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I've got a pretty bad cold and one of my friends gave me some Herbalife FloraFibre and told me that it would help. Is it likely to make a difference?

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Hello @Casebash, could you explain how your question is related to exercise, because medical questions are off-topic – Ivo Flipse♦ Oct 22 '11 at 4:24
@IvoFlipse: Isn't this website about nutrition as well as exercise? That's what I thought from the name – Casebash Oct 22 '11 at 5:16
Yes, but the FAQ states: Topics include exercise and training, nutrition and diets, and activities related to strength, endurance, agility, and cardiovascular fitness. Your question seems related to medical issues – Ivo Flipse♦ Oct 22 '11 at 6:49

closed as off topic by Greg♦ Jun 17 '12 at 2:44

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1 Answer

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Considering your digestive tract makes up a huge portion of your immune system, it might since active cultures help promote better intestinal health. The problem with this supplement is that it provides a tiny amount of active cultures.

From Amazon:

Each tablet provides millions of lactobacillus acidophilus cells.

Home made kefir or yogurt products can contain trillions of cfu (colony forming units) per cup. Here's an actual paper on the topic.

So bottom line: even if active cultures do help improve immune system function then those tablets are pretty much 'homeopathic' in their dosing -a million to 1 compared to fresh kefir. So save your money and eat some fresh fermented diary products instead.

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