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Dietary supplement

Strong Beginning Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Culturelle Baby

Liquid Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Strong Beginning is a dietary supplement by Culturelle Baby with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive health and balance, diarrhea (including antibiotic-related), vaginal yeast and bacterial infections.Based on those ingredients, 182 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Probiotic Blend. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Strong Beginning by Culturelle Baby

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 1 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • “Probiotic Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (30 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Culturelle Baby Strong Beginning has 3 active ingredients. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis is a beneficial bacterium (probiotic) that supports digestive and immune health.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is another type of probiotic bacterium. Docosahexaenoic acid is an omega-3 fat important for brain and eye development.

The product also contains inactive ingredients including algal oil, rice bran oil, and carnauba wax.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Infant digestive and gut health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Colic, Constipation, Malnourishment-related diarrhea, Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), Rotaviral diarrhea — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis is rated "Possibly Effective" for Constipation (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis is rated "Possibly Effective" for Colic.
  • Also on file: Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Malnourishment-related diarrhea, Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), Rotaviral diarrhea.

The data we have shows that Bifidobacterium lactis is possibly effective for respiratory tract infections, irritable bowel syndrome, and constipation. The effectiveness ratings for the other two active ingredients aren't established in our data.

This is a product aimed at infants and young children, so talk with your pediatrician about whether it fits your child's individual needs.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lactobacillus Acidophilus Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis

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 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Bifidobacterium lactis is generally well tolerated by most healthy people when taken as directed. The most common side effect reported is diarrhea.

Some people have reported bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain, constipation, and stomach discomfort, though these are uncommon. In rare cases, there's a theoretical concern that probiotics might cause infection in certain people; discuss this with your child's doctor if your child has a weakened immune system.

Two cases of rash with itching were reported in a study using a combination of probiotics, but it's unclear whether Bifidobacterium lactis was responsible.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lactobacillus Acidophilus Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis

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?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis.
  • 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.

If your child takes antibiotic drugs, separate the doses of this product and the antibiotic by a few hours (Moderate severity interaction). The live bacteria in this probiotic can be killed if taken at the same time as antibiotics, reducing its effectiveness.

Use the medication checker on this page to verify your child's specific medications before starting.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Culturelle Baby Strong Beginning is a probiotic and omega-3 supplement designed for infants and young children. If your child is on antibiotics, space the doses a few hours apart so the antibiotic doesn't kill off the beneficial bacteria.

Check your child's exact medications with the tool on this page before starting, and talk with your pediatrician about whether this product is right for your child's health goals.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 27, 2021.

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 Strong Beginning, straight from the product label.

Brand Culturelle Baby
Barcode (UPC) 049100401041
Net contents 0.57 Fluid Ounce(s); 17 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 27, 2021
DSLD ID 250619
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Infants/Baby (0 - 1 Year), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Children more than 1 but less than 4
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 Strong Beginning by Culturelle Baby, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Infants
Minimum serving Sizes:
0.5 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
0.5 mL
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
049100401041
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories0 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates0 Gram(s)--
Added Sugars0 Gram(s)--
Total Sugars0 Gram(s)--
Docosahexaenoic Acid70 mg--
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG0 NP--
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis0 NP--
Probiotic Blend30 mg--

Other ingredients: Algal Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Carnauba wax

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.
Precautions

Allergy friendly

When first taking a probiotic, your baby's gut microbiome adjusts. Your baby may experience minor bloating, gas or intestinal gurgling which should subside with continued use.

Consult your health care professional if symptoms continue after two weeks.

Warning: Keep out of reach of children.

Inform a healthcare professional before starting any dietary supplement, particularly if there is a known immune-compromised condition.

If your infant develops an allergic reaction such as a rash, itching, wheezing or hives, discontinue use and call your doctor.

Tamper Evident: Do not use if bottle or dropper appears to be opened.

Not a reduced calorie food.

