BioGaia Probiotic Drops and Tablets Review

BioGaia is a Swedish biotechnology firm with a line of probiotic products developed with the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus reuteri.

They have patented several important strains of this beneficial bacterium including L. reuteri Protectis which is used in their product line targeting the digestive tract.

Another important proprietary strain of BioGaia Probiotics is L. reuteri Prodentis which is used in their oral health products line.

BioGaia has a 25 years history of working with digestive probiotic supplements. At one time, they joined with a small dairy company in Sweden to produce BRA milk which contained Bifidus, L. Reuteri and Acidophilus.

Since then, they gravitated to the supplement market where they continue to develop unique delivery methods for their products including chewable tablets, chewing gum, lozenges and probiotic straws.

BioGaia specializes in probiotic drops for babies and infants. According to the manufacturer, this product “is a safe and gentle solution to soothe your baby’s occasional digestive upsets, including colic, spit-ups, diarrhea and constipation.”

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

Top Probiotics Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

BioGaia Probiotics

In the 1980s, two scientists were researching the effect of probiotics on individuals with HIV. They discovered some beneficial effects and properties in the bacteria Lactobacillus reuteri.

A chance conversation with a friend, eventually led them to form the company, BioGaia, in 1990. Initially, they attempted to market strains of L. reuteri to chicken and turkey producers to replace the antibiotics currently being used by the farmers.

Unfortunately, although the probiotics proved better for the birds, the antibiotics were more cost-effective and this part of their venture came to a halt.

Around this time, BioGaia’s research director isolated a special strain of Lactobacillus reuteri from the breast milk of women living high in the Peruvian Andes. This strain of L. reuteri is still used in many BioGaia products today.

Their joint venture with BRA milk shortly followed, along with other functional food products. Finally, in 1998, the company was listed on the Swedish Stock Exchange.

At the turn of the millennium they began to focus solely on probiotic supplements. Several of their products are especially developed with children in mind.

BioGaia Products

Currently, BioGaia offers a wide variety of probiotic products, all which use their own proprietary and well-researched strains of Lactobacillus reuteri.

Of these, many have been specially formulated with both children and babies in mind. One of the most popular is the BioGaia Probiotic Drops for Infants which makes for easy administration to babies.

A few of the more unique products are highlighted here:

BioGaia Protectis Straw is a special straw delivery system with a small drop of oil near the tip which delivers a single daily dose of 100 million active Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis bacteria.

These straws can be used in any room-temperature or cold drink, making them safe for both adults and children.

BioGaia Gastrus combines two proprietary patented strains of L. reuteri (Protectis and ATCC PTA 6475, an anti-inflammatory strain). This important blend is for use in conjunction with standard antibiotic treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection.

This infection is the cause of many gastric disorders including belching, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, discomfort, fatigue and ulcers. These chewable tablets are orange flavored and contain 200 million live CFU.

BioGaia Prodentis Lozenges are oral lozenges which can be used by both adults and children. Each lozenge contains at least 200 million live L. reuteri Prodentis bacteria.

They are mint flavored and can be used when gums are sore or bleeding. They are usually taken right after brushing.

BioGaia Protectis ORS is a powdered sachet of probiotic oral rehydration solution to which Zinc has been added. This product is for babies and children up to the age of 18.

It is used to rehydrate children during bouts with diarrhea when their electrolyte balance can become imbalanced.

To use, mix one sachet (packet) with at least 250 ml. of water. The manufacturer notes that if a child is overly tired and is not drinking or not urinating, a physician should be contacted.

Dosing

The recommended daily dose of L. reuteri Protectis is 100 million CFU (colony forming units).

This dose can be had by taking 1 BioGaia Protectis Tablet, OR 1 BioGaia Protectis Straw, OR 5 drops of BioGaia Protectis Drops.

The recommended daily dose of L. reuteri Prodentis is 200 millions DFU. This dose can be had by taking 1 BioGaia Prodentis lozenge, OR 5 drops of BioGaia Prodentis drops.

The recommended dose of BioGaia probiotic supplement products is the same for both adults and children.

This is because, while many probiotic microorganisms are just passing through the gut, Lactobacillus reuteri actually resides within the gastrointestinal tract. Lactobacillus reuteri actually colonizes the GI tract and colonization can only occur on the surface areas available.

Thus, children will not experience an overgrowth.

Review

BioGaia is a Swedish company specializing in probiotics using their own proprietary strains of Lactobacillus reuteri. Their products are varied and unique and, because the bacteria have been previously freeze-dried, they remain shelf-stable until at least the time of their expiration date.

BioGaia probiotic products are well-researched and can be found at most health food stores and online.

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