CDS22 vs Symprove: Evidence-Based Probiotic Comparison for Ireland

TL;DR – Quick answer for Ireland

Introduction

In Ireland, people often search for terms like “Symprove review Ireland”, “best probiotic for IBS in Ireland” or “alternative to De Simone Formulation”. Symprove has strong brand awareness as a liquid probiotic, while CDS22-formula is less well known but closely linked to the original De Simone Formulation, which has been widely studied in chronic intestinal conditions such as IBS and IBD.¹

This guide explains the factual differences between CDS22-formula and Symprove for Irish readers. It focuses on formulations, delivery, evidence and practical use, without recommending one product as medically “better”. It is not medical advice.

Quick comparison – CDS22 vs Symprove

1. Formulations in more detail

CDS22-formula – original De Simone Formulation

CDS22-formula contains the De Simone Formulation, a patented 8-strain probiotic blend developed by Prof. Claudio De Simone. The formulation has been clinically evaluated for several chronic intestinal conditions, including ulcerative colitis, pouchitis and IBS, in trials dating back to the 1990s.¹

Key points:

• 8 strains from the genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus.
• 450 billion CFU per sachet.
• Supplied as a powder to be mixed with cold water and consumed immediately.
• Stored refrigerated long term, with clear guidance on room-temperature stability during shipping within Ireland.

Symprove – water-based liquid probiotic

Symprove is a non-dairy, water-based liquid probiotic that uses a barley-based medium to carry live bacteria. The product is taken as a daily shot before food.²

The manufacturer lists four strains in each serving:²

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus NCIMB 30174
• Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 30176
• Lactobacillus acidophilus NCIMB 30175
• Lactobacillus plantarum NCIMB 30173

Symprove also contains water, barley extract and flavouring, along with small amounts of vitamins and minerals, as outlined on its nutritional information page.²

2. Strain-by-strain overview

The table below shows the main named strains in each product. For CDS22-formula, individual strain counts form part of the 450 billion CFU total per sachet. Symprove states that each standard 70 ml daily serving contains about 10 billion live CFU, and clinical trials have been based on a daily 70 ml shot rather than listing CFU per individual strain.^2,3

3. What does the evidence say?

Evidence for the De Simone Formulation (CDS22-formula)

The De Simone Formulation has been the subject of many clinical studies in chronic intestinal conditions, including ulcerative colitis, pouchitis and IBS.¹ A technical review from the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) noted that the De Simone Formulation probiotic led to a lower risk of recurrent pouchitis in certain studies and issued a conditional recommendation for this specific formulation in that setting.⁴

Important points:

• Results are specific to the exact formulation tested. They cannot be assumed for other probiotic products, even if strain names look similar.
• Trials vary in design, dose and patient group. This makes direct comparison with other probiotics difficult.
• The De Simone Formulation used in earlier research now appears under newer brand names such as CDS22-formula, not the brands used historically.

Evidence for Symprove

Symprove has also been studied in several settings. Examples include:

• A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in people with IBS, which reported symptom improvements over 12 weeks of Symprove use compared with placebo, using the standard 70 ml daily shot (~10 billion CFU) throughout the study period.³
• Laboratory work using a simulated human gut model (SHIME) suggesting that Symprove bacteria can survive gastric conditions and reach the colon in a live and active state.⁵

The manufacturer also lists additional studies on its website, covering endpoints such as microbiota changes and symptom scores in specific patient groups.⁵

Again, these results are specific to the Symprove formulation and trial conditions. They do not tell us how other products will perform.

4. Practical considerations for people in Ireland

Daily routine

• CDS22-formula: Mix one sachet with cold water and drink, usually once a day or as advised by a clinician.
• Symprove: Measure and drink a fixed volume of liquid each morning on an empty stomach, then wait before eating as per label guidance.²

Storage and handling

• CDS22-formula: Stored in the fridge long term. The patient information explains that the product remains stable for a defined period at room temperature during shipping when correctly packed from our Irish warehouse.
• Symprove: Stored in the fridge before opening. Once opened, the bottle is used over a fixed period and should be kept refrigerated between uses.²

Taste and tolerance

Some people prefer a neutral powder mixed with water. Others like the convenience of a flavoured liquid shot. Taste, texture and individual tolerance are subjective factors that often influence long-term adherence more than people expect.