Formulation

Free from Milk Wheat Eggs Tree Nuts Peanuts

Naturally Sourced LGG Most Researched Strain In Children

Guaranteed Purity & Potency

Dairy Gluten Soy Free

Probiotic + DHA drops Promotes the development of healthy digestive & immune systems With DHA to support baby's brain & eye development

Culturelle Baby Strong Beginning Helps create a strong foundation for a healthy & happy baby. It supports their brain & eye development. Probiotics plus DHA During infancy, DHA is an essential building block for children’s cognitive, social, emotional & behavioral development. Coupled with proven probiotics, this product also helps support digestive & immune health, for the best possible start.

Based on the number of studies of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG as of January 2019. Guaranteed potency through date on box when stored as directed. Based on a 2018 survey among pediatricians recommending a probiotic brand.

Meets the FDA’s guidelines for gluten-free.

General Statements

Scan to learn more For questions, concerns or to report an adverse event, please call (800) 722-3476 www.Culturelle.com

The Culturelle Difference Excludes gummy formulas. From the #1 pediatrician recommended brand

FDA Statement of Identity

Probiotic Supplement with DHA

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions for 0-24 Months: Provide one serving daily. Fill dropper to solid line and dispense directly into baby's mouth or bottle. Refrigerate after opening and use within two months to ensure the highest quality of DHA in every serving. Shake before use.

Storage

Refrigerate after opening and use within two months to ensure the highest quality of DHA in every serving.

Storage Instructions: Store Culturelle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Patent pending. Culturelle is a trademark of DSM. LGG, LGG logo & BB-12® are trademarks of Chr. Hansen A/S.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Formula

0-24 months

See for yourself

Strong Beginning by Culturelle Baby label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Strong Beginning by Culturelle Baby

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

Serving size0.5 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container30 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.

Docosahexaenoic Acid

70 mg per serving Form: Algal Oil

Probiotic Blend

Interacts with
182 drugs
30 mg per serving

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a 'friendly' bacterium used as a probiotic to support gut and vaginal health. It is generally well tolerated in healthy p...

Probiotic Blend monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Algal Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Carnauba wax. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Strong Beginning by Culturelle Baby Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Strong Beginning?

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 Strong Beginning with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Probiotic Blend1 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus acidophilus with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L. acidophilus.
L. acidophilus 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. acidophilus preparations by at least two hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Strong Beginning, from the product label.

Culturelle Baby

See all Culturelle Baby products
Name
i-Health, Inc.
Street Address
55 Sebethe Drive
City
Cromwell
State
CT
ZipCode
06416
Phone Number
(800) 722-3476
Web Address
www.culturelle.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Strong Beginning by Culturelle Baby: Common Questions

Does Strong Beginning by Culturelle Baby interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Strong Beginning 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?
Strong Beginning 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 give this to my baby if they're on antibiotics?
Yes, but time them carefully. The antibiotic can kill the beneficial bacteria in this product if taken together. Space them out by a few hours—for example, give the antibiotic in the morning and this product in the evening. Ask your pediatrician for the best timing for your child's specific antibiotic.
What's docosahexaenoic acid and why is it in here?
It's an omega-3 fat often called DHA. It supports brain and eye development in babies and young children, which is why it's a common ingredient in infant nutrition products.
Is this product generally well tolerated?
Yes. Bifidobacterium lactis is generally well tolerated by most healthy people when taken as directed. Diarrhea is the most commonly reported side effect, and gastrointestinal complaints like bloating or constipation are uncommon.
What are probiotics and what do they do?
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that support digestive and immune health. This product contains two types: Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, both of which may help with respiratory infections, gut health, and regularity.
Is it safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
We don't have safety data on file for these specific ingredients during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you're pregnant or nursing.

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

Not sure if Strong Beginning is safe with your meds?

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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.

Strong Beginning label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Strong Beginning'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.

Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis 8 references
  1. Pierce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: The Stonesong Press, 1999:19.
  2. Phuapradit P, Varavithya W, Vathanophas K, et al. Reduction of rotavirus infection in children receiving bifidobacteria-supplemented formula. J Med Assoc Thai 1999;82:S43-8.
  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. Begtrup LM, de Muckadell OB, Kjeldsen J, Christensen RD, Jarbøl DE. Long-term treatment with probiotics in primary care patients with irritable bowel syndrome--a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Scand J Gastroenterol 2013;48(10):1127-35 PubMed
  5. Taipale TJ, Pienihäkkinen K, Isolauri E, Jokela JT, Söderling EM. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 in reducing the risk of infections in early childhood. Pediatr Res. 2016;79(1-1):65-9. PubMed
  6. Amat-Bou M, Garcia-Ribera S, Climent E, et al. Effects of Bifidobacterium animalis Subsp. lactis (BPL1) supplementation in children and adolescents with prader-willi syndrome: A randomized crossover trial. Nutrients. 2020;12(10):3123. PubMed
  7. Mäkelä SM, Forssten SD, Kailajärvi M, et al. Effects of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis 420 on gastrointestinal inflammation induced by a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Br J Clin Ph
  8. Wildt S, Munck LK, Vinter-Jensen L, et al. Probiotic treatment of collagenous colitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2006;12(5):395-401. PubMed

See these in context on the Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis monograph →

Lactobacillus Acidophilus 15 references
  1. Pierce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: The Stonesong Press, 1999:19.
  2. Begtrup LM, de Muckadell OB, Kjeldsen J, Christensen RD, Jarbøl DE. Long-term treatment with probiotics in primary care patients with irritable bowel syndrome--a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Scand J Gastroenterol 2013;48(10):1127-35 PubMed
  3. Chatterjee S, Kar P, Das T, Ray S, Gangulyt S, Rajendiran C, Mitra M. Randomised placebo-controlled double blind multicentric trial on efficacy and safety of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and Bifidobacterium BB-12 for prevention of antibiotic-associated
  4. Shavakhi A, Tabesh E, Yaghoutkar A, Hashemi H, Tabesh F, Khodadoostan M,Minakari M, Shavakhi S, Gholamrezaei A. The effects of multistrain probiotic compound on bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection: a randomized placebo-c
  5. Karamali M, Dadkhah F, Sadrkhanlou M, et al. Effects of probiotic supplementation on glycaemic control and lipid profiles in gestational diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Diabetes Metab 2016;42(4):234-41. PubMed
  6. Badehnoosh B, Karamali M, Zarrati M, et al. The effects of probiotic supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2018 May;31(9):1128-1136.
  7. Kumar S, Kumar R, Rohilla L, Jacob N, Yadav J, Sachdeva N. A high potency multi-strain probiotic improves glycemic control in children with new-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus: A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled pilot study. Pediatr Diabete
  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. Xiao SD, Zhang DZ, Lu H, et al. Multicenter, randomized, controlled trial of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus LB in patients with chronic diarrhea. Adv Ther. 2003;20(5):253-60.
  10. 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
  11. Ozer M, Goksu SY, Shahverdiani A, Mustafa M. Lactobacillus acidophilus-induced endocarditis and associated splenic abscess. Case Rep Infect Dis 2020;2020:1382709.
  12. Sadrin S, Sennoune S, Gout B, et al. A 2-strain mixture of Lactobacillus acidophilus in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. Dig Liver Dis 2020;52(5):534-540. PubMed
  13. Stoffer JN, Slingsby TJ, Giuliari GP. Lactobacillus acidophilus endophthalmitis after intravitreal bevacizumab injection requiring intraocular lens explantation. Can J Ophthalmol 2022;57(1):e21-e22. PubMed
  14. Cukovic-Cavka S, Likic R, Francetic I, Rustemovic N, Opacic M, Vucelic B. Lactobacillus acidophilus as a cause of liver abscess in a NOD2/CARD15-positive patient with Crohn's disease. Digestion 2006;73(2-3):107-10.
  15. Hui J, Ren Y, Wang Y, Han Q. Lactobacillus acidophilus endophthalmitis postcataract operation: A case report with a literature review. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2023.

See these in context on the Lactobacillus Acidophilus 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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