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Dietary supplement

CalmBiotic Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Natural Factors

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

CalmBiotic is a dietary supplement by Natural Factors with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for mood and stress support, digestive and gut health, sleep support.Based on those ingredients, 182 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Lactobacillus helveticus (R0052), Bifidobacterium longum (R0175). Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of CalmBiotic by Natural Factors

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Synergistic Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

CalmBiotic contains 2 active probiotic ingredients: Lactobacillus helveticus (strain R0052) and Bifidobacterium longum (strain R0175). Both are live, beneficial bacteria designed to support gut health.

The product also includes inactive ingredients — maltodextrin, a vegetarian capsule, and magnesium stearate — to hold everything together and make it easy to swallow.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: support for occasional anxiety and healthy mood.
  • We looked for evidence on: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Depression, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Diarrhea, Antibiotic-associated diarrhea, gut-brain axis — and 2 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Bifidobacterium Longum is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Bifidobacterium Longum is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Depression, Diarrhea, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and more.

The evidence for both Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum is currently insufficient to rate their effectiveness for the conditions they're marketed toward — things like hay fever, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, cognitive function, depression, rotaviral diarrhea, exercise-related infections, anxiety, asthma, and athletic performance. What that means is we don't have enough reliable research yet to say whether they work for these uses.

If you're considering this product for a specific reason, it's worth talking through the evidence with your doctor or pharmacist.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lactobacillus Helveticus Bifidobacterium Longum

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Both strains are generally well tolerated in healthy people. However, if you're seriously ill or have a compromised immune system, use caution — the safety data here is limited, and you should take it only with your doctor's guidance.

Rare side effects reported with Bifidobacterium longum include mild abdominal discomfort, bloating, flatulence, constipation, and one case of a dry cough. There's also a theoretical concern that live probiotics could cause infection in very vulnerable patients, though this is rare and usually happens only in people who are critically ill or in the hospital.

Bifidobacterium longum is rated possibly safe during pregnancy and lactation, but for Lactobacillus helveticus, there isn't enough data to know either way — talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lactobacillus Helveticus Bifidobacterium Longum

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Bifidobacterium Longum, Lactobacillus Helveticus.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 182 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking CalmBiotic if you're on antibiotics. The antibiotics may reduce how well the probiotics work, so you'll need to space them apart.

No other major medication interactions are documented for the ingredients we could check.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

CalmBiotic is for someone looking to add probiotics to their routine who doesn't have a serious illness or compromised immune system. If you take antibiotics, timing matters — separate them from this product to keep the probiotics working.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or a weakened immune system warrant a conversation with your doctor or pharmacist before you start.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 22, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about CalmBiotic, straight from the product label.

Brand Natural Factors
Barcode (UPC) 068958018607
Net contents 30 Vegetarian Capsules
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 22, 2020
DSLD ID 220787
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for CalmBiotic by Natural Factors, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
068958018607
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Synergistic Blend0 NP--
Lactobacillus helveticus (R0052)0 NP--
Bifidobacterium longum (R0175)0 NP--

Other ingredients: Maltodextrin, Vegetarian Capsule, Magnesium Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Seals/Symbols

isura Non-GMO - Mass Spec Documentation Lab tested

Purity & Potency Guaranteed

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: 1 Capsule per day or as directed by a health professional.

Precautions

Cautions: As with any supplement, consult your health professional before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, or if you are taking medication, have a medical condition, or anticipate a surgery.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Sealed for your protection. Do not use if seal is broken.

Contains milk and soy.

Formulation

CalmBiotic is a convenient one-a-day capsule that provides support for occasional anxiety and a healthy mood by helping maintain the microbiome and the gut-brain axis. It also promotes immune health and normal gastrointestinal function in healthy people experiencing stress or nervousness from common life events (e.g., school, work).

Manufactured by Natural Factors to ensure safety and potency in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) of the FDA and Health Canada.

Contains no artificial colors, preservatives, or sweeteners; no starch, sugar, wheat, gluten, yeast, corn, egg, fish, shellfish, salt, tree nuts, or GMOs.

Suitable for vegetarians.

