Ask the expert
We know digestive health is not always an easy subject, so we’ve put together some answers to the most frequently asked questions.
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Limosilactobacillus reuteri is a probiotic strain that has co-evolved with humans since the beginning of time, and because of that it is adapted to its host. L. reuteri is among the first bacterial species to become naturally established in the normal microbiota of the newborn. BioGaia’s probiotic products with L. reuteri are among the most scientifically well-documented probiotics in the world with regard to both efficacy and safety. To date the efficacy and safety of BioGaia’s different strains of L. reuteri have been documented in 266 clinical studies in 22,634 individuals of all ages. Read more about Limosilactobacillus reuteri.
Limosilactobacillus reuteri Protectis is a strain of the species Limosilactobacillus reuteri that has been tested in more than 179 clinical trials in 17'969 individuals. It is used in products such as baby drops and chewable tablets. Its scientific designation is Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938.
The bacteria are in a dormant state and become activated and fully metabolically active when they come in contact with the saliva. By the time they reach the stomach they can start to colonize.
Products that contain several strains do not necessarily have better effect than single strain products. Most important is that the strain or strains have shown clinical efficacy in clinical studies.
Limosilactobacillus reuteri Prodentis is a combination of two strains of Limosilactobacillus reuteri and is used in BioGaia’s oral health products lozenges and drops. It contains the two strains, Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Limosilactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 5289.
All the commercial strains are of human origin, naturally colonize humans, and are therefore more likely to actually have a positive effect on human health.
The name BioGaia is made up of two words, Bio and Gaia. Bio stands for life and living organisms, natural, biological research and ecological systems. Gaia, according to Greek mythology, is a goddess, the creator of all life, the sister of Eros and a personification of the Earth.
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BioGaia Protectis drops comes in two different versions, we therefore recommend you to read what is stated on the package. The drops that can be stored in room temperature should be stored in a dry place, not above 25 °C / 77 °F.
BioGaia Protectis drops comes in two different versions, we therefore recommend you to read what is stated on the package. However, If your room temperature is above 25 °C / 77 °F we recommend all drops to be stored in the fridge.
Exposure to high temperatures and/or high humidity accelerates the degradation of the probiotic bacteria. If exposure is too long it will result in a shorter shelf-life of the product, but the product is still safe to use.
BioGaia Protectis bady drops should not be stored in the freezer. In the freezer the oil suspension will solidify, and the probiotic bacteria will be exposed to water. This process is severely shortening the shelf-life of the product.
Under what conditions tablets are used is not essential. The regularity of submission is important.
It does not matter if BioGaia’s probiotic products are taken with or without food. What is important is to take it on a daily basis and at a time of the day that is convenient.
Yes the drops can be mixed with breast milk and/or formula. The only thing to consider when adding the drops to liquids is the temperature. Do not add to liquids warmer than 37°C / 99°F. If adding to liquids make sure to consume within the same day.
a. Shake well for 10 seconds before each use to mix the bacteria culture with the oil.
b. To dispense the drops tilt the bottle and give by spoon.
c. Use 5 drops once daily.
Do not add to hot drink or food as this may damage the live bacteria.
The recommended daily dose of Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis is 100 million CFU (Colony Forming Units), or 10^8 CFU. You get this dose by consuming 1 BioGaia Protectis tablet, or 5 drops of BioGaia Protectis drops.
Shouldn’t it be higher in adults? The recommended dose of a probiotic does not depend on bodyweight. BioGaia’s clinical studies show efficacy in both children and adults with the same dose.
Based on the results of clinical studies, the dose level of 100 million CFU/day has been chosen as a safe and efficient dose for Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis. The corresponding dose for Limosilactobacillus reuteri Prodentis and Gastrus is 200 million CFU/day
Yes, since the intestinal levels are depleted within about a week after discontinuing use. The resident microbiota of an individual is relatively fixed and thereby highly resistant to the establishment of “newcomers”. Even an indigenous bacterium like Lactobacillus reuteri should be taken on a regular basis, since most people of modern society does not get colonized by Limosilactobacillus reuteri during infancy. By taking BioGaia probiotics regularly you maintain the total daily supply of lactobacilli.
