FAQs

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.

Bio-Kult Boxes

The Bio-Kult cardboard boxes are fully recyclable and can be put with the rest of your household recycling.

Bio-Kult Blister Packs (the bits that hold your Bio-Kult capsules)

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 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.

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 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.

Bio-Kult 3 in 1 Biotic Blend Gummies can be classed as low sugar, with a small amount being provided by resistant maltodextrin. The natural sweetener, pectin, also contains a small amount of sugar which prevents these products from being classed as no added sugar.