Lab4 Probiotics + ProVen Biotics
Lab4 Probiotics are the clinically studied probiotic consortia identified, studied and manufactured by ProVen's parent company Cultech Ltd.
The Lab4 consortia are blends of four or five probiotic strains that have been studied in combination at the dosage levels offered in the ProVen Biotics products. The ProVen Biotics range has been developed specifically to offer these research-backed probiotic consortia at doses and combinations shown to have specific benefits.
The Lab4 Probiotics family have been shown to provide the widest range of benefits of any multi-strain probiotic blends and are now supported by research across IBS, immunity, allergy, athletic performance, cognitive function, antibiotics, weight loss and menopause-related symptoms. Clinical studies have been conducted with babies from birth, young children, and adults, with some specifically targeting women.
The Lab4 Consortia
Lab4 Probiotics
Our original consortium formulated in 1998, containing four strains isolated from human gut microbiota: Lactobacillus acidophilus CUL60 and CUL21, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CUL34 and Bifidobacterium bifidum CUL20. Subject to its first clinical trial in 1999; more than 15 clinical trials published to date.
Lab4B Probiotics
Four strains specifically designated to reflect the gut of newborn babies and infants, containing Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CUL34, Bifidobacterium bifidum CUL20, Lactobacillus salivarius CUL61 and Lactobacillus paracasei CUL08. First identified in 2004; studied for safety in pregnancy and newborns and impact on eczema and atopic allergy.
Lab4P Probiotics
A five-strain consortium — the four Lab4 strains plus Lactobacillus plantarum CUL66 — developed following extensive research into this additional strain. Two key clinical trials published in 2020 and 2021 demonstrate broad benefits for weight loss, metabolic health and general wellbeing.
Lab4S Probiotics
The latest addition to the portfolio, comprising the four Lab4 strains alongside Saccharomyces boulardii, specifically developed for use alongside antibiotics. Studied for its beneficial impact on antibiotic-induced changes in the gut microbiome and antibiotic resistance in the re-growth microbiota.
Clinical Studies by Product
ProVen Biotics' original flagship product, launched in 2012. Contains 25 billion Lab4 Probiotics — the blend and dose subject to more than 25 studies since this consortium was first identified in the late 1990s.
The Cambridge IBS Study
Plummer S et al 2013. Effects of probiotics on the caecal and faecal microbiota of irritable bowel syndrome patients receiving antibiotics: a pilot study. EnGIHR, Valencia, Spain.
The Sheffield IBS Study
Williams EA et al 2008. Clinical trial: a multistrain probiotic preparation significantly reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 29:97–103.
View on PubMedThe Cambridge Probiotic/Antibiotic Trial 2
Plummer S et al 2005. Effects of probiotics on the composition of the intestinal microbiota following antibiotic therapy. Int J of Antimicrobial Agents 26:69–74.
View on PubMedThe Cambridge Probiotic/Antibiotic Trial 1
Madden JAJ et al 2005. Effects of probiotics on preventing disruption of the intestinal microflora following antibiotic therapy: A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. International Immunopharmacology 5(6):1091–1097.
View on PubMedThe Cambridge Clostridium difficile Study
Plummer S et al 2004. Clostridium difficile pilot study: effects of probiotic supplementation on the incidence of C. difficile diarrhoea. International Microbiology 7:59–62.
View on PubMedContains a combination of Lab4 Probiotics and Saccharomyces boulardii shown to increase beneficial bacteria during and after antibiotic treatment and to reduce antibiotic resistance in the re-growth microbiota.
Antibiotics and Gut Microbiome Study
John D et al 2024. A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study assessing the impact of probiotic supplementation on antibiotic induced changes in the gut microbiome. Front. Microbiomes 3:1359580.
View studyThe product used in two key clinical studies on metabolic health (Promagen and Probe) as well as more recent 2025 studies with women and healthcare workers. Contains 50 billion Lab4P Probiotics — the dose at which this blend has been specifically researched.
The PROWEB Study
Wright C et al 2025. The Impact of Probiotics on Wellbeing: An Open-Label study during the Winter in Healthcare Workers. medRxiv: 2025.2008.2019.25333967.
View studyThe ProWome Study
Michael DR et al 2025. Probiotic supplementation improves well-being and anxiety in healthy women: An exploratory, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Gut Microbes Reports 2(1):2543125.
View studyThe Promagen Study: Viral Pandemic Link?
Mullish BH et al 2021. Probiotics reduce self-reported symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection in overweight and obese adults: should we be considering probiotics during viral pandemics? Gut Microbes 13(1):e1900997.
View on PubMedThe Probe Study
Michael DR et al 2021. Daily supplementation with the Lab4P probiotic consortium induces significant weight loss in overweight adults. Scientific Reports 11.
View on NatureThe Promagen Study
Michael DR et al 2020. A randomised controlled study shows supplementation of overweight and obese adults with lactobacilli and bifidobacteria reduces bodyweight and improves well-being. Scientific Reports 10(1):4183.
View on PubMedDeveloped as broad-spectrum support for women aged 45–65, containing 50 billion Lab4P Probiotics — the dose at which this blend has been researched with this target market. See also studies listed under BioForm, which shares the same Lab4P consortium.
The ProWome Study
Michael DR et al 2025. Probiotic supplementation improves well-being and anxiety in healthy women: An exploratory, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Gut Microbes Reports 2(1):2543125.
View studyA unique research-backed product developed for children aged 3–10. Contains 12.5 billion live bacteria with a small amount of vitamin C — the exact formulation studied in two cohorts of children, each for a six-month period during autumn and winter.
The ProChild-2 Study: Antibiotic Prescriptions
Garaiova I et al 2023. Probiotics with low dose vitamin C reduce antibiotic prescriptions in children: A secondary analysis of a multicentre randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Functional Foods 106:105625.
View studyThe ProChild-2 Study
Garaiova I et al 2021. Probiotics with vitamin C for the prevention of upper respiratory tract symptoms in children aged 3–10 years: randomised controlled trial. Beneficial Microbes 12(5):431–440.
View on PubMedThe ProChild Study
Garaiova I et al 2015. Probiotics and vitamin C for the prevention of respiratory tract infections in children attending preschool: a randomised controlled pilot study. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 69:373–379.
View on PubMedThe ProVen Biotics baby range contains 10 billion Lab4B Probiotics — the consortium used in a large study with 454 mothers during pregnancy and their babies from birth. The study focused on atopic allergic sensitisation; all safety data was recorded with no adverse events found in the probiotic arm.
The Swansea Baby Study
Allen SJ et al 2014. Probiotics in the prevention of eczema: a randomised controlled trial. Archives of Disease in Childhood 99(11):1014–1019.
View on PubMedThe Swansea Baby Study: Safety in Newborns
Allen SJ et al 2010. Dietary supplementation with Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria is well tolerated and not associated with adverse events during late pregnancy and early infancy. Journal of Nutrition 140:483–488.
View on PubMed