Please find a range of FAQs on this page. If your question is not answered please don't hesitate to contact us and one of our Technical Advisors will be more than happy to help.
Bio-Kult Everyday Gut, Bio-Kult Boosted, Bio-Kult Migréa, Bio-Kult Brighten and Bio-Kult Candéa are suitable to take during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. However, we recommend Bio-Kult Pregnéa, our scientifically developed, advanced multi-action formulation that contains 6 strains of bacteria, as well as a number of vitamins and minerals that support women during pregnancy, from pre-conception to beyond birth. Zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction. Folate contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy. Magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Zinc, vitamins C + D, and folate all contribute to the normal function of the immune system.
We would always suggest that you seek advice from your doctor or health care practitioner on all aspects of nutrition whilst pregnant.
There are no currently known contraindications between live bacteria and any pharmaceutical medications listed on Stockley’s Interactions database. However, there may be interactions with the other ingredients (e.g. vitamins, minerals and botanicals) in some of the Bio-Kult products (please feel free to contact our office on 01460 243230 and one of our Technical Team will be happy to discuss with you). Bio-Kult Everyday Gut simply contains live bacteria (no other active ingredients) so is therefore the safest option for those taking medications. However, if you are taking any medications or have any medical conditions, please consult your doctor before taking any nutritional food supplements. We also suggest you take the capsules at least 2 hours before or after your medication.
Our products contain a high concentration of live bacteria. If you start off with a high dose, a small number of people may experience what is often referred to as a ‘die-off’ effect, this could include symptoms such as bloating, gas or a change in bowel movements. Such symptoms usually subside within a few days to a few weeks, once the body becomes accustomed to the increased dosage. If this occurs, we recommend starting with a lower dose (perhaps 1/2 or even 1/4 capsule a day) and building up gradually from there. The capsules can also be twisted and pulled apart and a small amount of the powder can be put directly into the mouth or mixed with water or food and just taken several times a week to begin with.
It is fine to take your Bio-Kult at any time of day (morning, noon or night) depending on when best fits your routine. We do however recommend taking the product with food where possible. We have carried out testing in a dynamic gastric simulator which replicates the conditions of digestion and found enhanced survival of the strains when taken with food.
The Bio-Kult cardboard boxes are fully recyclable and can be put with the rest of your household recycling.
Unfortunately, as yet our blister packs cannot go with your household recycling. The Bio-Kult blister packs offer a high protection against moisture oxygen. This is what protects all the friendly bacteria, giving you a high-quality Bio-Kult product and means you’ve got the stated amount of bacteria in each capsule, whether you use it on the day of purchase or on the use-by date. It also means you don’t have to use valuable space in your fridge to look after it, as you can store it anywhere, as long as it’s cool and dry, you can even and take it with you when travelling. Whilst we work on packaging that will still look after the product and be a bit more sustainable, you’ll be glad to hear that our blister packs can be recycled. You just need to pop them into Boots or Superdrug who run recycling schemes for this type of packaging.
Most of the products in the Bio-Kult range can be safely taken together. If combining products with others in the range that contain the same vitamins/minerals, it is recommended to check that the combined amounts do not exceed safe tolerable upper limits for the relevant age group (please feel free to contact our Customer Service team and they can provide more advice on this). We also recommend products are introduced separately and the dose built up gradually to get your digestive system used to the increased dosage.
You can take Bio-Kult if you have an illness or are taking medication.
We receive many queries from people with a variety of physical or mental health conditions such as IBS, IBD, skin complaints, migraines, UTI’s, low mood, Parkinson's disease and more. It is important to highlight that Bio-Kult products are food supplements so cannot legally prevent, treat or cure any disease. In these circumstances therefore we encourage you to address your question in person to an appropriately qualified healthcare practitioner.
The presence of live bacteria from supplements in the gastrointestinal tract are generally transient in nature*. Live bacteria from supplements are not thought to permanently colonise the gastrointestinal tract. In light of this, all Bio-Kult research involves daily supplementation.
