CDS22-formula Probiotic 450B CFU | Original De Simone Formulation | 12 Sachets
CDS22-formula Probiotic 450B CFU | Original De Simone Formulation | 12 Sachets
CDS22-formula 450B — Original De Simone Formulation (12 Sachets)
One of the highest-potency probiotic formulations available, at 450 billion live cultures (CFU) per sachet across 8 strains. CDS22-formula is the original De Simone Formulation developed by Professor Claudio De Simone — the formulation sold pre-2016 as VSL#3 and later as Vivomixx, now supplied in Ireland as CDS22-formula. Refrigerated and cold-chain delivered from Dublin.
- Original 8-strain De Simone Formulation, 450 billion live cultures (CFU) per sachet
- Documented in 200+ scientific publications, including 80+ clinical studies
- The formulation (as VSL#3) is referenced in ECCO material and the AGA 2024 pouchitis guideline (Barnes et al., Gastroenterology 2024)
- Refrigerated (+2–8°C), cold-chain dispatched within Ireland
- Food supplement under FSAI guidelines — not a medicine. Gluten-free. Suitable from age 3
CDS22-formula definition: CDS22-formula is the original 8-strain, 450 billion CFU probiotic mixture developed by Professor Claudio De Simone (the "De Simone Formulation"), sold under the VSL#3 brand until 2016 and later as Vivomixx, and now supplied in Ireland as CDS22-formula.
The most documented probiotic formulation, by name
Of the probiotic formulations available to Irish consumers, the De Simone Formulation has one of the most extensive evidence bases in the scientific literature. It is referenced in over 200 scientific publications, of which more than 80 are clinical studies spanning IBS, ulcerative colitis, pouchitis and antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.
The AGA 2024 pouchitis guideline (Barnes et al., Gastroenterology 2024;166(1):59-85) states that the evidence favouring probiotics for preventing pouchitis recurrence is limited to the De Simone Formulation. The formulation is also referenced in ECCO material for inflammatory bowel disease, and has been studied in registered clinical trials including NCT01765439 (the original De Simone Formulation in inflammatory bowel disease). More recent trials name the formulation directly — for example Rousseau et al. (J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr, 2022) studied the "De Simone Formulation Probiotic." These references describe the formulation as studied in the clinical literature — they are not a claim that this food supplement treats any condition.
VSL#3 → Vivomixx → CDS22-formula: the lineage explained
If you previously bought VSL#3 or Vivomixx and are trying to find the same product, here is how the names connect. The formulation is the constant; only the brand names changed.
| Period | Brand name | Contains the De Simone Formulation? |
|---|---|---|
| Until 2016 | VSL#3 (Actial Srl) | Yes — most pre-2016 "VSL#3" studies relate to this |
| After 2016 | VSL#3 (current) | No — per ECCO official statement |
| Until 2025 | Vivomixx (Mendes SA) | Yes — same 8-strain formulation |
| Now | CDS22-formula | Yes — original 8 strains, 450B CFU |
Per the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) October 2023 statement, the product sold as VSL#3 after 2016 no longer contains the De Simone Formulation. This is why brand name and clinical evidence must be matched by strain list, not by name alone.
For the complete strain-by-strain identity reference, the 2016 split and the source documentation, see The De Simone Formulation in Ireland: Definition, Timeline & How to Verify Identity. To compare strains and CFU against Alflorex, Symprove and Optibac, see Clinical Probiotics Ireland: Strains, CFU & How to Choose.
The 8 strains in CDS22-formula
Each sachet delivers 450 billion live cultures across 8 strains, identified by their NCIMB strain codes for verification against the published literature:
| Strain | NCIMB code | Per sachet |
|---|---|---|
| Streptococcus thermophilus | NCIMB 30438 | 226 billion |
| Bifidobacterium breve | NCIMB 30441 | 24 billion |
| Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis | NCIMB 30435 | 24 billion |
| Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis | NCIMB 30436 | 24 billion |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus | NCIMB 30442 | 38 billion |
| Lactobacillus plantarum | NCIMB 30437 | 38 billion |
| Lactobacillus paracasei | NCIMB 30439 | 38 billion |
| Lactobacillus helveticus | NCIMB 30440 | 38 billion |
Older clinical literature and the US Visbiome product list these strains under DSM codes (e.g. DSM 24731–24737). The organisms are the same formulation; the current Irish CDS22-formula label uses the NCIMB designations above.
