A four-strain probiotic is a supplement that combines four specific bacterial strains, each identified by genus, species and a strain code, rather than a single strain or a long unnamed mix. Probiotic 40+ is ours: 40 billion CFU per two-capsule serving across four named strains, with MAKTREK Bi-Pass delivery and two prebiotic ingredients. Here is what is in it, how to take it and who should check first.
Key takeaways
- Probiotic 40+ provides 40 billion CFU per two-capsule serving from four named strains: La-14, Bl-04, Lp-115 and Lpc-37.
- The probiotic blend total is printed on the label; the per-strain counts are not.
- The label direction is two capsules daily, ideally one during the day and one in the evening, and no more than two capsules per day.
- The L-leucine in this formula is sourced from duck feathers, so Probiotic 40+ is not suitable for a plant-based diet.
What makes a four-strain probiotic different?
Probiotics are defined by international experts as live microorganisms that, when given in adequate amounts, provide a health benefit. The key word in practice is strain. Two bacteria with the same species name can behave differently, which is why researchers study, and good labels name, the exact strain.
A full strain name has three parts. In "Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14", Lactobacillus is the genus, acidophilus is the species and La-14 is the strain code. A label that stops at the species name tells you much less. A four-strain probiotic sits between a single-strain product and a 15-strain mix: enough variety to cover more than one species, few enough that every strain can be named.
For more on how strain identity compares with the headline number, read CFU vs. Strains: Which Matters More in a Probiotic?
Meet Probiotic 40+: the four named strains
Probiotic 40+ provides 40 billion CFU per two-capsule serving from four named strains: La-14, Bl-04, Lp-115 and Lpc-37. It helps replenish healthy bacteria, helps boost digestive health and helps the immune system.*
| On the label | What it is |
|---|---|
| Lactobacillus acidophilus (La-14) | A lactic acid bacterium, one of the most widely used probiotic species. |
| Bifidobacterium lactis (Bl-04) | A Bifidobacterium, the other major probiotic genus. |
| Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp-115) | A species also found in fermented vegetables. |
| Lactobacillus paracasei (Lpc-37) | A species also found in fermented dairy. |
| MAKTREK Bi-Pass technology | A delivery technology on the label, used so more of the bacteria survive stomach acid. |
| Complex marine polysaccharide, 60 mg | Prebiotic support. |
| Fructooligosaccharide (FOS), 24 mg | A prebiotic fiber that feeds bacteria. |
The probiotic blend total is printed on the label; the per-strain counts are not. Blend totals are on the label; the amounts inside each blend are not. Because the formula pairs live strains with prebiotic fibers, it is built along the lines of a synbiotic, explained in Prebiotics vs. Probiotics vs. Synbiotics.
The complete ingredient list is four named probiotic strains, MAKTREK Bi-Pass technology, complex marine polysaccharide, fructooligosaccharide, rice maltodextrin (corn-derived), L-leucine (sourced from duck feathers, so not suitable for a plant-based diet) and a vegetable capsule. Probiotic 40+ has no sugar added and is free of the top 9 allergens, gluten-free and non-GMO.
How to take Probiotic 40+
The label direction is two capsules daily, ideally one during the day and one in the evening, and no more than two capsules per day. You can take both at once if that is easier to remember; the split is simply the label's preferred routine. The 60-capsule bottle is a 30-day supply.
- Anchor the first capsule to something you do every day, such as breakfast or your morning coffee.
- Anchor the second to dinner or your evening routine.
- Store it properly: keep the bottle closed, cool and dry. Our guide to probiotic storage explains heat and humidity.
- Give it time: judge a daily probiotic over weeks, not days. How Long Do Probiotics Take to Work? sets realistic expectations.
Is Probiotic 40+ a good fit for you?
A probiotic needs a clear role. Many adults are balancing work, caregiving, changing sleep, changing food patterns and a growing list of wellness advice, and a probiotic is one piece of that, not the whole answer. Fiber-rich food, fermented foods, sleep and movement matter as much.
Diet, goals, allergies, medication, health history and the rest of the supplement stack all matter. Two fit checks are specific to this formula: if you eat a fully plant-based diet, the duck-feather L-leucine rules it out, and if you avoid corn, note the corn-derived rice maltodextrin.
Safety: what the label says
The Probiotic 40+ label warning reads: Do not exceed recommended dose. Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement. Keep out of reach of children.
NCCIH adds that people with weakened immune systems or serious illness should talk with their provider before using probiotics. Mild gas or bloating can happen in the first days of any new probiotic; if anything feels severe or persistent, stop and check in with a clinician.
Our standards
Probiotic 40+ is third-party tested, every batch, for purity and potency by an outside lab, and it is manufactured in USA with globally sourced materials in an NSF-certified, GMP-certified, FDA-registered facility. Details are on our standards page.
Frequently asked questions about a four-strain probiotic
Is a four-strain probiotic better than one with more strains?
Not automatically. More strains is not the same as better; what matters is whether each strain is named and how the product fits your routine. A short, named list is easier to understand than a long, unnamed one.
What do the strain codes on Probiotic 40+ mean?
Codes such as La-14 and Bl-04 identify the exact strain within a species. Researchers study probiotics strain by strain, so the code tells you precisely which bacteria are in the capsule.
Why does the label split the dose between day and evening?
The label prefers one capsule during the day and one in the evening as its routine. Taking both together is still within the direction of two capsules daily; just do not exceed two per day. Our article on why the label splits day and evening goes further.
Is Probiotic 40+ automatically a fit for everyone?
No. Diet, goals, allergies, medication, health history and the rest of the supplement stack all matter, and it is not suitable for a plant-based diet because of its L-leucine source. Anyone with a weakened immune system should ask a clinician first.
Does Probiotic 40+ need refrigeration?
Store it in a cool, dry place as the label directs, with the cap closed. Keep it away from heat, such as a sunny windowsill or a hot car.
Related reading from our Wellness Hub
- Inside Probiotic 40+: 40 Billion CFU and Four Strain Codes Explained
- 40 Billion CFU Probiotic: Your First 30 Days With Probiotic 40+
- Daily Gut Health Habits: Foods, Fiber, and Where a Probiotic Fits
Sources
- Hill et al., 2014: ISAPP consensus statement on the term probiotic (PubMed)
- NCCIH: Probiotics - What You Need To Know
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Probiotics
Individual results vary.
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.