Regular exposure to live bacteria through regular supplementation is thought to mimic how we would traditionally have been exposed to bacteria in nature, when historically we would have been living and working outside more, and in closer proximity to animals. Many people no longer have this kind of exposure to a wide variety of microorganisms and many aspects of modern life (such as medications, stress, toxins and pollutants, poor diet, lack of sleep etc…) have been shown to have a negative impact on gut bacteria levels. Therefore, regular support for the microbiome is recommended (alongside diet and life-style changes).
Yes, we recommend that you take live bacteria supplements at the same time as antibiotics. It’s best to take the supplement at the opposite end of the day to the antibiotic, or where this is not possible, at least 2 hours away from the antibiotic. We recommend taking Bio-Kult Boosted (1 capsule a day) or Bio-Kult Everyday (4 capsules a day) whilst on antibiotics and continuing for at least 2 weeks after completion of the antibiotic course.
Individual bacterial strains have different requirements to aid their growth in culture and the human gastrointestinal tract. Bio-Kult is not marketed as a ‘starter culture’ to make yogurt or soured milk and the strains in Bio-Kult have not been chosen for their ability to ferment milk. However, some people have had some success culturing milk, but others have not.
Bio-Kult S. Boulardii contains Preplex (fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and gum acacia).Bio-Kult Infantis also contains FOS, to complement the developing infant gut flora.
The rest of the products do not contain prebiotics as they were formulated for those with very sensitive digestion. Prebiotics are the food source for the bacteria already living in the gut. They can be obtained through supplements or through certain prebiotic rich vegetables such as onions, garlic, asparagus, Jerusalem artichoke, leeks, and slightly green bananas. Beneficial Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria are more efficient at fermenting these prebiotic foods than pathogenic strains (meaning they stimulate their growth) and produce a lot less (if any) gas during fermentation. However, initially, until levels of beneficial species are increased, prebiotics can cause bloating in some people, so many with sensitive digestion avoid them. Some people are able to introduce either a prebiotic supplement or prebiotic vegetables later.
We have recently tested the histamine production of all 14 strains in Bio-Kult Everyday in a histidine-challenge assay and none of the strains tested were found to produce histamine.
We have carried out testing in a dynamic gastric simulator which accurately replicates the conditions of digestion. The Bio-Kult strains were found to survive digestion at significant amounts. Survival was enhanced when taken alongside a meal (hence our recommendation to take the product with food). Further evidence that the strains reach the intestines alive is demonstrated by the growing number of successful randomised-controlled trials (the gold-standard in medical evidence).
No, the Bio-Kult range does not require refrigeration. All our products are manufactured in an extremely high standard (GMP accredited) purpose-built facility in Somerset. Bio-Kult is manufactured using the latest techniques. Our strains are all fermented individually by highly trained staff before going through a special protective process and freeze-dried. But, alongside our special packaging, this is what helps keep the bacteria active even when stored at room temperature. This gives you a bit more freedom for how you keep your Bio-Kult, with no need to keep it in the fridge, you can take your Bio-Kult with you on your travels, keep it in your handbag, or store it whereever is easiest for you to fit in to your day-to-day life.
Each of our specific live bacteria strains need various nutrition sources to aid in their growth in culture. Cow's milk and soya are used in the fermentation (manufacturing) process, (although it goes through a filtration process a number of times).
On testing the final Bio-Kult products, small traces of milk proteins; casein and beta-lactoglobulin have been detected. Whilst there will be variations between batches, as an example, on last testing, the amount of casein per Bio-Kult Everyday capsule is roughly equivalent to that found in less than 1/100th of a 5ml teaspoon and the amount of beta-lactoglobulin is even less. Therefore, we do not recommend Bio-Kult for those with a milk allergy (to milk proteins). However, for others it is unlikely to cause issues.
