CDS22 vs VSL#3: Original De Simone Formulation Guide for Ireland
CDS22-formula contains the original De Simone Formulation, the 8-strain probiotic blend that was once sold globally under the VSL#3 name. The product now marketed as VSL#3 uses a different formulation. If you live in Ireland and want the original formulation from the published research, the option available is CDS22-formula.
People in Ireland who have heard of VSL#3 often search online for phrases like “VSL#3 original formulation”, “VSL#3 alternative” or “what happened to VSL#3 probiotic”. Many of these people encountered VSL#3 in the UK or other countries and now want to understand which product matches that original formulation.
This article is an independent, factual guide for readers in Ireland. It explains how CDS22-formula and the product now sold as VSL#3 are related, how their formulations differ, and what that means if your goal is to stay aligned with the original De Simone Formulation.
It is not medical advice and does not recommend one product over another for any medical condition. Decisions about treatment, diagnosis or changes to medications should always be made with a GP, pharmacist or specialist.
In simple terms, CDS22-formula contains the original De Simone Formulation that used to be marketed as VSL#3. The current version of VSL#3 on the market uses a different recipe. If you want the original formulation from earlier research, you are looking at CDS22-formula. If you choose the VSL#3 brand as it exists today, you are using a newer formulation.
Quick Summary: CDS22 vs VSL#3 for Irish Customers
- Origin: For many years, VSL#3 was made with the De Simone Formulation, a specific 8-strain probiotic blend created by Prof. Claudio De Simone.
- Change in formulation: After a business split between the inventor and the marketers, the product sold as VSL#3 changed formulation.
- Where the original formula went: The original De Simone Formulation continued under new brand names in different countries. In Ireland, it is available as CDS22-formula.
- VSL#3 today: The product currently sold as VSL#3 does not use the original De Simone Formulation. It uses a different combination of strains.
- Legal context (U.S. court findings): A United States federal court found that the VSL#3 product sold after the split was not the original De Simone Formulation used in earlier studies and should not be presented as if it were the same formulation.
- Practical takeaway for Ireland: If your priority is to stay with the original De Simone Formulation, CDS22-formula is the product aligned with that formula today. The current VSL#3 formulation is a separate, newer product.
1. Background: VSL#3 and the De Simone Formulation
The De Simone Formulation is an 8-strain probiotic blend developed by Prof. Claudio De Simone. For many years it was sold globally under the brand name VSL#3, and a large body of clinical research was carried out using this specific formulation.
Later, the commercial relationship between Prof. De Simone and the original VSL#3 marketers ended. At that point, two things became true at the same time:
- The brand name “VSL#3” stayed with the marketers.
- The De Simone Formulation remained with its inventor and started to be distributed under different brand names in various markets.
A United States federal court examined the situation and ruled that the product sold as VSL#3 after the split was not the original De Simone Formulation used in the earlier research. The court also held that the newer VSL#3 products should not be marketed as if they were the original formulation from those studies.
The practical result for people in Ireland is that the name “VSL#3” and the original De Simone Formulation no longer refer to the same product. The original formulation has continued independently and is now present in CDS22-formula, while the VSL#3 brand uses a different recipe.
2. What Is CDS22-formula in the Irish Market?
CDS22-formula is a high-strength probiotic product that contains the original De Simone Formulation – the same 8-strain blend that was used during the period when VSL#3 contained this formulation.
Key points about CDS22-formula for Irish customers:
- Formulation: Uses the original De Simone Formulation (8 defined probiotic strains in specific ratios).
- Strength: 450 billion CFU (colony forming units) per sachet.
- Format: Box of 12 sachets.
- Manufacturing: Produced in Europe under controlled conditions with a focus on formulation integrity.
- Irish supply: Distributed in Ireland through authorised channels, including Probiotic.ie.
- Storage and transit: Stored refrigerated for long-term stability and packed for shipping so it remains stable for a limited period at room temperature during delivery.
In Ireland, CDS22-formula is supplied as a food supplement. It is not a medicine and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. It should be used in line with the manufacturer’s instructions and any advice from a healthcare professional.
3. What Is VSL#3 Today?
The product sold today under the name VSL#3 is still a high-count probiotic, available in different strengths and formats depending on the market. However, the formulation used now is not the original De Simone Formulation.
Key points about today’s VSL#3:
- Formulation: Uses a different combination of strains compared with the original De Simone Formulation.
- Brand continuity: Keeps the VSL#3 name, but not the original formulation that was the basis of the older research.
- Formats: Available in various strengths and pack types (for example, powders or capsules), depending on country and supplier.
- Availability: Distributed through pharmacies and online outlets in some regions.
Because the strain profile is different, VSL#3 and CDS22-formula should be understood as two separate products, even though both are multi-strain, high-strength probiotics. Clinical data generated on one formulation cannot be assumed to apply to a different formulation with a different strain blend.