Support for occasional anxiety & healthy mood

Enteric coating is not required for all probiotic strains. With regard to stomach acid resistance, not all strains are created equal. Natural Factors has carefully selected naturally acid-resistant strains so that they may be consumed at any time, with or without meals, and are safely delivered to the intestine unharmed. Our strains are tested for their viability in the stomach to ensure optimal absorption and efficacy.

Why choose CalmBiotic? CalmBiotic is one of the first probiotic products shown to temporarily modify gut flora to address both the physical and psychological symptoms of stress. Research supported strains & strengths Potency guaranteed through expiration – no refrigeration required Bio-Support technology for guaranteed acid resistance

Provides support for occasional anxiety & a healthy mood Supports healthy gastrointestinal function

Non-GMO Gluten free

Third-party certified

Storage

For freshness, store in a cool, dry place.

No refrigeration required but will prolong strength of product.

No refrigeration required

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Formula

Guaranteed minimum 3 billion active cells per capsule at expiry date. Guaranteed minimum 15 billion active cells per capsule at manufacture date.

3 billion Live probiotic cultures

General Statements

Product of Canada Recycled container and label. Premium formula

R2

Leaders in probiotic science & innovation with over 35 years' experience

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

CalmBiotic by Natural Factors label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in CalmBiotic by Natural Factors

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Proprietary Synergistic Blend

0 NP per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Maltodextrin, Vegetarian Capsule, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

CalmBiotic by Natural Factors Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against CalmBiotic?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
182Drugs
182 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in CalmBiotic with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Lactobacillus helveticus (R0052)1 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus helveticus with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L. helveticus.
Lactobacillus helveticus preparations usually contain live and active organisms. Therefore, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of the organisms. Tell patients to separate administration of antibiotics and L. helveticus preparations by at least two hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

Bifidobacterium longum (R0175)1 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Bifidobacterium longum with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of B. longum.
Since B. longum preparations usually contain live and active organisms, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of the organisms. Tell patients to separate administration of antibiotics and B. longum preparations by at least 2 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for CalmBiotic, from the product label.

Natural Factors

See all Natural Factors products
Name
Natural Factors Canada
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

CalmBiotic by Natural Factors: Common Questions

Does CalmBiotic by Natural Factors interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, CalmBiotic has a known interaction with 182 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
CalmBiotic contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take CalmBiotic at the same time as my antibiotic?
Not ideally. Antibiotics can kill off the live bacteria in the supplement, which defeats the purpose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how many hours apart to take them — they can give you a schedule that works for your specific medications.
Does it actually help with anxiety or depression?
The evidence isn't established yet. We don't have enough reliable research to say whether Bifidobacterium longum helps with anxiety or depression, and the same goes for Lactobacillus helveticus and depression. If you're interested in trying it for mood, talk it over with your doctor first.
Is it safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Bifidobacterium longum is rated possibly safe during pregnancy and lactation. For Lactobacillus helveticus, there isn't enough data to know either way. Either way, check with your doctor or pharmacist for advice tailored to your situation.
What are the side effects?
Most people tolerate it well. Rarely, some people report mild belly discomfort, bloating, gas, or constipation. One person in a trial reported a dry cough. If anything feels off, let your doctor know.
Is this safe if I'm immunocompromised or seriously ill?
You need to be cautious, and the data is limited. If your immune system is weakened or you're dealing with a serious illness, talk with your doctor before taking it — they can advise whether it's right for you.
What are the inactive ingredients?
The capsule is filled with maltodextrin and contains magnesium stearate as a lubricant. The capsule itself is vegetarian. If you're sensitive to any of these, check the label or ask your pharmacist.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if CalmBiotic is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

CalmBiotic label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

CalmBiotic's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 23 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Lactobacillus Helveticus 2 references
  1. Pierce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: The Stonesong Press, 1999:19.
  2. Rossi F, Amadoro C, Gasperi M, Colavita G. Lactobacilli infection case reports in the last three years and safety implications. Nutrients. 2022;14(6):1178. PubMed