Very small amounts of lactose are also detected in some of the final Bio-Kult products. As an example, on last testing, the amount of lactose per capsule of Bio-Kult Everyday is roughly equivalent to less than 1/100th of a teaspoon). This is far below the amount likely to affect lactose intolerance sufferers (scientific studies and the European Food Standards Agency have found that the majority of people with lactose maldigestion will tolerate up to 12g of lactose as a single dose with no or minor symptoms and higher doses may be tolerated if distributed throughout the day). Tests have also shown that many of our strains produce lactase, the enzyme deficient in lactose intolerant sufferers necessary to break down lactose. Our products are therefore suitable for those with a lactose intolerance.
Results for soya were below the lab’s lower limit of detection. However, we have not tested the products in those with a soya allergy.
The Bio-Kult range does not contain: fish, crustaceans, nuts, peanuts, sesame, celery, mustard, cereals containing gluten, wheat, egg, molluscs, lupin, sulphur dioxide or sulphites. We have tested the Bio-Kult products with an external laboratory and have certification to confirm that gluten was not found upon testing. The testing analyses for presence < 5mg/kg, which under the gluten regulations means we can say it is gluten free.
Each of our specific live bacteria strains need various nutrition sources to aid in their growth in culture. Cow's milk and soya are used in the fermentation process for all of the Bio-Kult products except Bio-Kult S. Boulardii. This is why you will see them listed in bold in the ingredients list on the boxes.
On testing the final products, low levels of milk proteins (casein and beta-lactoglobulin) have been detected. Whilst there will be variations between batches, as an example, on the last testing of Bio-Kult Everyday , the amount of casein per capsule is roughly equivalent to that found in less than 1/100th of a 5ml teaspoon and the amount of beta-lactoglobulin even less. Therefore, we do not recommend Bio-Kult for those with a milk allergy (to milk proteins), but for others it is unlikely to cause issues.
Very small amounts of lactose are also sometimes detected in the final products. On last testing Bio-Kult Everyday Gut the amount of lactose was roughly equivalent to that found in 1/100th of a teaspoon of milk. This is far below the amount likely to affect lactose intolerance sufferers. Scientific studies and the European Food Standards Agency (EFSA) have found that the majority of subjects with lactose maldigestion will tolerate up to 12g of lactose as a single dose with no or minor symptoms. Tests have also shown that many of the Bio-Kult strains produce lactase, the enzyme deficient in lactose intolerant sufferers necessary to break down lactose. Our products are therefore suitable for those with a lactose intolerance.
The amount of soya left in the final product was below the lab’s lower limit of detection. However, it should be noted that we have not tested the Bio-Kult products in those with a known soy allergy.
Typically people consume food supplements such as Bio-Kult for at least a few weeks, but many take continually as part of supporting an ongoing healthy diet and lifestyle.
All of the Bio-Kult range are vegetarian products. The capsules are all vegetable-based rather than gelatine, made of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Bio-Kult products are not vegan as milk is used in the fermentation process. Vitamin D derived from lanolin in sheep’s wool is also used in some of the products.
We are considerate to the growing demand for vegan products. Unfortunately, making our products vegan is more complex than it might appear, as if you change the nutrition source for the bacteria, there is the risk that you may cause a genetic shift, potentially affecting the bacteria’s functionality (i.e. the effects it might have in the body) and invalidating the substantial body of clinical trials and safety data we have to support our products. Therefore, careful analysis of the effects of new substrates on the bacteria over a sufficient period of time is required. Our research team are involved in ongoing projects exploring new strains to consider in new product development. Some of these may be suitable to be grown on a vegan base in the future.
The microorganisms in our products are not derived from genetic engineering (GE), are not genetically modified organisms (GMO) nor bioengineered (BE). Supplier testing carried out indicates that no GE/GMO/BE DNA should be present.
