Judy-
National Jewish recommends Jarro-Dophilus EPS...it is made by Jarrow. The most tested probiotic as far as CF is concerned is Lactobacillus GG (also know as L. rhamnosus) This brand has L. rhamnosus as one of its top ingredients with 680 million CFU (colony forming units) That is followed by L.casei. I notice the most benefit when I take LGG (rhamnosus), L.caseii and L. Acidophilus.

But, if your child has food sensitivities, this brand does contain trace amounts of soy and dairy (.01%)

Another way to go is by ordering from Custom Probiotics online. My "wellness" doctor turned me on to this brand bc it is free from all allergens. Many parents with autistic children swear by it

The key with most probiotics is to start with small doses and work your way up. With CF, the gut flora is so off kilter from the beginning (many studies show that cf babies have abnormal gut flora before having antibiotics) and then we add all the antibiotics.... It is a recipe for disaster. The best way to change the gut is by starting slowly.

I mentioned before that probiotics help turn our immune responses on and balance the chemicals certain cells secrete. One chemical that is so important in CF is Gamma Interferon (IFN gamma) Healthy cystics test higher for IFN gamma which indicates a Th1 immune response. Cystics with lower PFTs and more resistant bugs tend to have low levels of IFN gamma and higher levels of chemicals related to a the Th2 repsonse.

Latest research shows that some strains of probiotics actually increase IFN gamma!!! This is amazing. Also, recent research regarding probiotics show they can be used protect those with pancreatic issues. Interestingly, the probiotics actually increased glutathione biosynthesis and decreased oxidative stress.

Also, on a personal note. I take many supplements and inhale glutathione. When I began inhaling glutathione my bugs went from mucoid to normal PA and my PFTs increased. However, I continued to grow "heavy" in all of my cultures. But, when I added high dose probiotics, my cultures went from heavy to medium and light growth with no antibiotics...nothing other than my supplements. That is a testament to the way our gut affects our total immune system.