See these in context on the Lactobacillus Helveticus monograph →

Bifidobacterium Longum 21 references
  1. Ha GY, Yang CH, Kim H, Chong Y. Case of sepsis caused by Bifidobacterium longum. J Clin Microbiol 1999;37:1227-8.
  2. Pierce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: The Stonesong Press, 1999:19.
  3. Xiao JZ, Takahashi S, Odamaki T, et al. Antibiotic susceptibility of bifidobacterial strains distributed in the Japanese market. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(2):336-42. PubMed
  4. Rautava S, Kainonen E, Salminen S, Isolauri E. Maternal probiotic supplementation during pregnancy and breast-feeding reduces the risk of eczema in the infant. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2012;130(6):1355-60. PubMed
  5. Pruccoli G, Silvestro E, Pace Napoleone C, Aidala E, Garazzino S, Scolfaro C. Are probiotics safe? Bifidobacterium bacteremia in a child with severe heart failure. Infez Med. 2019;27(2):175-178.
  6. Pellonperä O, Vahlberg T, Mokkala K, et al. Weight gain and body composition during pregnancy: a randomised pilot trial with probiotics and/or fish oil. Br J Nutr. 2020 Nov 4:1-11. PubMed
  7. Pellonperä O, Mokkala K, Houttu N, et al. Efficacy of fish oil and/or probiotic intervention on the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus in an at-risk group of overweight and obese women: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial PubMed
  8. Shahriari A, Karimi E, Shahriari M, Aslani N, Khooshideh M, Arab A. The effect of probiotic supplementation on the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus among high-risk pregnant women: A parallel double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial PubMed
  9. Esaiassen E, Hjerde E, Cavanagh JP, Simonsen GS, Klingenberg C; Norwegian Study Group on Invasive Bifidobacterial Infections. Bifidobacterium bacteremia: Clinical characteristics and a genomic approach to assess pathogenicity. J Clin Microbiol. 2017;55(7) PubMed
  10. Enomoto T, Sowa M, Nishimori K, et al. Effects of bifidobacterial supplementation to pregnant women and infants in the prevention of allergy development in infants and on fecal microbiota. Allergol Int 2014;63(4):575-85. PubMed
  11. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dear Healthcare Provider Letter: Warning Regarding Use of Probiotics in Preterm Infants. September 2023. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/media/172606/download?attachment. Accessed November 1, 2023.
  12. Pillai A, Tan J, Paquette V, Panczuk J. Does probiotic bacteremia in premature infants impact clinically relevant outcomes? A case report and updated review of literature. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2020;39:255-259. PubMed
  13. Sabaté JM, Iglicki F. Effect of Bifidobacterium longum 35624 on disease severity and quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. World J Gastroenterol 2022;28(7):732-744.
  14. Malaguarnera M, Greco F, Barone G, Gargante MP, Malaguarnera M, Toscano MA. Bifidobacterium longum with fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) treatment in minimal hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Dig Dis Sci 2007;52(11) PubMed
  15. Zbinden A, Zbinden R, Berger C, Arlettaz R. Case series of Bifidobacterium longum bacteremia in three preterm infants on probiotic therapy. Neonatology 2015;107(1):56-9.
  16. Tamaki H, Nakase H, Inoue S, et al. Efficacy of probiotic treatment with Bifidobacterium longum 536 for induction of remission in active ulcerative colitis: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled multicenter trial. Dig Endosc 2016;28(1):67-74.
  17. Bertelli C, Pillonel T, Torregrossa A, et al. Bifidobacterium longum bacteremia in preterm infants receiving probiotics. Clin Infect Dis 2015;60(6):924-7. PubMed
  18. Esaiassen E, Cavanagh P, Hjerde E, Simonsen GS, Støen R, Klingenberg C. Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis bacteremia in 3 extremely preterm infants receiving probiotics. Emerg Infect Dis 2016;22(9):1664-6.
  19. Tena D, Losa C, Medina MJ, Sáez-Nieto JA. Peritonitis caused by Bifidobacterium longum: case report and literature review. Anaerobe 2014;27:27-30. PubMed
  20. Sangkanjanavanich S, Pradubpongsa P, Mitthamsiri W, Sangasapaviliya A, Boonpiyathad T. Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 efficacy in patients with uncontrolled asthma: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2022;129(6):790-792. PubMed
  21. Wilson HL, Ong CW. Bifidobacterium longum vertebrodiscitis in a patient with cirrhosis and prostate cancer. Anaerobe 2017;47:47-50. PubMed

See these in context on the Bifidobacterium Longum monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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