Sachets or capsules?
| Format | CFU | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 450B Sachets (this product) | 450 billion / sachet | High-potency daily use; mix into a cool drink, yogurt or juice |
| 112B Capsules | 112 billion / capsule | Convenient daily maintenance in capsule form |
Both formats contain the De Simone Formulation. Choice is a matter of potency preference and convenience. Buying for a month or more? The 36-sachet One Month+ pack qualifies for free DPD delivery over €75.
Why buy from Probiotic.ie
- Cold-chain handled: transported refrigerated from the manufacturer in Italy to our temperature-controlled warehouse in Dublin, and dispatched cold — so the live count on the label is the count you receive.
- Irish-owned specialist since 2019, with a 4.9★ Trustpilot rating.
- Sole authorised Irish distributor of the De Simone Formulation.
Product details
Food supplement with 450 billion live cultures per sachet. Format: 12 sachets of 4.4g, 18-month shelf life from manufacture when stored refrigerated. GTIN/EAN: 8055039380144.
Ingredients
Maltose, mixture of lactic ferments (Streptococcus thermophilus NCIMB 30438, Bifidobacterium breve NCIMB 30441, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis NCIMB 30435, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis NCIMB 30436, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCIMB 30442, Lactobacillus plantarum NCIMB 30437, Lactobacillus paracasei NCIMB 30439, Lactobacillus helveticus NCIMB 30440).
Gluten-free. The live cell count refers to the product correctly stored in intact packaging at refrigerated temperature (+2–8°C) until expiry.
How to use
- Adults and children 7+: 1–2 sachets per day.
- Children 3–6 years: up to ½ sachet per day.
- Open and mix into a cool, non-fizzy drink, yogurt or fruit juice; consume immediately. Do not add to hot liquids.
Storage
- Store in the refrigerator (+2–8°C) to maintain the live cultures until expiry.
- Can be kept at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to one week.
- Avoid temperatures above 25°C.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or under medical supervision, consult your doctor before use. CDS22-formula can be taken alongside antibiotics; taking it a few hours apart from the antibiotic dose is commonly advised. Anyone immunocompromised or seriously unwell should speak to a doctor first.
Important: CDS22-formula is a food supplement, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information here is for general information only and does not replace advice from a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified health professional. VSL#3® is a brand of Actial Srl; Vivomixx® is a brand of Mendes SA. CDS22-formula has no affiliation with these brands.
Frequently asked questions
Is CDS22-formula the same as VSL#3?
CDS22-formula contains the original De Simone Formulation, which was sold under the VSL#3 brand until 2016. Per the ECCO official statement, the product sold as VSL#3 after 2016 no longer contains the De Simone Formulation. Most pre-2016 "VSL#3" studies relate to the formulation now supplied as CDS22-formula. The VSL#3 brand belongs to Actial Srl; CDS22-formula has no affiliation with it.
Is CDS22-formula the same as Vivomixx?
Yes — Vivomixx (Mendes SA) carried the same 8-strain De Simone Formulation until 2025. The formulation is now supplied as CDS22-formula. CDS22-formula has no affiliation with the Vivomixx brand.
How many strains and how much CFU does CDS22-formula contain?
Each sachet contains 8 bacterial strains delivering 450 billion live cultures (CFU): Streptococcus thermophilus NCIMB 30438 (226 billion), Bifidobacterium breve NCIMB 30441 (24 billion), Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis NCIMB 30435 (24 billion), Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis NCIMB 30436 (24 billion), Lactobacillus acidophilus NCIMB 30442 (38 billion), Lactobacillus plantarum NCIMB 30437 (38 billion), Lactobacillus paracasei NCIMB 30439 (38 billion), and Lactobacillus helveticus NCIMB 30440 (38 billion). The capsule format delivers 112 billion CFU per capsule.
Does CDS22-formula need to be refrigerated?
Yes. CDS22-formula is a refrigerated product and should be stored at +2–8°C to maintain the live cultures, with an 18-month shelf life from manufacture when kept refrigerated. It can be kept at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to one week. Probiotic.ie dispatches it cold-chain within Ireland to preserve the live count.
Is CDS22-formula a medicine, and is it legal in Ireland?
CDS22-formula is sold legally in Ireland as a food supplement under FSAI guidelines. It is not a medicine and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. No prescription is required.
How do I take CDS22-formula?
Adults and children aged 7+ take 1–2 sachets per day; children aged 3–6 take up to ½ sachet per day. Mix the contents into a cool, non-fizzy drink, yogurt or fruit juice and consume immediately. Do not add to hot liquids.