What is Bifidobacterium 35624??
Bifidobacterium 35624 is the trademarked name for a unique, patented pure-strain of beneficial bacteria, Bifidobacterium 35624. Bifidobacterium 35624 is the natural probiotic strain found only in Align. The specific and pure-strain Bifidobacterium 35624, found in Align, helps promote and support a healthy digestive system.* Align is the only probiotic supplement that contains Bifidobacterium 35624.

How often do I need to take Align?
We recommend that you take Align once a day, each day.

What happens if I stop taking Align for a few days?
Align is most effective when taken daily. If you miss a day, there's no need to take two Align capsules in one day to make up for the capsule you missed. Just start again the next day to stay on track for healthy digestive balance.*

Is Align Gluten Free?
Yes, Align has been scientifically tested, and is a gluten-free probiotic supplement.

Why are there 28 capsules instead of 30 in a box?
One box of Align contains a four-week supply (28 days) to help you get into the habit of ordering your next box on the same day each month so you never have to be out of Align.

How Is Align different from probiotic yogurts?
Align contains probiotic bacteria, similar to those in the active cultures of yogurt or fermented milk products. However, yogurt in the United States is not required to contain any live cultures, and tests have shown that some yogurt products have a wide range of levels of live bacteria. The delivery of probiotics in either yogurt or fermented milk is limited by the need for cold storage and an associated shorter shelf life. Additionally, many people may have trouble consuming sufficiently large quantities of these products.

How many bacteria are in each capsule of Align?
Each Align capsule contains at least 1 x 10⁹ colony-forming units (CFU) of live Bifidobacterium 35624 bacteria at the time of manufacture (1 billion bacteria) and provides an effective level of bacteria (1 x 10⁷) until at least the "best by" date.

Why doesn't Align need to be refrigerated?
The Bifidobacterium 35624 in Align has been freeze-dried, and does not require refrigeration. Align has been formulated and tested to confirm that it remains effective without refrigeration for a 24-month shelf life. We recommend that Align be kept in the original blister package, as these materials were designed to protect the bacteria from the environment.

Product stability studies show that Align is effective through at least the "best by" date on the bottom flap of the box. Because Align does not need to be refrigerated, it is an ideal product for busy people who want to have the freedom to go where they want and do what they want.

What is normal, healthy bowel function?
Gastroenterologists say that healthy, normal bowel function can range from three bowel movements per day to three bowel movements per week. Because the definition of normal bowel function varies from person to person, you may want to talk to your doctor about what is normal for you. Align is intended for people who are interested in promoting and supporting a healthy digestive system.*

Why does Align have a statement that has not been reviewed by the FDA?
Align is a dietary supplement. Dietary supplements that make claims to benefit structures or functions of the human body (such as gastrointestinal health) are required by the FDA to carry this statement, which is called the "DSHEA Disclaimer." However, the safety of Bifidobacterium 35624the probiotic ingredient in Alignhas been reviewed by the FDA as part of the "new dietary ingredient" (NDI) notification process and was accepted by the FDA for filing.

Does Align expire?
Each box of Align has a Best By date, which should be stamped on the bottom of your box or printed on the back of your blister pack.

Will Align still be effective after shipment if I buy it online?
If Align is kept in its original packaging it will still be effective if it was exposed to high temperatures (40?C/104?F) for a short period of time --less than three months.