The workshop, held in mid-October in Ho Chi Minh City and broadcast to 27 satellite locations, was part of the "CHC Pharmacist Academy 2025" program. Jointly organized by Opella Vietnam, the UMP Center for Science and Technology, and the Ho Chi Minh City Community Pharmacy Association, its goal was to enhance the professional capabilities and practical counseling skills of pharmacists.

The program commenced with the moderator highlighting the increasing prevalence of complex digestive issues in modern life. Gut microbiota imbalance is a primary cause of common ailments like: diarrhea, bloating, malabsorption, and weakened immunity. Pharmacists, as the initial point of contact in healthcare, play a vital role in guiding individuals to select and use appropriate probiotic products.

Experts presented research addressing the workshop's central theme: "Application of spore probiotics in pharmacies: How to choose the right strain, right dose, right time?"

Experts discussed and shared clinical cases on probiotic use in pharmacies. *Photo: Opella Vietnam*

Dr. Vo Hong Minh Cong, Deputy Director of Gia Dinh People's Hospital, discussed "Gut microbiota imbalance and the role of probiotics." He emphasized that a balanced gut microbiota is crucial for overall health, as dysbiosis can lead to digestive disorders and reduced immunity. Dr. Minh Cong also presented clinical evidence on the effectiveness of *Bacillus clausii* in treating diarrhea, supporting *H.pylori* eradication regimens, and helping patients restore gut microbiota balance.

Following this, Dr. Nguyen Quoc Hoa, a lecturer at the School of Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, presented on "Common gut microbiota disorders in pharmacies and supportive counseling." He detailed the pharmacist's role in managing both acute and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Dr. Quoc Hoa shared recent research on the multi-action mechanism and efficacy of *Bacillus clausii* in supportive treatment, illustrating its application with clinical cases involving: patients on *H.pylori* eradication regimens, children with antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and instances of acute food-borne diarrhea. These examples equip pharmacists with practical insights for their daily practice.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Director of the Center for Social Needs-Based Healthcare Workforce Training at Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy and Head of General Internal Medicine Department 2 at Children's Hospital 1, delivered a presentation on "Infant colic in newborns and infants - The role of *Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB12*." He noted that the probiotic strain BB12 has demonstrated its ability to improve infant colic symptoms in numerous clinical studies, primarily by balancing gut microbiota and reducing gut inflammation. The program also highlighted the benefits of *Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12* for supporting gut microbiota balance and alleviating infant colic.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan spoke about the role of *Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB12* in improving infant colic. *Photo: Opella Vietnam*

Pharmacists who attended the training expressed that the scientific analyses and evidence deepened their understanding of spore probiotics in treating and preventing gut disorders. They also reported improved counseling skills for individual patients.

Representatives of the organizing committee and speakers posed for a souvenir photo. *Photo: Opella Vietnam*

An Opella Vietnam representative stated, "The CHC Pharmacist Academy 2025 program series covers diverse and engaging topics, including: digestive care, calcium and energy supplementation, allergies, and probiotics. These workshops are designed to update pharmacists on pathological knowledge and the latest clinical evidence, thereby reinforcing their crucial role in primary community healthcare."

Dong Ve