CDS22-formula vs VSL#3 (Current Formulation): Strain-by-Strain Comparison
This table compares the eight strains in the original De Simone Formulation (found in CDS22-formula) with the eight strains listed on the current VSL#3 supplement label.
| Strain | CDS22-formula (Original De Simone Formulation) |
VSL#3 (Current Formulation) |
|---|---|---|
| Streptococcus thermophilus |
Present S. thermophilus DSM 24731 / NCIMB 30438 |
Present S. thermophilus BT01 |
| Bifidobacterium breve |
Present B. breve DSM 24732 / NCIMB 30441 |
Present B. breve BB02 |
| Bifidobacterium longum |
Present B. longum DSM 24736 / NCIMB 30442 |
Not present |
| Bifidobacterium infantis |
Present B. infantis DSM 24737 / NCIMB 30443 |
Not present |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus |
Present L. acidophilus DSM 24735 / NCIMB 30439 |
Present L. acidophilus BA05 |
| Lactobacillus plantarum |
Present L. plantarum DSM 24730 / NCIMB 30437 |
Present L. plantarum BP06 |
| Lactobacillus paracasei |
Present L. paracasei DSM 24733 / NCIMB 30445 |
Present L. paracasei BP07 |
| Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus |
Present L. delbrueckii DSM 24734 / NCIMB 30440 |
Not present |
| Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis | Not part of the De Simone Formulation |
Present B. animalis subsp. lactis BL03 & BL04 |
Note: Strain codes and classifications are quoted exactly as listed on product labels and public manufacturer documentation. CDS22-formula contains the original 8-strain De Simone Formulation; VSL#3 uses a different strain combination introduced after the commercial separation.
4. CDS22 vs VSL#3: Side-by-Side Comparison for Ireland
This table summarises the key differences between CDS22-formula and VSL#3 for readers in Ireland who are trying to understand what happened to the original formulation.
| Feature | CDS22-formula | VSL#3 (current formulation) |
|---|---|---|
| Formulation origin | Contains the original De Simone Formulation developed by Prof. Claudio De Simone. | Uses a newer formulation introduced after the split from the inventor. |
| Strain profile | 8 defined probiotic strains that match the De Simone Formulation used in older research. | A different multi-strain blend that does not replicate the original De Simone Formulation. |
| CFU per sachet | 450 billion CFU per sachet. | High-count probiotic. CFU levels vary by product format. |
| Pack size | 12-sachet box. | Pack sizes depend on product and market. |
| Clinical heritage | Uses the De Simone Formulation that was the basis of the original VSL#3 research before the business split. | Does not use the original De Simone Formulation; studies on the original formulation do not automatically apply to the newer recipe. |
| Legal context | Marketed as containing the De Simone Formulation, consistent with United States court findings that distinguished it from later VSL#3 products. | A U.S. court found that newer VSL#3 products should not be represented as the original De Simone Formulation used in earlier studies. |
| Positioning for Irish customers | For people in Ireland who want to stay aligned with the original De Simone Formulation that was once sold as VSL#3. | For people who prefer the current VSL#3 brand and are comfortable with the newer formulation. |
| Where to buy | Available in Ireland from Probiotic.ie and selected partners. | Availability depends on country; check local pharmacies and online outlets. |
See what customers across Ireland are saying about CDS22-formula:
5. How People in Ireland Search for VSL#3 and CDS22
Search data for Ireland shows that interest in VSL#3 is smaller than in larger markets like the UK, but people who do search for it often use very specific queries. Typical examples include:
- “VSL#3 original formulation Ireland”
- “what happened to VSL#3 probiotic”
- “VSL#3 alternative Ireland”
- “De Simone Formulation Ireland”
- “CDS22 vs VSL#3”
Behind these searches is a simple question: is the product called VSL#3 today still the same as the one that appeared in earlier research, and if not, is there a way to stay on the original formulation? This guide is written to answer that question in a clear and neutral way for readers in Ireland.
6. Stability, Packaging and Delivery in Ireland
CDS22-formula in Ireland
For Irish customers, CDS22-formula is handled with attention to both formulation and logistics. Long-term storage is refrigerated, while shipping is arranged so that the product remains stable during its journey to your home.
- Cold-chain aware packing: Packed with suitable insulation and cooling materials when needed.
- Irish delivery: Shipped from within Ireland using tracked courier services (for example, next-day delivery to most locations).
- Transit stability: Formulated to tolerate a short period at room temperature during delivery without loss of quality when handled correctly.
VSL#3
VSL#3 has its own storage and packing instructions, which may vary by format and country. If you are using VSL#3, you should follow the storage directions on the packaging and any advice from the pharmacist or supplier who provides the product.
In all cases, it is important to read the label carefully and follow the storage and usage guidance provided with the product.
