Our products contain naturally occurring beneficial microorganisms which have been previously shown to be safe to take during pregnancy.

However, they may also be formulated with other active ingredients such as vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, so please check the individual product pages for usage guidelines in pregnancy, or contact our office for further information. 

In addition, we recommend consulting your health care practitioner before taking any nutritional supplements whilst pregnant.

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.

If you are taking any medications or have any medical conditions including allergies please consult your doctor before taking any food supplement.

Each of Bio-Kult 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) and in our cryoprotectants (the protective coating used on our strains before freeze drying to enhance stability). 

On testing the final Bio-Kult products, small traces of milk proteins; casein and beta lacto globulin 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 0.028ml of semi-skimmed milk (that’s 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 severe milk allergy (to milk proteins). However, for others it is unlikely to have side effects.

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 that found in 0.05ml of semi-skimmed milk (that’s 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 Bio-Kult strains produce lactase, the enzyme deficient in lactose intolerant sufferers necessary to breakdown lactose (the milk sugar). Bio-Kult products are therefore suitable for those with a lactose intolerance.

Results for soya were below the labs lower limit of detection. We can confirm that only non-GM ingredients are used.

Bio-Kult products do not contain gluten, nuts or eggs.

For allergens advice see ingredients list for every product.

Bio-Kult contains soya and milk used in the fermentation process. Content of milk is at a level that would normally not affect lactose intolerance sufferers.

Some studies have shown that taking a daily live bacteria food supplement can reduce symptoms associated with such skin outbreaks. 

We would suggest you consult your healthcare practitioner to find out more about the management of these symptoms.

Bio-Kult is suitable to be taken if you struggle with yeast infections. We would suggest you consult your healthcare practitioner to find out more about research undertaken in the management of symptoms commonly associated with yeast infections.

Over time, studies have shown that taking live bacteria supplements at the same time as an antibiotic can reduce the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea¹.

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 continuing to take the supplement for at least 2 weeks after completion of the antibiotic course.

¹ Blaabjerg S, Artzi DM, Aabenhus R. Probiotics for the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in outpatients—A systematic review and meta-analysis. Antibiotics. 2017; 6. DOI:10.3390/antibiotics6040021.

There are about two kilograms of microorganisms in the human gut. Each strain has unique properties and health benefits.

There are multiple studies that show that a multi-strain supplement replicates more closely the different strains within the human gut than that of a single strain product, making it more effective. 

Bio-Kult products are unique multi-species, multi-strain live bacterial supplements. 

Bio-Kult products contain a high concentration of live bacteria. If there is a pathogenic overload in your gut, and you start off with a high dose, in a small number of people a ‘die-off' side effect, such as bloating, may be experienced for a few days.

What are the possible symptoms?

Some individuals may experience temporary symptoms, such as bloating, gas, loose stools, constipation, nausea, headaches or flare-ups of previous symptoms. These symptoms can be negligible in some, whereas for a small number of individuals the symptoms can be enough to stop the supplements.

Why does it occur?

When certain pathogenic bacteria, viruses or fungi are destroyed, they release toxins, which can be absorbed into the bloodstream. This puts pressure on the liver to breakdown these by-products ready for elimination via healthy regular bowel movements. If there is an overgrowth that is killed off suddenly or the body is struggling to detox or excrete these toxins, the build-up could lead to the temporary symptoms mentioned above.

Managing the symptoms

Although it is an encouraging sign that pathogenic bacteria, viruses and yeasts are being killed off, the symptoms for some can be very unpleasant. To reduce the incidence and severity of this reaction we recommend building the dose up slowly, starting at ½ to 1 capsule. The capsules can be twisted and pulled apart and the powder added to water or cold/warm foods. If symptoms do occur we recommend reducing the dose, or having a break for a couple of days until symptoms subside before building up again slowly. It is important to not destroy pathogens faster than the body can eliminate the toxins.

Bio-Kult Everyday Multi-strain, Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan and Bio-Kult Candéa are all vegetarian and approved by The Vegetarian Society. 

Bio-Kult capsules are all vegetable based rather than gelatine, they are made of hydroxy-propyl-methyl cellulose.

Bio-Kult was created for and is safe for long-term administration. However, some people may use it at certain specific times, such as after antibiotics or while traveling.

