Probiotic Guides Ireland

Evidence-Based Probiotics, Gut Health & Supplement Advice

Probiotic.ie publishes independent, evidence-led guides for Irish consumers on probiotics, gut health and high-quality food supplements.


Our guides are written to explain:

• Probiotic strains, CFU counts and storage

• Safe use with antibiotics and digestive conditions

• Berberine, magnesium, vitamin D3 and omega-3 supplementation

• Kids’ and family gut health considerations

• Product comparisons and safety checks referencing FSAI and recognised authorities


All articles are written for the Irish market and updated regularly.

Probiotic.ie publishes independent, evidence-led guides for Irish consumers on probiotics, gut health, and food supplements. Every guide cites named published research, references HSE and FSAI guidance where relevant, and is written specifically for the Irish market.

Probiotics, bowel support & microbiome — evidence-led

Vitamin D3 Ireland Guide: Dosage, Deficiency, Foods & Supplements

By Darren Grant on Mar 05, 2026

Vitamin D deficiency affects an estimated 40% of the Irish population, with the HSE recommending 400 IU daily for adults and the FSAI setting a tolerable upper intake of 4,000 IU. This Ireland guide covers deficiency symptoms, testing thresholds, D3 versus D2 bioavailability, and how to evaluate supplement quality for Irish consumers.

Read more

Editorial Transparency

About the Author

Darren Grant is the Founder and Managing Director of Probiotic.ie, Ireland’s specialist retailer for clinically formulated probiotics and high-quality food supplements. He is the sole official distributor in Ireland and the UK of the original De Simone formulation, including CDS22-formula.


With over a decade of experience in supplement distribution, formulation analysis and regulatory compliance, Darren works directly with manufacturers and clinical experts to review probiotic strains (including L. rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii), CFU counts, ingredient quality and safety standards before products are listed.


His guides reference recognised authorities such as Cochrane reviews, NHS guidance, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and HPRA frameworks where relevant. Content is written to help Irish consumers understand strains, dosages (for example berberine 500 mg or vitamin D3 2000 IU), and safety considerations before purchasing.


All content is informational only and not medical advice.

Clinical Reference
Key Facts: The Original De Simone Formulation in Ireland
  • CDS22 contains 8 strains from the original De Simone formulation developed by Professor Claudio De Simone
  • The formulation has been studied in over 80 peer-reviewed publications for IBS, ulcerative colitis, and pouchitis
  • Referenced in ECCO IBD guidelines and American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) clinical guidance
  • The original formulation was previously marketed in Ireland as VSL#3 and Vivomixx
  • Following a 2016 US court ruling, the De Simone IP was separated from the VSL#3 brand
  • CDS22 is the only product in Ireland carrying the original 8-strain formula at 450 billion CFU per sachet
  • Probiotic supplements in Ireland are regulated as food supplements under FSAI guidelines
  • Available exclusively in Ireland from Probiotic.ie, with free DPD delivery on orders over €75
Start Here
Core Clinical Guides — Ireland
VSL#3 Alternative Ireland: The Original Formula is Now CDS22 →
The original De Simone formulation that was in VSL#3 before 2016 is now available in Ireland as CDS22-formula. Same 8 strains. Same potency. New name.
De Simone Formulation Ireland: Definition, Legal Timeline & Strain Verification →
8 specific strains separated from VSL#3 via US and Italian court rulings in 2016. CDS22 is the current authorised product in Ireland.
Probiotics for Ulcerative Colitis in Ireland: What the Evidence Says →
The De Simone formulation demonstrated statistically significant remission rates in UC in RCTs including Gionchetti 2000 and Mimura 2004, referenced in ECCO IBD guidelines.
Best Probiotic for UC, IBS & Pouchitis Ireland: Evidence-Based Guide →
The only probiotic referenced in ECCO IBD guidelines for ulcerative colitis and pouchitis, with remission data from Gionchetti 2000 and Mimura 2004.
Probiotics for Bloating Ireland: What the Evidence Actually Says →
Strain-specific probiotics reduce bloating severity scores in IBS patients, with the De Simone formulation studied across multiple RCTs referenced in ECCO IBD guidelines.