7. How to Decide Between CDS22 and VSL#3 in Ireland
Choosing between CDS22-formula and VSL#3 is not about which product is “best” for a particular diagnosis. That kind of decision belongs with a GP, gastroenterologist, dietitian or other qualified professional. Most people in Ireland focus instead on three practical questions: formulation history, strain profile and personal preference.
Questions to consider
-
Do you specifically want the original De Simone Formulation?
If your goal is to stay aligned with the original 8-strain formulation that was once sold as VSL#3, CDS22-formula is the product that contains that formulation today. -
Are you attached to the VSL#3 brand name?
Some people prefer to stay with the brand they recognise, even when the formulation has changed. In that case, they may decide to remain with the modern VSL#3 product supplied in their region. -
Do you want to be as close as possible to the formulation used in older research?
If matching the original research formulation is important to you, CDS22-formula is closer in terms of strain profile and formulation identity. -
Do pack size and strength matter to you?
CDS22-formula offers 450 billion CFU per sachet in a 12-sachet box. VSL#3 products differ by strength and pack; you should compare the CFU information on each pack. -
Have you discussed probiotics with a healthcare professional?
If you are under specialist care or taking medicines, it is important to talk to your healthcare team before making changes to your probiotic routine.
Whichever product you choose, probiotics are just one part of a broader lifestyle and medical plan. In Ireland, the Health Service Executive (HSE) stresses the importance of evidence-based care. Probiotic supplements should not replace medicines or medical advice.
8. CDS22 vs VSL#3 – Frequently Asked Questions (Ireland)
Is CDS22 the same as the original VSL#3 formulation?
CDS22-formula contains the original De Simone Formulation, the 8-strain blend that was once sold globally under the VSL#3 name. The VSL#3 product sold today uses a different formulation.
Is VSL#3 still made with the De Simone Formulation?
No. United States court findings have confirmed that the product sold as VSL#3 after the business split is not the original De Simone Formulation. The brand name and the original formulation now refer to different products.
Is CDS22-formula a VSL#3 alternative in Ireland?
Many people in Ireland who search for a “VSL#3 alternative” are looking for the original formulation rather than the newer VSL#3 recipe. In that sense, CDS22-formula is an option for those who want to stay aligned with the De Simone Formulation.
Which is stronger, CDS22 or VSL#3?
CDS22-formula provides 450 billion CFU per sachet in its standard sachet format. VSL#3 strength depends on the specific product and pack, so you should compare the CFU information on the label of the product you are considering.
Is CDS22-formula available in Ireland?
Yes. CDS22-formula is available in Ireland from authorised distributors including Probiotic.ie, with cold-chain aware handling and fast, tracked delivery.
Can this article replace advice from my doctor or pharmacist?
No. This guide is for general information only. It does not replace medical advice. If you are considering any probiotic in relation to symptoms, a diagnosis or prescribed medicines, you should speak with your GP, pharmacist or specialist first.
9. Final Overview: Which Product Fits Your Situation in Ireland?
If you live in Ireland and want to remain as close as possible to the original De Simone Formulation that was once marketed as VSL#3, then CDS22-formula is the product that contains that formulation today.
If you prefer to follow the VSL#3 brand as it exists now, with its newer formulation, you may decide to stay with VSL#3. The important thing is to understand that these are now different products, and that the clinical studies carried out on the original formulation do not automatically apply to the newer formulation.
Any decision about probiotics in the context of a medical condition should be made together with a healthcare professional who understands your medical history, current medicines and treatment plan.
If you want to read more about the science behind the formulation, you can explore:
10. Where to Buy CDS22-formula in Ireland
Probiotic.ie is an authorised Irish retailer of CDS22-formula. When you order from Probiotic.ie, you benefit from:
- Supply from an official distributor of the original De Simone Formulation in Ireland.
- Cold-chain aware packing and fast, tracked courier delivery across Ireland.
- 12-sachet box format with 450 billion CFU per sachet.
- Clear, transparent product information and Irish-based support.
You can view the product range here: CDS22-formula original De Simone Formulation in Ireland
About the Author
Darren Grant is the founder of Probiotic.ie and an experienced specialist in Irish and EU probiotic retail and regulatory standards. Darren has overseen the distribution of clinically validated probiotic formulations, including the original De Simone Formulation, across both Irish and UK markets.
He works directly with manufacturers, clinicians and microbiome researchers to ensure that information about probiotics, strain composition and formulation integrity is accurate and accessible for consumers in Ireland.
Scientific References and Sources
- De Simone Formulation – Official Scientific Site
- 80+ Clinical Studies – Bibliography for the Original De Simone Formulation
- 200+ Reviewed Articles – Scientific Papers on the Original Formulation
- U.S. District Court fact summary regarding VSL#3 formulation dispute
- HSE – Health Service Executive (Ireland) – Public Health Information
This article has been checked for accuracy and adapted for current Irish product information.
Last reviewed: December 2025
Author: Probiotic.ie Editorial Team
Reviewed by: CDS22-formula Scientific Advisory Notes (Non-medical)