Bio-Kult Infantis is suitable for infants aged 6 months+
Bio-Kult Everyday , Bio-Kult Candéa and Bio-Kult S. Boulardii are suitable for children aged 3 years+
Bio-Kult Migréa is suitable for children aged 4 years+
Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan is suitable for children aged 5 years+
Bio-Kult Boosted and Bio-Kult Brighten are suitable for children aged 12 years+
Bio-Kult Mind is suitable for those aged 16 years+
In general, live bacteria supplements have a long history of safe use, and are suitable for the majority of people to take. However, caution is advised in certain groups:
Caution should be used with patients who are immunocompromised or receiving treatment on an intensive care ward. This includes preterm neonates and those receiving treatment in a Neonatal Intensive Care setting. However, it should be noted that live bacteria supplements are not contraindicated in these patient groups and their use is at their doctor’s discretion.
A study from 2008 using Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria species in acute pancreatitis suggested that live bacteria supplements should not be used in this patient group. However, subsequent studies have not replicated these results. Further studies should address which strains should be used, when is the optimal timing of administration, and the duration. Therefore, we advise caution when using live bacteria supplements in acute pancreatitis patients, with supplementation being at the doctor’s discretion.
See FAQ for Bio-Kult S. Boulardii for additional precautions for this product.
If you are taking any medications or have any medical conditions, please consult your doctor before taking any nutritional food supplements.
Studies have shown that giving live bacteria food supplements to those travelling could reduce the amount of your holiday time spent dashing to the loo! We recommend our Bio-Kult Boosted or Bio-Kult S. Boulardii products be taken if you struggle with symptoms during travel. We would suggest you consult your healthcare practitioner to find out more about research recently undertaken in the management of symptoms associated with travel.
Bio-Kult is suitable to be taken if you struggle with eczema.
We receive many queries from people with a variety of physical or mental health conditions such as IBS, IBD, skin complaints, migraines, UTI’s, low mood, Parkinson's disease and more. It is important to highlight that Bio-Kult products are food supplements so cannot legally prevent, treat or cure any disease. In these circumstances therefore, we encourage you to address your question in person to an appropriately qualified healthcare practitioner.
Bio-Kult is suitable to be taken if you struggle with IBD symptoms.
We receive many queries from people with a variety of physical or mental health conditions such as IBS, IBD, skin complaints, migraines, UTIs, low mood, Parkinson’s disease and more. It is important to highlight that Bio-Kult products are food supplements so cannot legally prevent, treat or cure any disease. In these circumstances therefore, we encourage you to address your question in person to an appropriately qualified healthcare practitioner.
Bio-Kult is suitable to be taken if you suffer from symptoms associated with IBS.
We receive many queries from people with a variety of physical or mental health conditions such as IBS, IBD, skin complaints, migraines, UTI’s, low mood, Parkinson's disease and more. It is important to highlight that Bio-Kult products are food supplements, so cannot legally prevent, treat or cure any disease. In these circumstances therefore, we encourage you to address your question in person to an appropriately qualified healthcare practitioner.
Bacteria are categorised using 3 names: 1. The genera (e.g. Lactobacilli or Bacillus) 2. The species (e.g. rhamno susor subtilis) 3. The specific strain (e.g. LGG or PXN 21). Whilst strains from the same genus and species may exhibit some similar characteristics, they will not act the same at strain level. It is much like comparing a Great Dane with a Chihuahua - both are from the canine genus and the familiaris (domestic dog) species, but they display very different characteristics (at a strain level).
The PXN numbers are numbers we have allocated to each of our strains. These are listed in published studies conducted using our products. No other company can label the strains in this way and associate them with our trial results without our permission.
Blistering the product offers greater flexibility when on the go and a higher protection throughout the shelf life, against moisture and oxygen because each capsule is only exposed on the day it is removed from the blister. In comparison, once the seal on a bottle is removed, all capsules are exposed to moisture for the rest of the period of use.
