Summary
Using a blend of 11 bacteria species, along with prebiotic fiber to help boost their growth, 1MD Complete Probiotics Platinum claims to address poor digestion.
By Anthony Dugarte, M.D., C.S.C.S
Updated on: Mar 13, 2020
1MD claims that Complete Probiotics Platinum dietary supplement promises to deliver 50 billion live cultures of 11 high-quality bacteria strains, from only the most reputable manufacturers in the industry.
While bacteria are often associated with infections, some are important for your health.
Probiotics are friendly bacteria that play a big part in many of the necessary biological processes from digestions to immune function. Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients, such as fiber, that can support overall health by boosting the actions of probiotics.
When the balance between healthy and harmful bacteria is not maintained, you may be at risk for chronic medical conditions such as obesity or heart disease.
According to 1MD, you can safeguard yourself with Complete Probiotics Platinum. They claim that with daily use you can expect the following:
In this article, we’ll review the available scientific support for the proposed benefits to help you determine if Complete Probiotics Platinum is the dietary supplement you’ve been missing.
According to the supplement facts label listed on the website, Complete Platinum contains the following (no refrigeration required):
In a nutshell, it might be easiest to think of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus as bacteria families, while the Latin names that follow them (e.g., lactis) might be thought of as individuals.
While these are common probiotic ingredients and likely responsible for many of the proposed benefits of Complete Platinum, this supplement also includes Lactospore and prebiotics.
In this section, we’ll touch on the available scientific support for each category to help you determine if there is any merit to 1MD’s claims.
In general, the B. lactis, longum, and bifidum strains may help address some forms of diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and respiratory tract infections, as well as promote immune function and allergy relief.
Support regarding these effects lacks in Complete Platinum’s specific strains, however. Other strains in these families have demonstrated benefits, though you should keep in mind that results are strain-specific.
Strain-specific means that results can vary depending on the strain, as well as the group of subjects studied.
Nonetheless, B. longum demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects with regards to white blood cells from older subjects. Another strain boosted antibody and white blood cell levels in elderly subjects in a randomized trial.
Also, a blend of probiotics that included 3 billion CFU of B. longum significantly improved symptoms of allergic rhinitis in 40 randomized children over 4-weeks.
Similar benefits have been seen in relation to B. bifidum strains.
In a laboratory model, B. bifidum strains boosted white blood cell levels. Additionally, a 20 billion CFU blend that included B. bifidum BGN4 relieved stomach pain and discomfort with bowel movements over 8-weeks in subjects with IBS.
B. lactis improved age-related decline in immune function; elderly patients that received B. Lactis at 150 billion CFUs twice daily over 6-week significantly increased natural immunity.
Similarly, Lactobacillus may also help relieve diarrheal symptoms, hay fever, eczema, bacterial vaginosis, H. pylori infections, IBS, and respiratory tract infections. It may also help reduce cholesterol and symptoms related to rheumatoid arthritis.
A review of 34 randomized trials examining probiotics found L. Acidophilus to be as effective as other strains at preventing travelers’ diarrhea. This strain also improved bloating when combined with B. lactis at 200 billion CFU over 8-weeks.
Antibacterial effects of L. salivarius were seen over 24-hours in children with oral disease.
Children treated with L. rhamnosus at10 billion CFU twice daily for the stomach flu did not improve their symptoms.
Another strain, L. casei, improved self-reported symptoms when compared to placebo.
This strain is thought to offer many of the benefits of L. acidophilus, though support is limited.
A randomized trial found that LactoSpore at 2 billion CFU daily over 3-months improved digestive symptoms in those with IBS.
Compared to probiotics, which are living organisms, prebiotics simply work as food for bacteria cells. They provide a quick meal as soon as the bacteria in each Platinum capsule reach your gut.
In this instance, NutraFlora Prebiotic Fiber is produced from non-GMO sucrose (cane sugar), with fewer calories but a similar sweetness profile.
While the benefits of prebiotics have been documented, the available support for NutraFlora is limited. This prebiotic fiber was found to support immune function, though this effect was studied in hens.
While there is available support that a handful of these ingredients may combat harmful bacteria and limit unwanted digestive symptoms, some of the specific strains offered in Complete Platinum are not well-studied.
Strains within the same family may offer similar benefits, though they often behave in a strain-specific manner. Results can vary depending on the strain, dosing, and individuals tested.
If these factors differ in any way from the studies reviewed here, you may have a different experience when using this supplement,
While side effects from probiotics are not uncommon, they are generally mild.