Some of the ingested bacteria may be able to colonize the inside of the intestinal mucosa in the short term, while others begin to work during their movement through the digestive system, before being excreted in the stool. Therefore, a regular daily intake is recommended to help maintain a balanced intestinal flora and to support the digestive and immune system.

Bio-Kult is a natural product and any difference observed may vary from one person to another. This could mean from a few days to a few weeks.

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 us and we will be happy to discuss with you). Bio-Kult Everyday 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.

* The Stockley's Interactions Checker is a drug interaction checker that enables quick and easy access to interactions between drugs, foods and more.

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 us we 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.

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).

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).

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.

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 Pro-Cyan is suitable for children aged 5 years+

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.

You will be fine taking Bio-Kult anytime of day and there are different schools of thought about this. The general recommendation is to take live bacterial supplements with food as the food buffers the acidic pH of the stomach that is designed to destroy bacteria. However, Bio-Kult is manufactured using a technology that helps protect against the harsh acidity of the stomach. Administration of live bacteria directly before food enables them to be buffered with the acidity but also to reach the bottom of the stomach before the bulk of the food is consumed. 

Traditionally, good bacteria have always been consumed as part of a fermented food source such as yogurt, kefir or sauerkraut.

Live bacteria supplements have been shown to improve intestinal permeability and reduce inflammation.

Studies have shown that giving live bacteria food supplements to travellers could reduce the amount of your holiday time spent dashing to the loo.

Bio-Kult S.Boulardii is suitable to be taken if you struggle with symptoms associated during travel. We would suggest you consult your healthcare practitioner to find out more about research undertaken in the management of symptoms commonly associated with travelling. 

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.

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 products are manufactured to an extremely high standard (cGMP accredited) in our purpose built facility in Somerset (Probiotics International Ltd.), enabling us to stay in complete control of our quality standards.

Bio-Kult is manufactured using the latest techniques. The live bacteria themselves are encapsulated (with a protective coating) during a freeze drying process (lyophilisation). This process helps protect the bacteria while on the shelf and in the acidic environment of the stomach (they have been shown to survive in vitro at pH2 for 2 hours).

The Bio-Kult blister packs offer further protection against moisture and extremes of temperature. No refrigeration is required due to this high protection. An external laboratory undertakes regular rigorous stability testing on Bio-Kult so we are able to give a viable stability count until the end of the shelf life when kept as directed on packaging.

The live bacteria are naturally ‘speckled’ in colour, and this may be seen in a Bio-Kult capsule.

If darker specks cannot be seen, it does not mean there is no live bacteria in your capsule – it just means there is not a gathering of bacteria in one area of the capsule.

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 (namely species Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus).

Our strains are freeze dried to enhance their stability and shelf life and are believed to become active again once they meet the complex environment of the small intestine. However, some people have had some success culturing milk, but others have not. We complete rigorous stability testing on each batch of Bio-Kult enabling us to state a quantity of at least 2 billion live bacteria per capsule. This stability testing is undertaken every 3 months by an external laboratory for which we receive certification.

We also have a vast array of clinical trials that show beneficial outcomes of taking our multi-strain live bacteria products, implying they must be reaching the intestines alive.

Bio-Kult Boxes

Although our packaging does not contain a recycling logo, the Bio-Kult cardboard boxes are fully recyclable.

Bio-Kult Blisters

Unfortunately, as yet our blister packs cannot be recycled. The Bio-Kult blister packs offer a high protection against moisture and extremes of temperature, thus ensuring the stability, integrity and quality of the product is kept for every individual capsule until the end of shelf life. No refrigeration is required due to this high protection. We do not have the option of bio-plastic blister films at present as we use very high grade technical films (rather than a basic PVC film).

Blistering the product offers greater flexibility and a far higher protection against extremes of temperature. Thus ensuring the stability, integrity and quality of the product is kept for every individual capsule until the end of shelf life.

Bio-Kult capsules have a target weight, however, it is impossible to fill every single capsule to this exact quantity. We therefore have upper and lower tolerances for the weight of the capsules. While processing Bio-Kult products, ‘in process checks’ are conducted every 15 minutes, and one of these checks is to verify the weight of the capsules is within tolerance.

A capsule that is at the lower end of the specification may look under-filled when compared to a capsule at the higher end of specification.