I think you are supposed to take it on an empty stomach to get it into the colon with some water. You need to read to see if your bottle needs refrigeration. Problem with most probotics and even things like yogurt is the culture dies so quickly and the products are not potent. I have done quite a bit of research and reading and killed my SIBO with six months of on and off ABs. Finally the diarrhea stopped. But I could still wake up and feel the coating and ick inside my teeth and mouth. I knew it was growing back . . . up. My friend suggested a sauerkraut called Bubbies. You can actually HEAR the live bacteria in it. I was told it is one of the best probotics for those of us that cannot tolerate dairy. It has been GREAT! I eat a few table spoos daily and so far so good. . . it is now going on about a 8 months diarrhea free. I have to avoid alcohol, dairy, gluten (somewhat) and sugar but thanks to my smoothie maker and creativity, I do not feel like I'm missing out on life. Seriously, this Bubbies is absolutely the best probotic I have ever tried.