Question 1

Has anyone here used and compared and Thorne Bio-Gest against Thorne Betaine HCL & Pepsin?  Which worked better for you (and for what issue)?  Thanks!

Accepted Answer

The only difference between the two is the BIO-GEST uses ox-bile. Which is used to assist in digestion of lipids. The liver and the gallbladder both make bile salts to digest fats. If you are having problems with your liver or have had your gallbladder removed take the BIO-GEST. Even if you don't think you have any problems in that department taking the BIO-GEST is still the recommended choice.

Question 2

What is the benefit of  l-glutamic acid hcl as opposed to all betaine hcl?

Accepted Answer

The Bio-Gest is based on an old time formula that included both. Both the glutamic acid and the betaine are carrier molecules for the HCl. The difference is glutamic acid converts to glutamine to support a healthy GI lining. The betaine helps with liver detox.

Question 3

I just opened a brand new bottle and there is a very strong smell...is that normal? It smells very foul. This is my first time with this product.

Accepted Answer

Just stuck my nose in our almost-empty bottle and, yes, pungent smell.  I don't think it means anything more than some loose dust in the bottle from the production process.  They can use cool blowers on sealed capsules, but most powdered supplements have some residual. (As someone else noted.)  I think it's most likely fine.  It's possible one capsule is broken, and you can dump them out carefully to inspect, but I probably wouldn't bother.  Just take them because they help greatly -- best effect for us is taking 15 minutes after meal. (Set a timer so you don't forget!)  I read advice from someone in Facebook group for low FODMAP diet (where I learned about these, as my doctor offered no such helpful suggestions) that their nutritionist recommended taking not just two, but three capsules per meal for maximum benefit.  We tried that, after finding that two worked very well but, with certain foods, upping to 3 per meal was even better.  (My husband also takes with Source Naturals Essential Enzymes Ultra.  But he has no gall bladder and 1/3 less intestines so he really needs the extra enzymes, esp to break down fats and fiber.)  Try them a week, but also keep a food journal and see if you can identify trigger foods.  (Stress also wreaks havoc with digestion, so avoid that as best you can.  If you can't, modify how you respond to stressors and try some chilling out exercises like yoga, meditation, or mindful breathing.  It's effective if even you don't believe.)  Good luck.  Check back and tell us how it worked for you.

Question 4

Does this have any probiotics in it?

Accepted Answer

Thorne's Bio-Gest does not contain digestive enzymes. Thorne does have a suite of probiotic supplement products, but Bio-Gest is not one of them.

Allergen Information	Contains: Peanuts, Fish, Shellfish, Gluten, Soy, Eggs, Tree Nuts, Dairy & Lactose
Weight	204 g
Units	180 count
Serving Recommendation	2 capsules
Brand	THORNE
Format	Capsule
Age Range Description	Adult

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Bio-Gest, 180 Veggie Caps

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