of weeks so I will be bringing this up with her.

Marlene

[CarlaB]

Primal Defense is not gluten-free. I didn't realize that and started taking it and had bad gluten reactions. I know that they say in theory that the grass is gluten-free, but it sure doesn't seem like that's the case in reality.

[Marlene]

Primal Defense is not gluten-free. I didn't realize that and started taking it and had bad gluten reactions. I know that they say in theory that the grass is gluten-free, but it sure doesn't seem like that's the case in reality.

Carla,

Did you find another probiotic to take instead that gave you good results?

Thanks,

Marlene

[CarlaB]

Carla,

Did you find another probiotic to take instead that gave you good results?

Thanks,

Marlene

No, I did buy one from Wild Oats, but I'm not very good about taking it. It has several strains of bacteria like the Primal Defense. So many things are labeled clearly that they are gluten-free that I just bought one that I was sure about. Can't remember what it is.

[jesscarmel]

culturelle is a great probiotic and they say straight out "gluten free". you can get it at wholefoods or even cvs. its great and really helped me!!

Jess