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BioGaia faqs

WHAT IS BIOGAIA?

WHAT IS L. reuteri PROTECTIS?

HOW DOES BIOGAIA WORK?

WHAT IS GUT FLORA?

WHY IS BALANCED GUT FLORA IMPORTANT?

CAN I GIVE MY CHILD BIOGAIA EVERYDAY?

CAN EVERYONE TAKE BIOGAIA?

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE DOSAGE FORMS?

CAN I TAKE BIOGAIA IF I AM PREGNANT/NURSING/TRYING TO BECOME PREGNANT?

WHAT IS A PROBIOTIC?

HOW IS BIOGAIA DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PROBIOTICS?

IS BIOGAIA A DRUG?

DOES BIOGAIA CONTAIN SUGAR?

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO TAKE BIOGAIA?

DOES BIOGAIA NEED TO BE TAKEN WITH FOOD?

CAN I USE BIOGAIA WITH ORAL
ELECTROLYTE SOLUTION?


WHAT IS BIOGAIA?
BioGaia is a brand of probiotic supplements designed for people of all ages. BioGaia contains L. reuteri Protectis, a natural lactobacilli that has been tested in numerous clinical trials and proven effective as well as safe for children.* [1-39]
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WHAT IS L. reuteri PROTECTIS?
BioGaia's L. reuteri Protectis is a clinically proven, patented probiotic strain.* With its exceptional safety record and documented health benefits in several areas, it is a truly superior probiotic.* [1-39] Recommended by doctors around the globe, over 1.5 billion doses have been delivered to both healthy and sick people.
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HOW DOES BIOGAIA WORK?
Every parent knows what it is like when a child has stomach problems. There is a constant battle going on in the gut between good and bad bacteria. Common stomach problems are often a sign that the bad ones have the upper hand. The good bacteria, which are natural to the body, need reinforcements. BioGaia has been clinically shown to restore a natural balance in the gut and calm digestive distress.* [1-3,5-14,17-21,25-29,31,37,38,40-42]
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WHAT IS GUT FLORA?
The body contains huge numbers of bacteria naturally. As a matter of fact, the number of bacteria in the gut is ten times the total number of cells in the entire human body. [43] While that sounds scary, it’s really not. These bacteria are part of a complex ecosystem in the gut called intestinal flora or gut flora. [44] The gut flora performs a number of useful functions in the body and is important for good health. [45]
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WHY IS BALANCED GUT FLORA IMPORTANT?
Whether we enjoy good gut health or are susceptible to common digestive distress depends upon which bacteria are more dominant in our body – the good or bad. When we are in good health, the population of bacteria that lives in our gut is said to be balanced – the good bacteria outnumber the bad bacteria. We feel good, digestion and absorption are functioning properly to give us the nutrients we need to thrive. A proper balance of bacteria in our gut is an important part of good health.
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CAN I GIVE MY CHILD BIOGAIA EVERYDAY?
Yes. Children’s tummies get bombarded daily by allergens and pathogens mostly through their food and drink . This constant exposure can upset the natural balance of your child’s gut flora. BioGaia helps the good guys restore a natural balance to promote nutritional uptake, protect the gut and strengthen immunity.* [1,3,6,7,14,18-21,25-29,37,40-42]
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CAN EVERYONE TAKE BIOGAIA?
Yes, BioGaia can be taken by people of all ages. Safety studies with BioGaia's L. reuteri Protectis have been conducted in healthy newborns, small children, adults and immuno-deficient adults over the past decade. [15-18,35,36,46] In all of these studies no side effects were experienced, even when given doses exceeding the levels normally administered.
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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE DOSAGE FORMS?
BioGaia is available in three easy-to-use, innovative dosage forms designed for people of all ages.
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BioGaia age chart

CAN I TAKE BIOGAIA IF I AM PREGNANT/NURSING/TRYING TO BECOME PREGNANT?
Probiotics have been taken during pregnancy, while breast feeding, and while attempting to become pregnant. Always consult a physician before taking any supplement or drug. [1,40,42]
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WHAT IS A PROBIOTIC?
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit. [47] Probiotics contain live cultures similar to those found in some yogurts and fermented milks. The word probiotic means "for life." Probiotics are supplements just like vitamins and minerals.
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HOW IS BIOGAIA DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PROBIOTICS?
It is important to understand that probiotic supplements contain different strains of bacteria. Experts believe that these different strains have different health benefits. Therefore, it is important to choose your probiotic supplement carefully. Look for products that have been tested for safety and clinically shown to promote good health, like BioGaia.* [1-39]
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IS BIOGAIA A DRUG?
No. BioGaia is 100% natural.
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DOES BIOGAIA CONTAIN SUGAR?
No. BioGaia does not contain sugar or preservatives.
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WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO TAKE BIOGAIA?
BioGaia can be taken anytime of the day.

