Metagenics UltraFlora Control
UltraFlora Control is a single-strain probiotic: Bifidobacterium lactis B420 at 113.1 mg, stated as 10 billion CFU, one capsule daily. It is the only product in this directory where the specific strain, at a comparable dose, has been through a published randomised human trial with body composition as an outcome. That is a genuinely different standard of evidence from the rest of this category — which is not the same as saying it will work for you.
Last reviewed · researched from the manufacturer’s published pages by Tom
What’s in it
Amounts are shown only where the manufacturer publishes them. Anything without a figure is undisclosed — and for an active ingredient, an undisclosed dose is the central problem with this category.
- Bifidobacterium lactis B420113.1 mg (10 billion CFU)
A single, named, numbered strain — not a blend
- Microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, silicaamount not published
Within the probiotic blend, as published
- Hydroxypropylmethylcelluloseamount not published
Capsule shell — vegetarian
How the manufacturer says it works
Metagenics positions it as a clinically studied probiotic for long-term weight maintenance, and states that in a six-month clinical study of overweight individuals, those taking B. lactis B420 showed reduced body fat mass, body weight and waist circumference, and a reduction in calorie intake of around 300 kcal compared with placebo. It also states that B420 consumption increases Akkermansia muciniphila in the gut.
What the evidence actually supports
This is the strongest ingredient-to-product match in the directory. B. lactis B420 has been through peer-reviewed randomised controlled research in overweight adults with body composition measured as an outcome — most probiotics sold for weight have nothing of the kind, and rely on general microbiome reasoning instead. Metagenics publishes the full Supplement Facts panel including the other ingredients, names the exact strain rather than just the species, gives both the milligram weight and the CFU count, states third-party testing, and offers a satisfaction guarantee. On disclosure, it is close to best-in-class here.
Where that evidence stops
Read the effect size, not the word 'clinical'. Reductions reported in this literature are small — a modest change in body fat over six months, not a transformation, and the comparison is against placebo in a controlled study rather than a promise about you. A single manufacturer-cited trial is evidence, not proof, and 'clinically proven' overstates what one study can establish. The claim that B420 raises Akkermansia is a mechanistic step, not an outcome. And this remains a probiotic: it is not comparable to a GLP-1 medication and Metagenics does not suggest it is.
Strengths and problems
Strengths
- The exact named strain — B. lactis B420 — has published randomised human research with body composition measured
- Single strain rather than a blend, so you know precisely what you are taking
- Publishes both milligram weight (113.1 mg) and CFU count (10 billion), which almost nothing else here does
- Full Supplement Facts and other-ingredients list published on the page
- States third-party testing
- Publishes a satisfaction guarantee
- One capsule daily with clear directions
Problems
- 'Clinically proven' overstates what a single manufacturer-cited trial can establish
- Effect sizes in this research are small — expect a modest change, not a transformation
- The Akkermansia claim is a mechanism, not an outcome
- Pricing was not published on the page we captured, which is a real gap
- Warnings and shipping terms were not published
What the manufacturer publishes
Publishes 8 of 8 standard terms.
- Intended use
- Sold as a dietary supplement, not as a treatment for any condition.
- Directions
- One capsule daily, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner, as part of a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
- Warnings
- Not published on the page we captured.
- Allergens
- Not published on the page we captured, though the full other-ingredients list is.
- Third-party testing
- States science-backed and third-party tested, with clinically studied ingredients for quality, purity and efficacy.
- Pricing
- Pricing was not clearly published on the page we captured.
- Subscription
- Not stated on the page we captured.
- Refunds
- Publishes a satisfaction guarantee and invites you to try it risk-free.
- Shipping
- Not stated on the page we captured.
May suit
Someone who wants the probiotic with the closest match between what was studied and what is in the bottle, and who has calibrated expectations about the size of the effect.
Do not use if
- You are immunocompromised, critically ill, or have a central venous catheter
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding without checking with a clinician
- You are expecting results comparable to a prescription GLP-1 medication
Frequently asked
Is this actually different from other probiotics here?
Yes, on evidence. Most probiotics sold for weight rely on general microbiome reasoning; the specific strain in this one has been through published randomised research in overweight adults with body composition measured. That is a real distinction. It does not mean the effect is large — it means the question was actually asked.
What does the strain number mean?
Probiotic effects are strain-specific, not species-specific. 'Bifidobacterium lactis' tells you very little; 'B. lactis B420' identifies the exact organism that was studied. A product naming only the species is not selling you the studied strain.
Sources
Captured . Manufacturer pages change — check the current version before relying on anything.