DS-01® measures viable cell count in AFU, or Active Fluorescent Units. AFU is measured with flow cytometry, a process where probiotic cells are tagged with fluorescent ‘markers’ and counted by a laser as they pass through a tube. Through AFU, we are able to calculate precise measurement of all viable cells, including ones that are efficacious, but not necessarily culturable (and therefore would not be counted in a traditional plated CFU measurement).

CFU stands for Colony Forming Units, and is reflected in plating, a classical microbiology technique that has been used since the 1800s. This technique shows the number of ‘colonies’ that are formed on a plate through a series of dilutions. CFU can vary up to 50% between batch lots, requires different plating ingredients for each species (and sometimes strain), and is best used for single strain, rather than multi-strain probiotics, or synbiotics.

Globally, there is a lot of discussion about current and future techniques for testing beyond CFU, including flow cytometry and qPCR (Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction), as probiotic strains can vary widely in potency based on biofermentation and production methods (from between 50 Billion AFU / gram to 800 Billion AFU / gram). As a company committed to innovation, we are always evaluating the most effective and precise technologies, including new stabilization techniques, delivery formats, and testing methods.

Today, the use of flow cytometry and its unit of measure (AFU) not only allows us to determine viable cell counts, but also allows us to precisely measure each organism in a complex community or multi-species, multi-strain formulation. Traditional plating techniques (CFU) are extremely variable when enumerating multi-species, multi-strain formulations and are further limited by parameters of time, specifically the inability to detect viable but nonculturable (VBNC) micro-organisms and nonviable cells. More specifically, AFU detection is equal to or better than CFU for the following reasons: accuracy, precision (repeatability), intermediate precision (ruggedness), specificity, limit of quantification, linearity, range, and robustness.

Suntheanine® is a patented, 100% pure L-isomer of the amino acid
L-Theanine—clinically validated to promote relaxation, focus, and
cognitive performance without causing drowsiness. Naturally found in
green tea leaves, Suntheanine® delivers a calm-alert state by increasing
alpha brain wave activity—associated with relaxed attention and mental
clarity.*

Extensive research has demonstrated that Suntheanine® supports neurotransmitter
balance by modulating dopamine, serotonin, and GABA levels, leading to
improved mood stability, reduced stress, and enhanced focus under
cognitive load. In contrast to caffeine-based stimulants, it smooths the
mind's response to daily stressors while maintaining steady alertness.*

Clinical studies suggest that Suntheanine® helps improve accuracy during
multitasking, reduce perceived anxiety, and support restful sleep by
counteracting stress-induced cortisol elevations. When combined with
nootropic botanicals such as Bacopa monnieri, its effects are
synergistic—amplifying working memory, attentional control, and
cognitive flexibility.*

Neurophysiologically, L-Theanine is known to cross the blood-brain barrier efficiently, where
it influences glutamate receptors and modulates the release of
inhibitory neurotransmitters—creating a unique state of "relaxed focus." This dual action makes Suntheanine® an essential component in formulations aimed at balancing calmness and cognition.*

Bacopa B-Lit® (Bacopa monnieri Extract)

Source Country: BHARAT (India)

Bacopa B-Lit® is a clinically standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri, containing ≥30% bacosides—bioactive
compounds that enhance synaptic communication, memory retention, and
neural resilience. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a "Medhya Rasayana" (brain tonic),
Bacopa's efficacy has now been validated across multiple randomized
clinical trials showing improvements in attention, memory acquisition,
and cognitive processing speed.*

Mechanistically, bacosides enhance neuronal communication by modulating cholinergic
systems, promoting dendritic branching, and supporting antioxidant
defenses within the hippocampus—a key region for learning and memory.
This leads to better retention, reduced mental fatigue, and heightened
clarity during sustained cognitive tasks.*

Bacopa
also acts as a natural adaptogen, reducing cortisol levels and
protecting neurons from oxidative and inflammatory stress. When combined
with L-Theanine (Suntheanine®), Bacopa's adaptogenic and
cognitive-enhancing effects are amplified—creating a synergistic
calm-focus state ideal for cognitive endurance.*

In NeuroMito Max, Bacopa B-Lit® serves as the cognitive anchor of the formulation—building long-term neural adaptability and resilience through both structural and biochemical pathways.*

MecobalActive® (Methylcobalamin – Vitamin B12)

Source Country: SPAIN

MecobalActive® is a highly bioidentical, active form of Vitamin B12 designed for
optimal absorption and cellular utilization. Unlike synthetic
cyanocobalamin, MecobalActive® directly participates in methylation and
mitochondrial energy pathways—supporting nerve integrity, red blood cell
formation, and sustained mental energy.*

Vitamin B12 plays a central role in the synthesis of myelin—the protective
sheath around neurons—ensuring smooth and efficient neural transmission.
Clinical research shows that Methylcobalamin supplementation supports cognitive sharpness, mood balance, and neurological recovery by reducing
homocysteine levels and enhancing methylation efficiency.*

At the mitochondrial level, MecobalActive® supports energy metabolism
through its involvement in the conversion of methylmalonyl-CoA to
succinyl-CoA—a crucial step in ATP production. This helps counter
cognitive fatigue and promotes mental endurance throughout the day.*

Within NeuroMito Max, MecobalActive® works synergistically with Quatrefolic®
to complete the methylation cycle, ensuring balanced neurotransmitter
synthesis and DNA repair—forming the biochemical backbone for optimal brain energy and resilience.*