5. When do people choose each product?

This section describes common patterns seen in customer questions and online discussions in Ireland. It is not a recommendation.

Reasons people choose CDS22-formula

• They want to align as closely as possible with the original De Simone Formulation used in earlier research.
• They prefer a sachet format and are happy to mix a drink each day.
• They value a high CFU count per serving (450 billion CFU per sachet).
• They are already familiar with earlier brands that used the same formulation and want continuity.

Reasons people choose Symprove

• They prefer a ready-to-drink liquid shot that fits into a morning routine.
• They have heard about Symprove through media, word of mouth or healthcare professionals and want to try a liquid probiotic.
• They like the idea of a non-dairy, water-based probiotic that has its own clinical studies.

6. Key questions to discuss with your healthcare professional

• Which, if any, probiotic formulation is appropriate for my condition, medications and health history?
• Is there published evidence for the specific formulation we are discussing, in people similar to me?
• What dose and duration were used in those studies, and is that realistic for me?
• How should probiotics fit alongside diet, prescribed medicines and other treatments?

For general information about digestive health and treatment options, people in Ireland usually speak to their GP first and may be referred to hospital gastroenterology teams for specialist advice.

Summary

• CDS22-formula and Symprove are complex, high-strength probiotic products, but they use different strains, formats and formulation logic.
• The De Simone Formulation in CDS22-formula has a long clinical heritage and is conditionally recommended in certain guidelines for prevention of recurrent pouchitis.^1,4
• Symprove is a non-dairy, water-based liquid probiotic with its own set of human trials and in-vitro data.^3,5
• Results from one formulation cannot be assumed for another, even if strain names sound similar.
• The right choice depends on clinical context, personal preference and professional advice.

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

This article is for information only and does not replace medical advice. Always discuss probiotic use with a qualified healthcare professional.

To learn more about CDS22-formula in Ireland, see the full product range here: CDS22-formula range (Ireland).

Frequently asked questions (Ireland)

Are CDS22-formula and Symprove the same probiotic?

No. CDS22-formula contains the original De Simone Formulation, an 8-strain, 450 billion CFU probiotic blend in sachet format. Symprove is a water-based liquid probiotic with four different strains and around 10 billion CFU per 70 ml daily shot. The formulations, formats and clinical heritage are different.

Which is stronger, CDS22-formula or Symprove?

CDS22-formula provides 450 billion CFU per sachet, while Symprove’s standard daily shot is around 10 billion CFU. Strength is only one factor. Strain selection, formulation, delivery format and the clinical context used in studies all matter when interpreting CFU numbers.

Which is better for IBS in Ireland?

Both products have IBS data, but trials use different designs and outcomes. Some patients report improvements with liquid probiotics such as Symprove, others prefer high-dose multi-strain formulations like CDS22-formula. Evidence does not identify a single “best” option for everyone. Any choice should be made with a GP or gastroenterologist who knows your history.

Can I use CDS22-formula or Symprove instead of my IBD medicines?

No. In published studies, probiotics were used alongside standard treatments such as 5-ASA, steroids, immunomodulators, antibiotics or biologics, not instead of them. You should never stop or change prescribed IBD medicines without advice from your hospital team or specialist in Ireland.

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

Most clinical trials with these formulations run for 4–12 weeks. Any trial period should be agreed with your doctor or IBD nurse, with a clear plan for what to monitor and when to review.

Where can I buy CDS22-formula and Symprove in Ireland?

CDS22-formula is supplied to Irish customers through Probiotic.ie and selected Irish partners. Symprove is available directly from Symprove and some Irish pharmacies and online retailers. Stockists and availability can change, so always check current information on the manufacturer or retailer websites.

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