We often get asked what we’re doing with our packaging, specifically with our blister packs and why aren’t our products moving to glass jars. Sustainability is a complex issue, of which recycling is one facet. It is however, also important to consider other aspects such as greenhouse emissions, climate change, sustainable sourcing, product waste and transport efficiency (transport CO2). We’ve never been one to follow the crowd. We are strong believers in doing things properly. We have to consider the viability and stability of our product. We won’t make any move that would result in our product not being the great product that is on the market now.
Likewise, we’re aware that although glass jars appear more sustainable for the planet in terms of being recyclable and in some cases reusable, when you consider the CO2 output and emissions that come from manufacturing and recycling glass, as well as transporting these heavier goods, glass isn’t as sustainable as it would appear. Unfortunately, higher greenhouse gas emissions take us ever closer to planetary environmental disaster. So whilst reducing unnecessary plastic waste is certainly an important environmental goal, switching to higher carbon alternatives is not an environmentally sound solution. Plastic waste and climate change are not mutually exclusive and both need to be tackled. While there is no single, perfect solution currently available, the ‘Sustainability Hierarchy’ gives highest priority to removing unnecessary material and energy usage, then reducing, reusing and finally recycling.
We know our blister packs are not the most sustainable, but we want to make sure any move we make is for the right reasons and not for the sake of appearance. To balance the negative impacts of plastic waste, better waste collection and recycling schemes are under development. For example, Bio-Kult users can now take their empty blister packs to Superdrug and Boots stores for recycling collection. Therefore, we see food supplement packaging waste as a challenging but hopefully solvable problem, and we are currently actively working to improve a number of aspects of the sustainability of our packaging.
Unfortunately, our Bio-Kult Infantis sachets are not currently recyclable. Our live bacteria require a high barrier against oxygen and moisture in order to ensure their survival whilst on the shelf. Currently this can only be provided with laminated foils consisting of plastic and aluminium layers, which are not recyclable through current UK facilities. However, our Sustainable Packaging Working Group are monitoring the market for alternative supply options, which we are hopeful will become available in the future.
3-in-1 Biotic Blend Gummies
Bio-Kult 3 in 1 Biotic Blend Adults Gummies contain 2 billion live bacteria (CFU) of the strain Bacillus subtilis (DE111®), 5 mg of heat-treated bacteria of the strain Bifidobacterium animalis spp. lactis CECT8145 (BPL1®), 1.155g of resistant maltodextrin, as well as 10 mcg of vitamin D3 and 24mg of vitamin C, per gummy.
All Bio-Kult 3 in 1 Biotic Blend Gummies products are suitable for all ages from 4years+.
Bio-Kult 3 in 1 Biotic Blend Gummies can be taken at any time throughout the day to fit in with your daily routine.
Bio-Kult 3 in 1 Biotic Blend Gummies can be safely taken alongside any of the other products in the Bio-Kult range. If taking multiple vitamin and mineral supplements, it is recommended to check that the combined amounts do not exceed safe tolerable upper limits for the relevant age group. Please feel free to contact our Customer Service team and they can provide more advice on this. We also recommend that products are introduced separately and the dose built up gradually to get your digestive system used to the increased dosage.
Bio-Kult 3 in 1 Biotic Blend Gummies are recommended for children from 4 years+. They are not recommended for children under 4 years of age due to the potential choking hazard they pose.
Bio-Kult 3 in 1 Biotic Blend Gummies are suitable for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, however we would always advise that customers consult a healthcare practitioner before taking any food supplements.
Bio-Kult 3 in 1 Biotic Blend Adults Gummies contain 2 billion live bacteria (CFU) of the strain Bacillus subtilis (DE111®), 5 mg of heat-treated bacteria of the strain Bifidobacterium animalis spp. lactis CECT8145 (BPL1®), 1.155g of resistant maltodextrin, as well as 10 mcg of vitamin D3 and 24mg of vitamin C, per gummy.