DOES BIOGAIA NEED TO BE TAKEN WITH FOOD?
No. BioGaia can be taken with or without food.
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CAN I USE BIOGAIA WITH ORAL ELECTROLYTE SOLUTION?
Yes. Oral electrolyte solutions are designed to be given to infants and children to prevent dehydration due to diarrhea or vomiting. Consult with your child’s doctor before using BioGaia or oral electrolyte solutions.
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References:

1. Abrahamsson, T.R., et al. (2007) Probiotics in Prevention of IgE-Associated Eczema: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 119, 1174-80.

2. Reuter, G. (2001) The Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium Microflora of the Human Intestine: Composition and Succession. Curr Issues Intest Microbiol, 2, 43-53.

3. Valeur, N., et al. (2004) Colonization and Immunomodulation by Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 in the Human Gastrointestinal Tract. Appl Environ Microbiol, 70, 1176-81.

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5. Romeo, M.G., et al. (2006) The Role of Probiotics in the Prevention of Bacterial and Candida Infections in Neonatal Intensive Care. Prospective Study with Control Group. J Perinat Med, 34, A9, abstract MSL24.

6. Weizman, Z., et al. (2005) Effect of a Probiotic Infant Formula on Infections in Child Care Centers: Comparison of Two Probiotic Agents. Pediatrics, 115, 5-9.

7. Ruiz-Palacios, G., et al. (1996) Feeding of a Probiotic for the Prevention of Community-Acquired Diarrhea in Young Mexican Children. Pediatr Res, 39, Part 2: 184A Abstract 1089.

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9. Savino, F., et al. (2007) Lactobacillus reuteri (American Type Culture Collection Strain 55730) Versus Simethicone in the Treatment of Infantile Colic: A Prospective Randomized Study. Pediatrics, 119, e124-30.

10. Lionetti, E., et al. (2006) Lactobacillus Reuteri Therapy to Reduce Side-Effects During Anti-Helicobacter pylori Treatment in Children: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial. Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 24, 1461-8.

11. Eom, T.H., et al. (2005) The Therapeutic Effect of Lactobacillus reuteri in Acute Diarrhea in Infants and Toddlers. Korean J Ped, 48, 986-9.

12. Shornikova, A.V., et al. (1997) Lactobacillus reuteri as a Therapeutic Agent in Acute Diarrhea in Young Children. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, 24, 399-404.

13. Shornikova, A.V., et al. (1997) Bacteriotherapy with Lactobacillus reuteri in Rotavirus Gastroenteritis. Pediatr Infect Dis J, 16, 1103-7.

14. Cirillo, A., et al. (2005) Effectiveness of L. reuteri in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis and Cow Milk Intolerance. Preliminary Study. Italian Society for Clinical Allergy and Immunology Congress, Rome, Italy .

15. Weizman, Z., et al. (2006) Safety and Tolerance of a Probiotic Formula in Early Infancy Comparing Two Probiotic Agents: A Pilot Study. J Am Coll Nutr, 25, 415-9.

16. Connolly, E., et al. (2005) Safety of D(-)-Lactic Acid Producing Bacteria in the Human Infant. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, 41, 489-92.

17. Karvonen, A., et al. (2001) Safety and Possible Antidiarrhoel Effect of the Probiotic Lactobaciullus reuteri after Oral Administration to Neonates. Clin Nutr, 20, 63 abstract 216.

18. Ruiz-Palacios, G., et al. (1996) Tolerance and Fecal Colonization with Lactobacillus reuteri in Children Fed a Beverage with a Mixture of Lactobacillus Sp. Pediatr Res, 39, 104A.

19. Dobrogosz, W.J. (2005) Enhancement of Human Health with Lactobacillus reuteri a Probiotic, Immunobiotic and Immunoprobiotic. Nutrafoods, vol. 4, pp. 15-28.

20. Connolly, E. (2004) Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 a Clinically Proven Probiotic. Nutrafoods, vol. 3, pp. 15-22.

21. Casas, I.A., et al. (2000) Validation of the Probiotic Concept: Lactobacillus reuteri Confers Broad-Spectrum Protection against Disease in Humans and Animals. Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease, 12, 247-85.

22. Elliott, E., et al. (2004) An Evaluation of Nine Probiotics Available in South Africa , August 2003. S Afr Med J, 94, 121-4.

