CDS22 vs Optibac Every Day: Evidence-Based Probiotic Comparison (Ireland)

TL;DR – Quick answer for Ireland

What this guide covers

This Ireland-focused guide explains the factual differences between CDS22-formula sachets and Optibac Every Day capsules. It covers:

• How the formulations and strains differ
• Why CFU strength varies so much (450 billion vs 5 billion)
• What is known about the clinical heritage of the De Simone Formulation
• How Optibac Every Day is positioned as a daily probiotic
• Practical questions to discuss with a GP, pharmacist, or gastroenterologist in Ireland

This article is informational only. It does not recommend one brand as medically “better” and does not replace advice from your own doctor or IBD team.

Quick comparison – CDS22 sachets vs Optibac Every Day capsules

The table below summarises the main differences for readers in Ireland.

Key takeaway: CDS22 and Optibac Every Day sit in different categories. One is a very high-dose multi-strain supplement with an IBD research history, the other is a lower-dose daily capsule for general use.

1. Formulations in more detail

CDS22-formula – original De Simone Formulation in sachet form

CDS22-formula sachets sold on Probiotic.ie contain the original De Simone Formulation, a patented 8-strain blend developed by Prof Claudio De Simone. The same formulation has appeared historically under other brand names and has been used in clinical trials for ulcerative colitis, pouchitis and IBS since the 1990s.^{1, 3}

• Strains: 8 strains from the genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus.
• Strength: 450 billion CFU per sachet.
• Format: Powder mixed with cold water and taken immediately.
• Use in studies: Investigated as an adjunct to standard medical care, not as a replacement for prescribed treatment.

Optibac Every Day – daily capsule for general use

Optibac Every Day (formerly “For Every Day”) is positioned as a flagship daily probiotic in the UK and Ireland. Based on Optibac’s product information, each capsule provides 5 billion live cultures plus 88 mg FOS fibres and is intended for everyday gut and immune support, rather than as a high-dose IBD protocol.²

• Strains: 6 strains including L. rhamnosus Rosell-11 and B. longum Rosell-175, plus L. acidophilus/helveticus, B. breve, B. bifidum and Lc. lactis.
• Strength: 5 billion CFU per capsule.
• Format: Once-daily capsule swallowed with water. Check the current label for timing, age guidance, and suitability notes.
• Added fibres: FOS prebiotic fibres (88 mg) per capsule.

2. CFU strength and daily dose – 450 billion vs 5 billion

A common question in Ireland is why CDS22 sachets contain so many more bacteria than a typical capsule product such as Optibac Every Day.

Higher CFU counts do not automatically mean a product is “better”, but they do reflect a different design philosophy. CDS22 sachets are formulated as a high-dose multi-strain supplement similar to the doses used in published IBD and IBS trials. Optibac Every Day capsules are closer to the doses used in many mainstream daily probiotics aimed at the general population.

3. What does the evidence say?

Evidence for the De Simone Formulation (CDS22)

The original De Simone Formulation has been evaluated in multiple clinical trials and observational studies in ulcerative colitis, pouchitis and IBS.^{1, 3}

• Improved remission and relapse rates in some studies of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis when used alongside 5-ASA therapy.
• Reduced risk of recurrent pouchitis in patients with IPAA when taken after antibiotics.
• Symptom improvements (for example bloating and stool frequency) in some IBS trials.

The American Gastroenterological Association technical review discusses probiotic use in pouchitis and includes the De Simone Formulation among the better-studied options in specific settings, while noting that recommendations remain conditional and patient-specific.³

Evidence for Optibac Every Day

Optibac refer to research on some of the individual strains in the Every Day formula and to general probiotic evidence for gut and immune health.² Compared with the De Simone Formulation, there is less publicly discussed clinical trial data on the exact “Every Day” blend as a named formulation. Much of the messaging focuses on:

• Use as an everyday supplement for adults and teens.
• Suitability notes (for example pregnancy and breastfeeding), subject to medical advice and the current label guidance.
• General gut and immune support, rather than IBD-specific outcomes.

This does not mean the product is ineffective. It means the type and depth of evidence differs from that behind the De Simone Formulation.

4. Practical considerations for readers in Ireland

Daily routine

• CDS22-formula sachets: Mix one sachet with cold water and drink immediately, usually once a day or as directed by a clinician.
• Optibac Every Day: Take one capsule daily with water. Check the current label for timing and age recommendations.

Storage and handling

• CDS22-formula: Store in the fridge long-term, following the on-pack instructions.
• Optibac Every Day: Store in a cool, dry place and avoid high temperatures, as per the label.

Who typically chooses which product?

This is not a recommendation, but common patterns seen in questions include:

• CDS22-formula sachets: chosen by people who want to align with the high-dose De Simone Formulation research approach, often after discussion with a gastroenterologist or IBD nurse.
• Optibac Every Day: chosen by people looking for a lower-dose daily capsule from a familiar brand as a general starting point.

5. Frequently asked questions (Ireland)

Are CDS22-formula and Optibac Every Day the same type of probiotic?

No. CDS22-formula contains the original De Simone Formulation, an 8-strain, 450 billion CFU probiotic blend supplied as a powder sachet. Optibac Every Day is a 5 billion CFU capsule with different strains and added FOS fibres. They are not interchangeable.

Which is stronger, CDS22-formula or Optibac Every Day?

CDS22-formula provides 450 billion CFU per sachet. Optibac Every Day provides 5 billion CFU per capsule. This is roughly a 90× difference in CFU strength.

Is Optibac Every Day clinically equivalent to the De Simone Formulation?

No. Clinical studies on the De Simone Formulation cannot be transferred to other probiotics. Each product has different strains, ratios and manufacturing processes.

Which product is better for IBS?

Neither product is a treatment for IBS. Some people prefer high-dose multi-strain sachets, others prefer lower-dose capsules. Any decision should be based on tolerance, cost, and discussion with a healthcare professional.

Can either product replace prescribed medicines?

No. Both are food supplements. In research, probiotics were used alongside prescribed therapies, not instead of them.

How long should I try a probiotic before deciding if it helps?

Many clinical studies run 4 to 12 weeks. A trial period should be agreed with a GP or specialist, especially for readers with IBD.

Where can I buy CDS22-formula in Ireland?

CDS22-formula products for Ireland are available via Probiotic.ie.

Summary

CDS22-formula sachets and Optibac Every Day capsules serve different purposes. CDS22 provides a very high-dose, 8-strain formulation aligned with published De Simone research, while Optibac Every Day is a lower-dose daily capsule designed for general use. They are not interchangeable and should be used alongside medical care, not instead of it.

Related reading

• CDS22-formula vs Symprove (Ireland)
• CDS22-formula vs VSL#3 (Ireland)
• CDS22-formula vs Vivomixx Neo (Ireland)

Scientific references and sources

1. Official De Simone Formulation scientific site
2. Optibac Every Day – product page and strain list
3. American Gastroenterological Association publications (for guideline and technical review context)

See what customers across Ireland are saying about CDS22-formula:

This comparison is independent and informational, based solely on publicly available scientific and manufacturer data.