You are most likely to encounter abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and diarrhea. These symptoms can be easily relieved by lowering your dose or discontinuing use.
As a wide variety of underlying conditions can cause your digestive symptoms, it is best to first speak with a medical professional to identify the source.
Complete Probiotics Platinum is priced as follows:
All orders come with a 90-day money-back guarantee, less S&H charges. To request one, you’ll need to contact customer support at (888) 393-4030 or support@1md.org.
On the Platinum website, the supplement had received all five-star reviews from customers. But what about elsewhere online?
At Amazon, Complete Platinum has an average rating of 4.2 stars on over 250 reviews. There, most compliments appeared to revolve around effective results (reduced bloating and gas, improved regularity, etc.).
Most complaints referenced high price, lack of results, and side effects like stomach cramps or upset stomach.
From a company perspective, Los Angeles-based 1MD was founded in 2015 and manufactures a line of other supplements, including Complete Candida Control, Simple-X Formula, and Krill Oil Platinum. They held an A rating with the Better Business Bureau and three closed complaints as of 9/11/17. No additional details were available.
As we mentioned earlier, there are perhaps hundreds of different probiotic supplement formulations out there.
A quick Google Shopping search at the time of our investigation revealed options ranging anywhere between a couple and dozens of stains, between 1 million and several billion colony-forming units (CFUs), with prices generally between $10 and $30. Even at their lowest per-bottle option, this placed Complete Platinum at the upper end of the spectrum.
How in the world can you cut through the marketing hype and figure out which option is best for you? Again, you should always speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplement, who might also be able to recommend options based on your specific diagnosis.
The bacteria families found in Complete Probiotics Platinum do have some clinical evidence showing they may help address many digestive and immune-related ailments. Results may vary strain to strain, however.
The products come from a company with mostly positive online customer feedback. The company stands behind the supplement with a 90-day money-back guarantee. They also provide a complete list of ingredients, dosages, strains, and CFU count for each probiotic family found in their supplement.
The dosing in this supplement is comparable to those found effective in research studies that examined similar strains.
The safety profile of Complete Platinum and similar products is favorable, so the risk for harm is minimal. Nonetheless, you should speak with your doctor to first determine the source of the symptoms before treating them.
A probiotic supplement may be part of your care, though additional management options may be needed to address the underlying issue.
Posted on May 21, 2020
This product has really helped my ongoing stomach issues. I feel so much better after using this product. Not all probiotics are equal. This one has the top-recommended strains and more than just 2 or 3. Loving them and has what you need for them to really be effective.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Posted on Jan 17, 2020
I have a rare condition and it is painful. This was recommended by a client of my brother's because I am always throwing up and have horrible pain. After two weeks this was a game-changer. I take a lot of supplements so to pay $50 plus shipping on top of the $200 I spend a month for meds was a lot. I had to stop taking them and tried two cheaper brands. Regret that decision because I've been sick the past few months. Needless to say, I am going back to these ones.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Posted on Aug 14, 2019
Your product is a waste of money for me. I have tried it for more than a year, 90 days, it’s not enough time to judge. Asked to return the money, now I’m being refused my hard-working money, it’s a shame. I’m glad I found Ancient Nutrition, they stand behind their product 100%.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Company Response from 1MD
Sep 4, 2019
Hello Rami, we are sorry to hear you’ve had a negative experience with our product and thank you for reaching out. While our Complete Probiotic Platinum formula is a very potent probiotic supplement, we simply cannot account for every individual's success with all-natural products This is why we offer a very generous 90-day money-back guarantee for all 1MD products. We can assure you our formulas are made with the highest quality ingredients and we are here to help you use the product every step of the way on your journey to better health. Thank you again for giving 1MD an honest try and we hope you return to try another one of our many doctor recommended supplements. For any further questions or concerns, please contact us at support@1md.org or 888-393-4030 M-F 5am-6pm Saturday 7am-4pm or Sunday 7am-11:30am PST. Have a wonderful day.
Posted on May 16, 2019
Made me feel better initially, but made me constipated after the first few days. I re-adjusted my intake to every other day, and that seems to solve the problem. Great stuff, guess I’m just a little sensitive to it.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Posted on May 7, 2019
I noticed a difference the day after I took my first dose of Complete Probiotics. There was an immediate improvement...my stomach pains subsided, and I actually went a full day without having diarrhea.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Posted on Apr 30, 2019
After my gall bladder surgery, I happen to end up with severe IBS. I was perfect until my gall bladder took a dump. Well after many doctor appointments and emergency room visits for a whole year, Gastronologist ran many tests and came back normal. But I assure I was not. I was bloated everyday. I couldn't sit the bloating was so bad. It was pushing on my lungs and made it hard to breathe. So I tried Enzymes and a probiotic per someone's suggestion and it did nothing for me. I am not a fan of taking prescription medication. And honestly, all they were giving me was not helping. I stayed on a bland diet...it wasn't helping.
