BY PROBIOTICS EXPERT: DR. RAGA

What is Biogaia probiotic?

What is Biogaia probiotic?

Biogaia Probiotic is a probiotic supplement which is naturally made for keeping the digestive environment balanced and promoting digestive system wellness.

It is a well-known probiotic supplement for babies who are suffering from colic. For babies, this comes in the form of drops but there are other forms for all ages.

Other forms are lozenges, straw, tablets, and oral rehydration solutions.

What are the contents of biogaia probiotic?

Biogaia probiotic contains Lactobacillus reuteri (L. Reuteri) Protectis. This is a special probiotic that naturally colonizes the gastointestinal tract of humans.

In 5 drops of biogaia protectis, 1 tablet of biogaia proctectis, and 1 tablet of biogaia protectis , it provides 100 million CFU (Colony Forming Units), or 10^8 CFU.

What is Lactobacillus reuteri?

Lactobacillus reuteri is a probiotic species which is known to have the digestive tract as its normal habitat. This is what makes these species able to adapt easily to the digestive tract environment.

Actually, this species is discovered to be one of the first bacterial species which are established natural in the instestinal microflora of the newborns.

Aside from that, L. Reuteri is found in the breastmilk fed to the newborns and infants.

What is Lactobacillus reuteri?

L. Reuteri functions in the digestive tract by producing reuterin, an antimicrobial substance. This is responsible for stopping the pathogenic microorganisms from growing and multiplying.

On the other hand, L. Reuteri supports and protects the good and normal intestinal microflora.

Additionally, the L. Reuteri species is one of the most commonly documented probiotics that are proven to be safe and efficient scientifically.

How does Biogaia probiotic work?

Most of the time, children are experiencing digestive problems. The main culprit behind these digestive problems is the imbalance in the number of intestinal flora. When the number of good bacteria is not enough, digestive problems such as constipation, colic, diarrhea can occur. With the help of probiotics such as L. Reuteri, the digestive system balance is restored. Therefore, probiotics species like L. Reuteri promotes digestive comfort and wellbeing.

Health Benefits of Biogaia probiotic

Biogaia probiotic, which contains L. Reuteri, is known to aid in the relief of the following problems:

1. Digestive Issuesa. Diarrhea: In most cases of diarrhea in children, rotavirus is the

leading cause. This is a common pediatric digestive health problem worldwide. Also, patients who are undergoing antibiotic therapy experiences antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Other factors causing this condition are long-term hospital stays and gastro-intestinal surgery.

In a previous study conducted, it was discovered that together with rehydration therapy, L. Reuteri containing probiotics is beneficial in the treatment of children who had diarrhea and dehydration.

Health Benefits of Biogaia probiotic

b. Consipation There is a recorded prevalence of constipation in children

nowadays which ranges from 7-30% in most countries. Then, 40% from them develop the symptoms of constipation during the first year of their life.

Constipated infants who were given supplements of L. Reuteri had increased bowel movement frequency compared to those who were given placebos. Also, an improvement in stool consistency was noted.

c. Regurgitation Regurgitation is defined as reflux or backflow of gastric content

into the throat (vomiting). Infants in their first month of life are mostly affected.

According to research, infants who were given L. Reuteri are known to have significant less episodes of regurgitation and improved gut function especially in those who are fed milk formula.

Health Benefits of Biogaia probiotic

d. Infant colicA common problem in infants is colic. This

condition described as recurrent crying at least three times a day, three days per week up to three weeks, which mostly happens at night.

Based on a research conducted on L. Reuteri effectiveness on infant colic, it was discovered that L. Reuteri can relieve colic in infants who are predominantly or exclusively breastfed.

e. Other conditions which benefit from Biogaia probiotic

Functional Abdominal Pain (FAP)Gastric ulcerUlcerative colitis

Health Benefits of Biogaia probiotic

2. Oral health problemsa. HalitosisAlso known as bad breath, Halitosis is a condition caused by

the bacterial decomposition in the oral cavity.Studies found out that probiotic gum which contains L.

Reuteri is beneficial on the treatment of oral malodor.b. CariesThis occurs due to the presence of acidogenic and aciduric

bacteria that metabolizes the dietary sugars . This results to the production of low pH levels in the mouth that leads to the demineralization of teeth.

According to a study, there are no significant effects of probiotic drops to lowering the bacteria which cause the dental caries. Though there are still some studies conducted to gather more information about this.

Health Benefits of Biogaia probiotic

c. Periodontitis and gingivitisPeriodontitis or periodontal

diseases such as gingivitis are caused by the inflammatory process which results from the increased levels or pro-inflammatory cytokines. This leads to increased flow of gingival fluids, swelling and brittle gingiva or gums.

Data collected from studies show that there is a significant reduction in the number of the bacteria causing gingivitis and periodontitis.

My Favorite Probiotic

As I am not a baby I do not take Biogaia probiotics, but my favorite probiotic for adults is Probacto.

They use multiple strains and they are spore forming so they can last while not refrigerated. They do not use cheap bacteria, but expensive ones such as B. Subtilis.

Probacto also contains prebiotics to help stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut.

Probacto contains digestive enzymes to assist in your digestion.

Probacto is enteric coated and made to be slow release so it will release in your gut gradually.

Conclusion

Just like the other probiotics, Biogaia probiotics have been very beneficial in the improvement of the digestive, oral, and overall health of people. The only difference is that Biogaia probiotics do focus on the beneficial effects in infants and children. This is very important because this also promotes better health and quality of life for people in these ages. It is also a great help in the medicine community because it provides complimentary treatment to various medical conditions.