Bio-Kult Boosted
Bio-Kult Boosted contains the same well-researched 14 strains of live bacteria as our Bio-Kult Everyday Gut
product, but at 4x the strength (8 billion CFU per capsule). Bio-Kult Boosted also has the added benefit of
vitamin B12 which contributes to the normal function of the immune system, normal psychological function and
the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
To date there is limited evidence from human clinical studies of a ‘dose-response relationship’ for live bacteria
supplements as there is insufficient data to make firm conclusions. However, in certain situations, evidence
supports a higher recommended dosage, for example, alongside antibiotics or when travelling abroad and
exposed to new microbes. 1 capsule of Bio-Kult Boosted is equivalent to taking 4 capsules of Bio-Kult Everyday. Therefore those who regularly take 4 capsules a day of Bio-Kult original may also want to consider Bio-Kult Boosted, so they can get the same high CFU count in less capsules.
Yes, Bio-Kult Boosted is suitable to be taken whilst travelling. Studies have shown that giving live bacteria supplements to those travelling could reduce the amount of their holiday time spent dashing to the loo!*
We recommend our Bio-Kult Boosted or Bio-Kult S.
Boulardii products be taken if you struggle with digestive symptoms during
travel.
*Jong-Myon, B; (2018) Epiemiol Health. 40(1): e2018043.
*McFarland, LV; et al. (2019) Travel Med Infect Dis. 27(1): 11-19.
Bio-Kult Candéa
Bio-Kult Candéa is suitable to be taken if you struggle with yeast infections.
We receive many queries from people with a variety of physical or mental health conditions such as IBS, IBD, skin complaints, migraines, UTI’s, low mood, Parkinson's disease and more. It is important to highlight that Bio-Kult products are food supplements so cannot legally prevent, treat or cure any disease. In these circumstances therefore, we encourage you to address your question in person to an appropriately qualified healthcare practitioner.
Yes, some users may detect a slight presence of the taste or smell of the garlic contained within the Bio-Kult Candéa capsule. Due to the slight taste and smell of garlic in the product we do suggest that the capsules be taken alongside savoury food.
Grapefruit juice can interact with a range of different classes of medicines, potentially resulting in impaired drug metabolism and increased concentrations of the drug in the body. The most well-studied mechanism by which grapefruit interacts with drugs is through interference with the activity of certain enzymes in the liver (cytochrome P450). The chemicals in grapefruit responsible for this interaction are called furanocoumarins. A single serving of grapefruit juice contains approximately 1800-fold more furanocoumarins than a daily dose of Bio-Kult Candéa. Data on file* suggests that the quantity of furanocoumarins present in the grapefruit extract within the daily dose of Bio-Kult Candéa is highly unlikely to alter the absorption of medications metabolised through the cytochrome P450 pathway. However, if you are taking any medications or have any medical conditions, we would always recommend consulting your doctor before taking any nutritional food supplements.
* ADM Protexin: Data on file (available on request)
Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan
Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan is suitable to be taken if you struggle with UTIs.
We receive many queries from people with a variety of physical or mental health conditions such as IBS, IBD, skin complaints, migraines, UTIs, low mood, Parkinson's disease and more. It is important to highlight that Bio-Kult products are food supplements so cannot legally prevent, treat or cure any disease. In these circumstances therefore we encourage you to address your question in person to an appropriately qualified healthcare practitioner.
Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan contains vitamin A. Guidelines on vitamin A supplementation during pregnancy vary from country to country. The British National Formulary (BNF) and the UK National Health Service (NHS) advise against using vitamin A supplements during pregnancy, except on the advice of a doctor or antenatal clinic. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) states that the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for vitamin A during pregnancy is 3000 µg RE – well above the 278 µg RE (equating to 320µg of retinyl acetate) found in a two capsule daily dose of Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan. The World Health Organisation recommends that vitamin A supplementation is only necessary in areas where vitamin A deficiency is endemic. In light of the differences between current guidelines, pregnant women should consult their doctor before starting Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan to ensure that local guidelines and individual medical history are taken into account.
