Giveaway: BioGaia

Extended until Thursday April 22 at 7pm CST

In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided a free sample of the chewable, liquid, and straw forms of BioGaia Priobiotics. I received no other compensation, and all opinions expressed are my own.

We spend most of our lives trying to avoid bacteria. Trying to stay as clean as we can and avoid any contact with them to remain as healthy as we can. However, there are healthy forms of bacteria that we're also killing off, and the samples sent to me by BioGaia aim to rectify that.

BioGaia are probiotics that come in three forms: probiotic drops for infants, probiotic straws for ages 2 and up, and chewable probiotics for everyone.

My family has been taking probiotics for awhile, and I am a big supporter of them in terms of maintaining gut health which leads to overall health (for a listing of research and info supporting this, see here).

The probiotics we've been taking always need to be refrigerated, which is a bit of a pain, and they come in powdered form, which can be messy as I try to get 1/8 teaspoon for Little Miss and 1/4 teaspoon for Mister Man. Having simply a straw or chewable option is far easier than what we've been using.

While this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, there are health benefits that have been researched (although as a supplement and not a drug, any statements aren't evaluated one way or the other by the FDA). It has been shown to reduce crying time in infantile colic by 74%.* GI symptoms, antibiotic use, and absences from daycare are reduced in children.^ Even adults benefit, with 92% of adults being free from diarrhea when taking antibiotics compared to 50% of a placebo group.#

This morning, I gave Mister Man his probiotic straw, and he asked if he could also have his yummy organge chewable probiotic, too. I explained that he could only have one each day, but he's happy to take them.

The first time we tried the straw, I wasn't sure how it would work. It's explained as being suspended in a drop of oil, but I didn't see anything as I looked down the straw, so I was concerned that it had evaporated or otherwise disappeared in transit. It hadn't, and I could see the probiotic when I turned the straw and looked at it in the light. After drinking a bit of his milk through the straw, I looked again and could see that the probiotic was now gone. Phew!

I really like how the probiotic grows with the child (and family) so that there is a form that fits for everyone. Additionally, although the drops require refrigeration, the straws and chewable tablets do not. That makes keeping up with probiotics while on the road much easier than what we've been doing in the past.

My only disappointment is that these probiotics contain traces of milk, which means that Little Miss is unable to take them. Given the effort that BioGaia makes to have a wonderful and healthy product, I was disappointed that it wassn't free of all the common allergens. Fortunately, I know this isn't an issue for many people.

Knowing what I know and what I've learned from reading the literature provided by BioGaia, my family will always continue to take probiotics. The chewable tablets taste good, and I love that we can travel easily with these probiotics.

So how can you purchase these for yourself? You can order them online from BioGaia. They are also carried in pharmacies nationwide, and if your pharmacy doesn't carry them, they can order them for you. You can also call BioGaia directly to order at 877 776 0101.

You can also win a sample of your choosing - the infant drops, the chewable tablets, or the probiotic straws. What do you need to do?

First of all, let me stress that you must follow all the rules. If you do not follow the rules, your entry will not count!

This contest is open until Saturday April 17 at 7pm CST. I must have a valid way to reach you, so leave me your email address in your comment or be sure your profile has your email address visible. No duplicate comments will count. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older. Winners will be selected via random.org and must respond within 48 hours of being notified by me or I will select a new winner.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me something new you learned from the BioGaia website that I didn't mention in this review. If you don't do this one, no entries will count. Please be sure to also let me know which of the three forms (straw, liquid drops, or chewable) you would prefer.

Bonus Entries (leave a comment for each entry - if you put it all in one comment, I'll count it as one entry):

1) Earn one additional entry for Tweeting this contest (leave a link to your tweet as your comment).
2) Earn one additional entry by following this review blog.
3) Earn one additional entry by following my “regular” blog Honest & Truly!

Good luck!



*Savino, F., et al. (2007) Lactobacillus reuteri (American Type Culture Collection Strain 55730) Versus Simethicone in the Treatment of Infantile Colic: A Prospective Randomized Study, Pediatrics, 119, e124-30
^Weizman, Z., et al. (2005) Effect of a Probiotic Infant Formula on Infections in Child Care Centers: Comparison of Two Probiotic Agents. Pediatrics, 115, 5-9
#Cimperman, L., (2009) A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study of Lactobacillus reuteri for the Prevention of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea in Hospitalized Adults. J Parent Ent Nutr, 33, 229 Abstract WP-31