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.
The probiotic strains contained in the Bio-Kult range have not been subject to genetic modification. Any additional ingredients within the range are also not subject to genetic modification.
All of the Bio-Kult range are vegetarian products, approved by the Vegetarian Society. 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.
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.
Each of our specific probiotic strains need various nutrition sources to aid in their growth in culture. Cow's milk and soy are used in the fermentation (manufacturing) process, 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. While 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 cause issues.
The Bio-Kult cardboard boxes are fully recyclable and can be put with the rest of your curbside recycling.
Unfortunately, as yet our blister packs cannot be recycled curbside. The Bio-Kult blister packs offer a high protection against moisture and extremes of temperature. 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 the day you buy it 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 and take it with you when traveling, as long as it’s dry and cool.
Bio-Kult Everyday, Bio-Kult Boosted, Bio-Kult Migréa, and Bio-Kult Candéa are suitable to take during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
We would always suggest that you seek advice from your doctor or health care practitioner on all aspects of nutrition while pregnant.
Bio-Kult Everyday is suitable for children 4+
Bio-Kult Boosted is suitable for children aged 12+
Bio-Kult Infantis is suitable for infants and children 6 months+
Bio-Kult Migréa is suitable for children aged 12+
Bio-Kult Mind is suitable for those aged 16+
Bio-Kult Candéa is suitable for children aged 12+
Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan is suitable for children aged 5+
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.
Individual probiotic 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 Boosted
Bio-Kult Boosted contains the same well-researched 14 probiotic strains 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 probiotic supplements as there is insufficient data to make firm conclusions. However, in certain areas, evidence supports a higher recommended dosage, for example, alongside antibiotics or when traveling abroad and exposed to new microbes. 1 capsule of Bio-Kult Boosted is equivalent to taking 4 capsules of Bio-Kult Everyday Gut. Therefore those who regularly take 4 capsules a day of Bio-Kult original may also want to consider BioKult Boosted, so they can get the same high CFU count in less capsules.
Bio-Kult Candéa
Some users may detect a slight presence of the taste or smell of the garlic contained within the Bio-Kult Candéa capsule. Allicin is the component within garlic that has anti-fungal properties and does have a slight odor. When originally formulating the product we tested odor free garlic but this did not have such strong effect. Due to the slight taste and smell of garlic in the product we do suggest that the capsules be taken alongside savory food.