Bio-Kult Pregnéa
The postpartum recovery period can last up to 6 months, while some changes to the genitourinary system are much longer in resolving. We recommend continuing to take Bio-Kult Pregnéa for at least six months postpartum and whilst breastfeeding. If you are considering trying for another baby, we would also recommend taking Bio-Kult Pregnéa at this time.
The levels of nutrients in Bio-Kult Pregnéa are well below any established safe tolerable upper limits. A two capsule daily dose of Bio-Kult Pregnéa contains 400μg of folate. Both the EU and USA have set the upper limit (UL) for folic acid/folate supplements as 1mg (1000μg) per day. Therefore, an additional 600μg of folate/folic acid could be taken before reaching the upper limit when taking Bio-Kult Pregnéa. Pregnancy supplements containing the typical amount of 400μg of folic acid/folate per daily dose would be suitable to take alongside two capsules of Bio-Kult Pregnéa.
Governments around the world recommend supplementing with folate/folic acid in preparation for and during the first part of pregnancy in order to reduce the risk of defects*. The terms “folate” and “folic acid” are often used interchangeably, however there is a crucial difference. Folate is found in food, while most food supplements contain folic acid, however some supplements such as Bio-Kult Pregnéa now contain a more bioavailable form known as methylfolate.
Once consumed, folate/folic acid are both metabolised and converted in to Methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), which is the biologically active form. However, it is interesting to know that a large proportion of the population have some degree of reduced capacity to process folic acid.
Supplementing with folate such as the 5-MTHF form found within Bio-Kult Pregnéa may therefore be more efficacious than supplementing with standard folic acid. The full name of the 5-MTHF form used with Pregnéa as shown within the Ingredients list is 5-Methyltetrahydrofolic Acid. This very complicated name contains the simpler term Folic Acid, but it is important to be aware that the 5-MethylTetraHydro part of the name indicates that this is the metabolised form and hence ready for the body to use. This is unlike folic acid, which needs further processing after ingestion in the body before it can be utilised. 5-MTHF is more than just folic acid, it is readily bioavailable to the body.
In preparation for a healthy pregnancy, either form of this essential vitamin can be very helpful. Official guidance is to supplement with 400 micrograms. For Bio-Kult Pregnéa we chose the 5-MTHF form to provide maximum benefit for Mum and Baby.
Bio-Kult S. Boulardii
Most people have heard of live bacteria supplements. However, there is less awareness of other supplements containing non-bacterial microorganisms. Saccharomyces boulardiiis a friendly yeast. Unless supplemented it is not found as part of the intestinal microbiota of humans and under normal conditions it doesn’t permanently colonise the gastrointestinal tract. However, it exerts its effects whilst being consumed and has been widely used in Europe since the 1950s.
Although S. boulardii is rarely implicated in infections we would not recommend its use in patients who are immunocompromised, critically ill, on an intensive care unit (ICU) or those with central venous catheters. If you are taking any medications or have any medical conditions including allergies please consult your doctor before taking any food supplement.
Evidence suggests that S. boulardii may be particularly beneficial whilst travelling*. Higher doses are more useful when travelling abroad where you are likely to be exposed to new microbes. We therefore recommend taking 4 capsules daily whilst away.
*McFarland, LV; (2010) World J. Gastroenterol. 16(18): 2202–22.
S. boulardiiis not found as part of the intestinal microbiota of humans and under normal conditions it doesn’t permanently colonise the gastrointestinal tract. When given orally, it achieves steady-state concentrations within 3 days and is cleared within 3–5 days after it is discontinued. However, whilst it is in the gut it exerts its effects. No specific safety concerns have been raised in respect of longer-term use, however, studies using S. boulardii have typically lasted between 7 days and 6 months. Many customers find completing a course of Bio-Kult S. Boulardii for a few weeks to a few months, before switching to one of our live bacteria products beneficial.