Quatrefolic® (5-MTHF – L-Methylfolate)

Source Country: Italy

Quatrefolic® is the fourth-generation, patented form of folate (5-Methyltetrahydrofolate) that delivers superior bioavailability and
stability compared to traditional folic acid. As the active, body-ready form
of folate, it directly enters the one-carbon cycle, bypassing genetic
limitations (such as MTHFR polymorphisms) that hinder folic acid
conversion.*

Clinically, L-Methylfolate supports healthy homocysteine metabolism,
neurotransmitter synthesis (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine), and
cellular DNA methylation—all crucial for cognitive function, mood
balance, and long-term neurological health.*

Quatrefolic®'s active folate form enhances S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) production, a universal methyl donor essential for the regulation of mood and
mitochondrial gene expression. This makes it a cornerstone nutrient for
maintaining both mental clarity and emotional stability.*

In synergy with MecobalActive®, Quatrefolic® optimizes methylation
efficiency and redox balance—providing the foundation for NeuroMito
Max's neuro-mitochondrial support system. Together, they sustain the biochemical equilibrium that underlies brain energy and mood regulation.*

BioEnhanced® Na-R-Alpha Lipoic Acid (R-ALA)

Source Country: USA

BioEnhanced® Na-R-Alpha Lipoic Acid is a stabilized, bioavailable form of the
natural R-enantiomer of Alpha Lipoic Acid—an essential mitochondrial
cofactor involved in glucose metabolism and antioxidant regeneration. It
serves as a bridge between energy production and redox balance within
neural and muscular cells.*

R-ALA enhances mitochondrial ATP output while recycling key antioxidants such
as CoQ10, glutathione, and vitamins C and E. These actions help
neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protect delicate neural
membranes from oxidative stress—critical for sustaining cognitive
vitality under high metabolic demand.*

Clinical studies suggest R-ALA supports insulin sensitivity, cognitive
endurance, and nerve function, making it particularly relevant for
neuro-energy optimization and healthy aging. BioEnhanced® Na-R-ALA
offers superior absorption and stability, ensuring consistent plasma
availability of the active R-form.*

Within NeuroMito Max, R-ALA synergizes with MecobalActive® and Quatrefolic® by energizing the mitochondrial matrix—where cellular metabolism and neurotransmission intersect—thereby powering both neuronal activity and mental stamina.*

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate)

Source Country: BHARAT (India)

Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate
(P5P) is the active coenzyme form of Vitamin B6, essential for
neurotransmitter synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and cellular energy
regulation. Unlike inactive B6 forms that require conversion in the
liver, P5P is immediately bioavailable—allowing direct participation in critical neurological and mitochondrial reactions.*

P5P serves as a cofactor for the synthesis of serotonin, dopamine, GABA,
and norepinephrine, the core neurochemicals governing mood, focus, and
emotional stability. By facilitating these conversions, it helps
maintain balanced neurotransmission and cognitive composure under mental
stress.*

At the metabolic level, P5P supports the transamination processes that
link amino acid metabolism to glucose utilization—providing a smooth
energy supply to neurons and muscle cells. It also regulates
homocysteine breakdown in synergy with Quatrefolic® and MecobalActive®,
protecting neural tissue from oxidative and methylation stress.*

Within the NeuroMito Max matrix, P5P acts as a biochemical bridge—linking
neurotransmitter synthesis with mitochondrial energy metabolism. In
combination with Suntheanine® and Bacopa B-Lit®, it reinforces the
mind's adaptive calm; alongside R-ALA, it stabilizes the cellular energy
flow that underpins lasting mental clarity.*

Our product is tested at third party accredited laboratories for over 500 pesticide residues using gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.  We [specifically] subject DS-01® to testing for the ubiquitous pesticide, glyphosate, as well as its breakdown product, AminoMethylPhosphonic Acid (AMPA), using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.  This rigorous testing protocol ensures adherence to our strict quality standards.

The full list of pesticides tested may be viewed here.

To evaluate the survival of our probiotics, we test with a Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®)—the closest system developed to model human digestion and the gut. It recreates the physiological conditions and biological processes (food uptake, peristalsis, digestive enzymes, pancreatic and bile acids, and time spent in each step) representative of the human gastrointestinal tract.

At the three hour mark of incubation, the ViaCap® delivered a maximal release of probiotics maintaining the full value of the starting dose (10.57 log vs 10.60 log, or about 100%), indicating viability through the end of the small intestine for delivery into the colon. The ViaCap® was engineered for a precision release of the contents of the inner, probiotic capsule, through the small intestine, resulting in full delivery of label potency prior to entering the colon chamber.

DS-01® is safe to take with other supplements and there are no known contraindications with medications. We would recommend that you also consult with your personal physician in regards to your prescription medications so that they may advise with the complete knowledge of your health history.

Can I take too many probiotics?

Unlike with some vitamins and minerals, probiotics do not have recommended upper limits and have not been shown to reach levels of toxicity. In fact, probiotics have been clinically studied for certain indications in CFU dosages that reach the trillions. It is important to note, more is not necessarily better—the best dose per strain of probiotics is the dose that has been shown in human clinical trials to have the intended health benefit.

Can I take DS-01® with other probiotics?

DS-01® is safe to take with other supplements, including another probiotic. There may be some functional redundancy if combining our probiotic with other microbial strains in the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria genera, but it will not hurt to do so.