So finally I did my own research and found this company. After a year of pain, I thought why not...I wasn't a fan of the price because I'm a single mom and I don't make that much. But I didn't care, I had to try something. So I tapped deep into my wallet and dished out the money for a month's supply of the 1 Md Probiotic and their Digestive Enzymes. And within days for the first time in a year, I had some relief. Not only relief but 100x better. So I continued to purchase them. Sadly I couldn't afford both so I stay with the Probiotic and so far I've had no issues. I have recommended this to many of my friends and have posted many times my journey on my page. So far they have had great success also in Enzymes and Probiotics. If you're having issues like me and have tried everything, I highly recommend these products. HIGHLY.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Posted on Feb 13, 2019
I have been taking these probiotics for a while and I think they work great. Stomach issues have basically gone away. But...their packaging is misleading. I can combine three full bottles into one. That's ridiculous. Just make the bottles smaller.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Posted on Feb 4, 2019
I started taking it two weeks ago. Two days after starting, I started getting horrible stomach cramps, so severe it would cause me to vomit! At first I thought it was a bug, but my husband was fine. Now after two weeks of no energy, horrible stomach pain, it hit me, this started just after I started taking 1MD! So, I stopped two days ago, today, no more pain, energy is back and I feel good for the first time since I started this so-called probiotic! Going back to Smart Belly!
Also, the guarantee is a joke!
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Company Response from 1MD
Feb 21, 2019
Hello Grace Eveskcige. We are sorry to hear you’ve had a negative experience with our product and thank you for reaching out. Since our Complete Probiotic Platinum formula is a very potent probiotic supplement users may experience some side effects early on as your body adjusts. While the side effects you get with probiotics are not as severe as those with prescription medication, they can still occur. While we cannot account for every individual's sensitivities to all natural products, we can assure you our formulas are made with the highest quality ingredients. We are here to help you use the product every step of the way on your journey to better health. To assist with sensitivity issues you may experience, you might try easing into the regimen; experimenting with a routine of every other day or every third day as your body acclimates, rather than the suggested daily use. Furthermore, If you are currently on any medication, we highly suggest consulting your doctor before starting or continuing use of any supplement. For any further questions or concerns, please contact our support at support@1MD or 888-393-4030 M-F 6am-5pm Saturday 7am-4pm or Sunday 7am-11:30am PST. Thank you for trying 1MD and have a wonderful day.
Posted on Jan 22, 2019
I bought six months of this product to give it a fair shot. With discounts and free shipping, it was still almost $220. No quality control! Some bottles had 32 pills and others had 28. Not one bottle had the 30 pills that were supposed to be in each bottle. AND, one bottle had a pill that didn’t look anything like the others! Even without the above, this product did nothing to address bloating, gas, etc. Total and complete waste of money.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Company Response from 1MD
Feb 20, 2019
Hello LG. We thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns. We are very sorry to hear of your negative experience, this is indeed a disappointing issue. We're always striving to improve upon our process with helpful feedback such as yours. If at this point your situation has not been resolved, please contact us at support@1md.org or 888-393-4030 M-F 6am-5pm Saturday 7am-4pm or Sunday 7am-11:30am PST so that we may further assist you in this matter. We very much appreciate your review and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Thank you for trying 1MD and have a wonderful day.
Posted on Aug 5, 2018
I have been using 1MD Complete Probiotics Platinum for a year now, and it has really helped me with my digestive issues. I have Gerd and dyspepsia and I'm on Pepcid and it kills all of my good bacteria and this is really help me a lot. I would recommend it to anybody, it's a great product and I feel better today.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Posted on Mar 7, 2018
I have experienced all kinds of stomach and digestion issues for years, visited multiple doctors and finally found the right diet and supplement combo! What a relief! I started taking this probiotic about two months ago and plan on continuing. This product makes a big difference, and I would highly recommend it over any other products I have tried in the past. Great customer service and product quality. If you suffer from any stomach problems or are just looking for a good probiotic, I say go for it!
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Our Promise to You
In order to safeguard you and ensure helpfulness and relevance, our compliance team manually assess every customer review before it goes live.
We have a zero-tolerance policy for fake reviews, and companies cannot control or alter any reviews at any time.