Milk is not used in the manufacturing of Bio-Kult S. Boulardii. However, milk is used in the manufacture of fermentation media and cryoprotectants of other products in the Bio-Kult range. Allergen testing for Bio-Kult S. Boulardii has shown some carry over of low levels of casein (milk protein) in the final product. Bio-Kult S. Boulardii therefore carries the statement ‘may contain milk’ and is not recommended for those with an allergy to milk proteins. Bio-Kult S. Boulardii is a soya-free product.
Bio-Kult Brighten
Bio-Kult Brighten is suitable to be taken if you struggle with low mood.
We receive many queries from people with a variety of physical or mental health conditions such as IBS, IBD, skin complaints, migraines, UTI’s, low mood, Parkinson's disease and more. It is important to highlight that Bio-Kult products are food supplements so cannot legally prevent, treat or cure any disease. In these circumstances therefore, we encourage you to address your question in person to an appropriately qualified healthcare practitioner.
The ingredients in Bio-Kult Brighten do not interact with commonly prescribed medications to support mood. However, if diagnosed with a medical condition or taking any medications we recommend speaking to your healthcare practitioner before taking any nutritional food supplement.
Bio-Kult Brighten contains 14 strains of live bacteria that were specifically chosen to be included in this formulation due to supporting clinical evidence. Bacteria are classified as genus, species and strain, with the strain denoted at the end, as a number or letter. Species may potentially share characteristics, but the mechanisms of action and efficacy can only be evidenced by scientific studies using the specific strain or combination of strains.
Bio-Kult Brighten also contains vitamins B6 and B12 which contribute to normal psychological function as well as the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Bio-Kult Mind
Bio-Kult Mind is suitable to be taken if you struggle with poor cognitive function. We would suggest you consult your healthcare practitioner to find out more about research undertaken in the management of symptoms commonly associated with cognitive decline.
The
ingredients in Bio-Kult Mind do not interact with commonly prescribed Parkinson’s
medication. However, if diagnosed with a medical condition or taking any
medications we recommend speaking to your healthcare practitioner before taking
any nutritional food supplement.
Bio-Kult Migréa
Bio-Kult Migréa is suitable to taken if you struggle with migraines. We receive many queries from people with a variety of physical or mental health conditions such as IBS, IBD, skin complaints, migraines and Parkinson's disease. It is important to highlight that Bio-Kult products are food supplements so cannot legal prevent, treat or cure any disease. In these circumstances therefore, we encourage you to address your question in person to an appropriately qualified healthcare practitioner.
Bio-Kult Infantis
Ideally, once hydrated by adding to a drink or food, Bio-Kult Infantis should be consumed straight away, within a short period. Testing suggests that if diluted into drinking water, the viability of the bacteria will remain for up to 12 hours. However, we have only conducted viability testing on water, not other liquids such as milk or juice, so our recommendation would be to consume these diluents immediately. Small tummies can get full fairly quickly, so using a small amount of liquid/cup may be of benefit, to ensure that it can all be drunk and the full dose consumed.
Live bacteria supplements taken by mothers during breastfeeding appear to positively influence the microbial and mineral composition of breastmilk. Evidence remains unclear as to whether the supplemented live bacteria strains themselves enter the mammary gland. Nevertheless, evidence indicates an increase in Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in both the colostrum and mature milk in those taking live bacteria supplements, which may potentially bestow benefits on the child.
Giving a live bacteria supplement to your child is a more direct way to provide a high amount of friendly bacteria to the developing infant gut. Much of the research in infants has looked at the potential health outcomes for breastfed, as well as bottle-fed babies, with various potential benefits observed.
Fructo-oligosaccarides (FOS) are a type of carbohydrate that are naturally found in plants such as onion, chicory, garlic, asparagus, banana and artichoke, among many others. The FOS used in Bio-Kult Infantis comes from chicory root, and is included to complement the developing infant gut flora.
FOS are classed as a type of soluble dietary fibre. FOS cannot be broken down by our intestinal enzymes, so they travel undigested to the large intestine, where they are metabolized by our friendly gut bacteria, helping them to thrive and produce various beneficial compounds.
