FAQs

Dr Megan Rossi in conference with a lady patient

General
Usage & Storage
Orders and Delivery

Developed by Dr Megan Rossi, the Gut Health Doctor, SMART STRAINS® is a family of scientifically formulated live bacteria supplements, free of emulsifiers and added sugars. Each product features targeted, evidence-based bacterial strains endorsed by international health bodies, empowering you to take charge of your gut health with confidence.

SMART STRAINS® has been developed by the Gut Health Doctor to give patients the right strain, at the right time, in the right way. Dr Rossi is determined to revolutionise the way people use live bacteria supplements, arming them with the right information to care for themselves and their family, one strain at a time.

With SMART STRAINS®, taking live bacteria is no longer a billion-to-one shot…

Probiotic science has evolved and SMART STRAINS® is leading the live bacteria revolution.


We believe that the notion that all live bacteria have similar effects, and that you need to take one daily for general gut health is outdated.


Just as you wouldn’t take an Iron supplement to take a vitamin D deficiency, the latest gut microbiome science tells us how important it is to get specific - we should be taking the right strain, at the right time, in the right way.


Formulated by Dr Megan Rossi, the Gut Health Doctor®, SMART STRAINS® are a family of targeted live bacteria supplements that use evidence based live bacterial strains, backed by international health bodies to help you take control of your gut health. Free from emulsifiers and added sugar.

With SMART STRAINS®, you can rest assured that you will get the right strain, at the right time, in the right way.

SMART STRAINS® – for fussy babies, for when you’re on antibiotics, and for your immune system contain NONE OF THE FOLLOWING: gluten (other cereals), lactose, soy, wheat, milk, crustacean shellfish, mollusks, eggs,
fish, peanuts, nuts, soybeans, celery, mustard, sesame, lupine and sulphur
dioxide and sulphites (>10mg/kg). 

SMART STRAINS® – for your vaginal microbiome: DOES contain milk, as lactoferrin is derived from milk – this is the only listed allergen. Lactoferrin has been clinically proven to increase Lactobacillus growth and decrease Gardnerella Vaginalis in the vagina.  

Should you have any other
concerns regarding allergies or conditions, we would advise that you consult with your healthcare provider before taking SMART STRAINS probiotics.

The SMART STRAINS® range contains no added sugars, emulsifiers, sweeteners, flavours or preservatives.

SMART STRAINS® for when you’re on antibiotic is suitable for vegetarians and vegans

SMART STRAINS® for fussy babies is vegetarian but NOT vegan (Vitamin D is from sheep wool)

SMART STRAINS® for your immune system is vegetarian but NOT vegan (Vitamin D is from sheep wool)

SMART STRAINS® for your vaginal microbiome is NOT suitable for vegetarians & vegans

SMART STRAINS® clinically proven live bacteria supplements are available to buy online through smartstrains.com, Amazon.co.uk and hollandandbarrett.com.


SMART STRAINS® are also available to buy in-store at selected partner stores. To find your nearest stockist visit our store locator.

All SMART STRAINS® live bacteria supplements should be stored in a cool, dry place below 25°C. All SMART STRAINS® live bacteria supplements do not need to be refrigerated.

The recommended daily dose of SMART STRAINS® depends on which SMART STRAINS® live bacteria supplement you have chosen:

SMART STRAINS® – for your vaginal microbiome recommended dosage: During antibiotic or antifungal treatment take 2 capsules daily. For ongoing maintenance take 1 capsule daily.

SMART STRAINS® – for fussy babies recommended dosage: 6 drops per day.

SMART STRAINS® – for when you’re on antibiotics recommended dosage: For children and adults from 4 years of age: 2 capsules per day (ideally morning and evening).

SMART STRAINS® – for your immune system recommended dosage: 1 sachet per day.

How long you should take SMARTSTRAINS for depends on which SMART STRAINS® live bacteria supplement you have chosen.

For SMART STRAINS® - For your vaginal microbiome take at the first sign of any changes in your vaginal microbiome. If on antibiotic or antifungal treatment, take daily alongside them for the duration of the course and continue for at least 3 months after treatment has ended.