23. Temmerman, R., et al. (2003) Identification and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Bacterial Isolates from Probiotic Products. Int J Food Microbiol, 81, 1-10.

24. Connolly, E. (2005) Lactobacillus reuteri Drops Novel Delivery System. NutraFoods, vol. 4, pp. 65-8.

25. Jakobsson, T., et al. (2005) The Effect of Oral Supplementation of Lactobacillus reuteri on the Immunologic Composition of Breast Milk. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, 40, 624.

26. Bjorkman, P. (1999) Colonization of the Human Gastrointestinal Tract by the Lactic Acid Bacteria Lactobacillus reuteri. Department of Food Technology. University of Helsinki, Finland .

27. Tubelius, P., et al. (2005) Increasing Work-Place Healthiness with the Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri: A Randomised, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Environ Health, 4, 25.

28. Imase, K., et al. (2007) Lactobacillus reuteri Tablets Suppress Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Double-Blind, Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Clinical Study. Kansenshogaku Zasshi (Journal of the Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases), 81, 387-93.

29. Saggioro, A. (2005) Heliobacter pylori Eradication with Lactobacillus reuteri. A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Digestive and Liver Diseases, 37, S88.

30. Niv, E., et al. (2005) The Efficacy of Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 in the Treatment of Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome--a Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Study. Clin Nutr, 24, 925-31.

31. Ouwehand, A.C., et al. (2002) Effect of Probiotics on Constipation, Fecal Azoreductase Activity and Fecal Mucin Content in the Elderly. Ann Nutr Metab, 46, 159-62.

32. Krasse, P., et al. (2006) Decreased Gum Bleeding and Reduced Gingivitis by the Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri. Swed Dent J, 30, 55-60.

33. Caglar, E., et al. (2006) Salivary Mutans Streptococci and Lactobacilli Levels after Ingestion of the Probiotic Bacterium Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 by Straws or Tablets. Acta Odontol Scand, 64, 314-8.

34. Nikawa, H., et al. (2004) Lactobacillus reuteri in Bovine Milk Fermented Decreases the Oral Carriage of Mutans Streptococci. Int J Food Microbiol, 95, 219-23.

35. Wolf, B.W., et al. (1998) Safety and Tolerance of Lactobacillus reuteri Supplementation to a Population Infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Food Chem Toxicol, 36, 1085-94.

36. Wolf, B.W., et al. (1995) Safety and Tolerance of Lactobaciullus reuteri in Healthy Adult Male Subjects. Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease, 8, 41-50.

37. Betta, P., et al. (2007) Probiotics in the Prevention of Bacterial and Candida Infections in Newborns Submitted to Greater Surgical Interventions and Admitted in NICU-Retrospective Group Controlled Study. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, 44, Abstract PG 4-13.

38. Sinkiewicz, G., et al. (2005) Occurence of Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in Human Breast Milk. Pediatr Res, 58, Abstract 353.

39. Gibson, G.R., et al. (2005) An Evaluation of Probiotic Effects in the Human Gut: Microbial Aspects. Final Technical Report for Food Standards Agency (FSA) Project Ref G01022.

40. Schultz, M., et al. (2004) Administration of Oral Probiotic Bacteria to Pregnant Women Causes Temporary Infantile Colonization. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, 38, 293-7.

41. Romeo, M.G., et al. (2006) Effect of Probiotics on Enteral Feeding of Premature Infants. J Perinat Med, 34, Abstract MSL_24.

42. Kalliomaki, M., et al. (2001) Probiotics in Primary Prevention of Atopic Disease: A Randomised Placebo-Controlled Trial. Lancet, 357, 1076-9.

43. Walker , W.A., et al. (1999) Protective Nutrients for the Immature Gut. In Ziegler, E. and Moro, G. (eds.), Nutrition of the Very Low Birthweight Infant. Lippincott William and Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA , pp. 179-197.

44. Isolauri, E., et al. (2004) Microbial-Gut Interactions in Health and Disease. Probiotics. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol, 18, 299-313.

45. O'Hara, A.M., et al. (2007) Gut Microbiota: Mining for Therapeutic Potential. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol, 5, 274-84.

46. Weizman, Z., et al. (2003) Safety of Infant Formula Supplemented with Probiotics in Early Infancy. Clin Nutr, 22, S69-70.

47. (2001) The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Evaluation of Health and Nutritional Properties of Probiotics in Food Including Powder Milk with Live Lactic Acid Bacteria. Food and Agriculture Organization, World Health Organization, Report No. 10-1-2001.
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