It is difficult to give an exact answer as the reasons for taking a probiotic supplement are many and the composition of each gut bacteria is unique. If you have concerns regarding your or your baby’s health, always consult a healthcare professional for advice.
* Due to the regulatory situation we cannot communicate the effect of our products or claim health benefits to consumers. In Europe the use of nutrition and health claims is regulated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and today there are no approved health claims for probiotics.
Each BioGaia chewable tablet contains only 1.1 (Kcal).
The spots are not dangerous and the product can still be used. BioGaia tablets contains ascorbic acid, which is an antioxidant that contributes to the stability of the tablets. Over time the ascorbic acid oxidizes and the color becomes darker. This darkening is seen as small “spots” on the tablet.
The recommended daily dose of Limosilactobacillus reuteri Prodentis is 200 million CFU, or 2 x 10^8 CFU. You get this dose by consuming 1 BioGaia Prodentis lozenge.
Clinical studies have shown that BioGaia Protectis drops are safe to be given from day of birth.
Several safety studies involving newborns (including premature babies), small children, adults, the elderly, and immunocompromised (including HIV-positive) have been performed. In none of these studies, Limosilactobacillus reuteri Protectis showed side effects even when administered at doses that were well above the level contained in BioGaia products. Some individuals only experienced a temporary slight increase in gas flow.
BioGaia probiotic products are food supplements and therefore comparable to yoghurt when it comes to safety. Our products could be useful in combination with for example antibiotics as they help to maintain a balanced gut microbiota
BioGaia products are free from allergens like milk, gluten, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy.
Biogaia Protectis tablets can be used by patients suffering from milk protein allergy and/or are sensitive to lactose/gluten.
BioGaia drops and tablets do not contain cow's milk protein. Using BioGaia drops or tablets is therefore also possible for people with Cow's Milk Protein allergy to a non-dairy diet.
The culture, which is used in the product, is fermented either on a skim milk or a barley based medium. Analytical data reveals milk protein, lactose and gluten in the culture. However, in the finished product neither milk protein nor lactose are detectable, and the gluten level is below EU limit value for Gluten free products according to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014 (<20 mg/kg). As allergen food labelling regulation may vary from country to country, local regulation has always to be considered when labelling this product.
Probiotics are good bacteria that are found in food or supplements. The definition is ”live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” (WHO/FAO, 2002). Important criteria for qualifying as a true probiotic is that health benefits should be proven in clinical trials. Furthermore, a probiotic product must contain the same bacterial strain(s) and the same dose that was used in the clinical trials.
Read more about probiotics.
BioGaia offers consumers around the world clinically-proven, patented and user-friendly probiotic products. However, due to the regulatory situation we cannot communicate the effect of our products or claim health benefits. In Europe the use of nutrition and health claims is regulated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and today there are no approved health claims for probiotics. If you want to know more about probiotics and the effect of good bacteria we recommend you to contact a healthcare professional.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that stimulate the growth of bacteria in the digestive system in ways claimed to be beneficial to health.
Different probiotic products contain different probiotic strains. This means that one probiotic product with Limosilactobacillus reuteri, for example L. reuteri NCIMB 30242, is not equal to another probiotic product that contains another strain of Limosilactobacillus reuteri, for example L. reuteri DSM 17938. This is why bacteria must be defined and tested in clinical trials at strain level.
Products that contain several strains do not necessarily have better effect than single strain products. Most important is that the strain or strains have shown clinical efficacy in clinical studies.
The main difference between Protectis, Gastrus, Prodentis and Osfortis is that they contain different probiotic L. reuteri strains, or combinations of L. reuteri probiotic strains.
Protectis contains L. reuteri DSM 17938
Gastrus contains L. reuteri DSM 17938 and L. reuteri ATCC PTA 6475
Prodentis contains L. reuteri DSM 17938 and L. reuteri ATCC PTA 5289
All BioGaia’s probiotic products have been tested in clinical studies and found safe and effective.
All BioGaia’s probiotic L. reuteri strains have been shown to survive in the human gastrointestinal tract and to temporarily colonise the small intestine. They have also been shown to have a positive effect on the microbiota composition.