For SMART STRAINS® - for fussy babies - Take once daily for at least 21 days.

For SMART STRAINS® - for when you're on antibiotics - Starting on the first day of antibiotic treatment, take daily for the duration of the course and continue for 7 days after treatment has ended.

For SMART STRAINS® - for your immune system: Take daily when your immune system needs support, especially during the winter months

Side effects are rarely reported and generally consist of bloating, but this is understood to be a temporary effect as your gut adapts itself to the new bacteria. If you notice any side effects you should consult your healthcare professional and contact us at customersupport@smartstrains.com

SMART STRAINS® are classified as food supplements and as such we are legally unable to make health or medical claims regarding the product or advise on the suitability of the product in regards to health conditions or medications. Should you have any questions about the effect of SMART STRAINS on an existing or new medical condition or medication we would kindly advise that you speak to your healthcare provider (i.e. GP/Consultant).

At SMART STRAINS® we offer 2 delivery options:

Royal Mail Tracked 48 delivery is our standard delivery service. If this service was selected then it should take between 2-3 working days for your order to arrive. This is subject to Royal Mail conditions and we are unable to guarantee these delivery times.

The other delivery option is Royal Mail Tracked 24 delivery service. If you selected this service then your order should arrive on the next working day provided that your order was placed before 4pm. If it was placed after 4pm then your order will be dispatched on the next working day and should arrive the following day (2 days from purchase). As above, this is subject to Royal Mail conditions and we are unable to guarantee these delivery times.

For orders under £25, delivery costs will vary depending on the option selected:

If you select our standard Royal Mail Tracked 48 delivery option at checkout (this is preselected) there is an additional cost of £2.99 which will be added at checkout.

If you would like your SMART STRAINS® faster, choose the Royal Mail Tracked 24 delivery option at checkout. For this delivery service there is an additional cost of £3.99 that will be added at checkout.

For orders over £25 there is no additional cost for shipping and delivery. All orders over £25 will be sent via Royal Mail Tracked 24.

If you have ordered SMART STRAINS® by accident or have changed your mind then you have up to an hour after you have placed your order to cancel your delivery.

To cancel your order please contact our customer services team at customersupport@smartstrains.com within one hour of placing your order.

If an hour has passed since you placed your SMART STRAINS® order and you still want to cancel then unfortunately we will be unable to cancel your order. However, once your delivery arrives you are able to return the product for a full refund up to 14 days after it arrives.

For more information on how to return your SMART STRAINS® contact our customer services team at customersupport@smartstrains.com.

You can amend your delivery details up to an hour after you placed your order of SMART STRAINS® live bacteria supplements.

To change your delivery details, please contact our customer support team, supplying your full name, email address and order number as well as the delivery address you wish to change to within one hour of placing the order.

If an hour has passed since you placed your delivery and you have provided incorrect delivery details please contact our customer support team, supplying the above information, and they will be able to advise on the best course of action.

We are able to deliver to all the United Kingdom mainland as well as the channel islands, isle of wight and Isle of Man. If you are unsure as to whether we deliver to your location, please contact our customer service team who will be able to advise.

To track your delivery you will need the tracking code that is included in your order dispatch notification. Once you have this number you can track the location of your parcel on the Royal Mail website. Please give up to 2 days from when you placed your order for your tracking number to arrive. If you have misplaced or havent received a tracking number or order dispatch notification please contact our customer services team at customersupport@smartstrains.com who will be able to advise.

If you have an issue with your delivery, for example it has arrived damaged or is missing, please contact our customer support team at customersupport@smartstrains.com. Our dedicated team will be able to assist you with your issue and if appropriate issue a replacement or refund your order.

If you ordered SMART STRAINS® by mistake or have a change of heart regarding your order, you have up to 14 days from receiving your order to return the product to us. Once the product has been received we will issue your with a full refund via the method of payment you used originally. You will need to pay the costs of return but upon receipt we will refund you for the cost of the product.

To initiate a return please contact our customer services team at customersupport@smartstrains.com, providing your name, email address