BioGaia Protectis Baby Probiotics Drops, 5ml [UK version] - Exp 20/25

How to use BioGaia Protectis drops:

• Shake well before use.
• Use 5 drops once daily.
• For easier dispensing, air UP vent on drop insert needs to be facing upward. Turn bottle to a 45° angle to slowly form the drops. Drops can be given by spoon, on the breast or added to breastmilk or formula. The drops do not change the taste of food or drink.

Storage: Store in a dry place, not above room temperature (max 25 °C / 77 °F). Keep out of reach of children. Keep the bottle closed. Avoid contact with fluids like saliva and water. Opened bottle should be used within 3 months.

Ingredients

Sunflower oil, medium chain triglyceride oil (palm kernel) and L. reuteri DSM 17938.

Dosage

5 drops once daily. One dose consists of a minimum of 100 million live L. reuteri Protectis. Recommended dose should not be exceeded. This product should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet.

5 ml = 20~25 doses (*1 dose = 5 drops)

FAQ

Can BioGaia’s products be stored in room temperature?
This version of BioGaia Protectis drops can be stored at room temperature,  25 °C / 77 °F. You are recommended to follow the storage instructions 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.

Can BioGaia Protectis baby drops be stored it in the freezer?
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.

Should BioGaia Protectis baby drops be stored in the fridge?
This version of BioGaia Protectis drops can be stored at room temperature,  25 °C / 77 °F. You are recommended to follow the storage instructions 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. 

Are BioGaia Protectis drops safe for newborns?
Clinical studies have shown that BioGaia Protectis drops are safe to give from day of birth.

What are probiotics?
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.

What are the health benefits of 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.

What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?
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.

What is Lactobacillus reuteri?
Lactobacillus 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 184 clinical studies in 15,500 people of all ages. Results have been published in 159 papers in scientific journals (February 2018).

Why is strain specificity so important?
Different probiotic products contain different probiotic strains. This means that one probiotic product with Lactobacillus reuteri, for example L. reuteri NCIMB 30242, is not equal to another probiotic product that contains another strain of Lactobacillus reuteri, for example L. reuteri DSM 17938. This is why bacteria must be defined and tested in clinical trials at strain level.

What is Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis?
Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis is a strain of the species Lactobacillus reuteri that has been tested in more than 137 clinical trials in humans. It is used in products such as baby drops and chewable tablets. Its scientific designation is Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938.

Should BioGaia probiotic products be taken with or without food?
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.

What is the recommended dosage of BioGaia Protectis?
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, 1 BioGaia Protectis straw or 5 drops of BioGaia Protectis drops.

Do I need to take Lactobacillus reuteri every 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 Lactobacillus reuteri during infancy. By taking BioGaia probiotics regularly you maintain the total daily supply of lactobacilli.

Should I refrain from combining BioGaia probiotic products with any specific medicines or drugs?
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.

What distinguishes BioGaia products from other probiotics on the market?
All our commercial strains are of human origin, naturally colonize humans, and are therefore more likely to actually have a positive effect on human health.

Why is the dose of Lactobacillus reuteri the same in adults and children? 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.

Can the drops be added to formula milk?
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.

How should I give BioGaia Protectis drops?
Important: Always shake the bottle well before usage.

• Use 5 drops once daily.
• For easier dispensing, air UP vent on drop insert needs to be facing upward. Turn bottle to a 45° angle to slowly form the drops.
• We recommend to give the drops by spoon.
• Do not add to hot drink or food as this may damage the live bacteria.

Is single strain or multi-strain probiotic products better?
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.

Can Protectis drops be used by patients that suffer from intolerance and/or allergy?
Biogaia Protectis drops can be used by patients suffering from milk protein allergy and / or are sensitive to lactose / gluten

• A probiotic bacteria can be grown on different types of media
• The L. reuteri Protectis culture used in BioGaia Protectis drops are grown on a barley based media, therefore, the drops do not contain lactose or milk protein
• After production the bacteria are diluted in the product. Analytical data reveals gluten in the probiotic culture, however, in the finished product the gluten level is below EU limit value for gluten-free products.

Are BioGaia’s products free from common allergens?
BioGaia products are free from allergens like milk, gluten, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy.

Is Lactobacillus reuteri growing in the product?
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.

Shouldn’t BioGaia probiotic products contain a larger number of bacteria in a daily dose in order to be efficient?
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 Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis and Gastrus is 200 million CFU/day.

How long does it take before I notice the effects of taking Lactobacillus reuteri?
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.

Can I still use BioGaia Protectis drops or tabs if they have been exposed to temperatures over 25 °C / 77 °F?
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.