Professionals FAQ's
PREBIOTIC FACTS
What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?
Probiotics are beneficial live bacteria which when taken in adequate quantities can confer a health benefit. They are commercially available as dietary supplements or foods.
Prebiotics are carbohydrates that act as food for the gut’s probiotic (beneficial) bacteria. Prebiotics are not destroyed or digested in the stomach or small intestine and therefore reach the colon where they exert a positive effect on the resident beneficial probiotic bacteria so as to confer a health benefit.
What are the benefits of prebiotics over probiotics?
As probiotic supplements and foods contain live bacteria, they need to survive the passage through the upper gastrointestinal tract, the acidity of the stomach, secretions of the small intestine and then compete with existing bacteria for colonisation sites in the large intestine (colon). According to research published by the Food Standards Agency in 2005, not all commercially available probiotic products can claim to survive this passage and colonise at an effective rate.
Prebiotics are ‘non-digestible’. This means that they reach the large intestine where they exert a beneficial effect on the resident beneficial probiotic bacteria so as to confer a health benefit. The latest in Key Opinion Leader thinking is that it is preferable to feed our indigenous beneficial microflora (prebiotic effect) as opposed to adding manufactured strains of beneficial bacteria into our eco-system (probiotic effect).
How many different types of Prebiotics are there?
Prebiotics fall into three categories. These are Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and Lactulose.
Prebiotics are either 1st generation or 2nd generation. FOS, GOS (except B-GOS) and Lactulose prebiotics are classed as 1st generation. There is only one 2nd generation prebiotic. This is referred to as B-GOS.
1st generation prebiotics are selective at the genus level. In other words they are fermented at the family group level (e.g. by Bifidobacteria or lactobacillus) and produce a prebiotic effect (increase the number and activity of the beneficial bacteria) or bifidogenic effect (increase the number and strength of the Bifidobacteria).
2nd generation prebiotics are tailor made to offer selectivity at species level (e.g. by Bifidobacterium bifidum) and also offer added functionality i.e. anti-adhesive or anti-pathogenic properties.
RECOMMENDING BIMUNO
What is Bimuno?
Bimuno is the only B-GOS and the only 2nd generation prebiotic and offers additional functionality over and above its prebiotic and bifidogenic effect. It offers the following unique effect:
• Immune modulation: This is as a result of action bringing about a change in the microflora as well as the direct effect of its novel GOS structures.
• Anti-pathogenic activity: Inhibition of pathogenic bacteria as well as a direct action preventing attachment and invasion of specific gastro-intestinal pathogens in the small intestine.
Bimuno is the result of intensive research & development including peer reviewed, clinical trials conducted in collaboration with the University of Reading’s Food Microbial Sciences Unit and other globally recognized research institutes.
There are four different Bimuno products. These are: Bimuno POWDER, TRAVELAID, IBAID and IMMUNAID.
Who can take Bimuno?
Patients suffering from G.I. related problems and those who are pro-active about their gut health and general well-being could benefit from taking Bimuno. Based on the scientific and clinical evidence, the following people could benefit from taking Bimuno:
• Those wishing to maintain their gut health
• People who feel ‘run-down’
• Previously diagnosed IBS sufferers with symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation or bloating
• People recovering from illness, taking antibiotics or about to enter hospital
• People travelling abroad
• Those aged 55 years or over (our good bacteria levels naturally fall as we get older)
How should my patients take Bimuno?
BIMUNO POWDER: This is the original product available in convenient powder single dose sachets.
Adults and young persons12 years and over: simply add one sachet daily to food and drink (5.5g). Children aged 3 to11 years: half a sachet daily (2.75g)
Bimuno powder can be added and stirred into everyday food and drink such as cereal, coffee or tea. For easy dispersion we recommend mixing into a hot beverage.
BIMUNO IBAID: Available in pleasant soft chewable pastilles
Adults and children 12 years and over: two pastilles a day, ideally after breakfast. Since the benefits build over time, a daily intake is recommended.
BIMUNO IMMUNAID: Available in pleasant soft chewable pastilles
Adults and children aged 6 years and over: two pastilles a day, ideally after breakfast. Since the benefits build over time, a daily intake is recommended.
BIMUNO TRAVELAID: Available in pleasant soft chewable pastilles
Adults and children 6 years and over: three pastilles a day, ideally after breakfast. It is recommended pastilles are taken daily seven days before travel and each day whilst abroad.
Is Bimuno a medicinal product?
Bimuno’s legal status is that of a food supplement. It is not available on prescription and is free from any pharmacy supervisory restrictions. Healthcare Professionals can recommend Bimuno to their customers and patients.
Are there any side effects associated with Bimuno?
Bimuno is a health food ingredient of natural origin. Its safety has been confirmed in clinical trials. The recommended servings should be observed at all times. Although no adverse effects have been reported, milk allergy or lactose intolerance sufferers should exercise caution when first taking Bimuno.
Is Bimuno safe to take long term?
Bimuno can be taken daily on a regular basis. Bimuno is a health food ingredient of natural origin. Its safety has been confirmed in clinical trials. The recommended servings should be observed at all times.
Where can my customers or patients buy Bimuno from?
The complete Bimuno range is available from Boots and online at bimuno.com. Bimuno Original powder is also available from Sainsbury stores and independent pharmacies. A number of Travel Clinics also recommend and sell Bimuno to their customers to help them enjoy a diarrhoea free holiday.
HEALTH ADVICE
Is Bimuno suitable for children?
Bimuno in its powdered form is suitable for children aged 3 years and above – while the pastille formulation is recommended for those over 6 years to reduce the likelihood of choking.
Is Bimuno suitable for diabetics?
Bimuno has been available in the UK since March 2007. To date there have been no reported cases of adverse reactions involving diabetic patients.
Is Bimuno suitable for people suffering from milk allergy or lactose intolerance?
Although no adverse effects have been reported, milk allergy or lactose intolerance sufferers should exercise caution when first taking Bimuno. The lactose content of Bimuno varies from 0.36g to 1.1g per daily dose, dependent on the Bimuno product recommended. There is published evidence that up to 13.3g lactose can be tolerated without developing symptoms (Suarez et al NEJM 1995 333 1-4). This compares with the Food Standards Agency’s figure of 12g. It should be noted that lactose doses of less than 10g per day are likely to be tolerated by most of the population of lactose deficient adults. EFSA Journal (2007)565.1-6.
Will Bimuno interfere with prescribed medication?
Bimuno is a food supplement of natural origins and there are no reported cases, to date, of interactions with medicines.
Can I recommend Bimuno to be taken while on a course of antibiotics?
Bimuno is normally recommended to be taken before or after the course of antibiotics. It can also be recommended during but it is best avoided during the course if the antibiotics have started to cause diarrhoea.
NUTRITIONAL ISSUES
Is Bimuno suitable for vegetarians?
Bimuno Powder is suitable for vegetarians. It is not suitable for vegans. Bimuno TRAVELAID, IMMUNAID and IBAID are not suitable for vegetarians nor vegans.
Is Bimuno suitable for Kosher and Halal diets?
Bimuno Powder is not suitable for Kosher or Halal diets. Bimuno TRAVELAID, IMMUNAID and IBAID are suitable.
Is Bimuno gluten free?
Yes, Bimuno is suitable for people with gluten free diets.
Does Bimuno contain artificial colours or flavourings?
Bimuno is a health food supplement of natural origin. It is free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.
How many calories does Bimuno contain?
At the recommended daily dosage the calorific content of Bimuno is as follows:
Bimuno Powder: 15kcal
Bimuno IBAID: 13kcal
Bimuno IMMUNAID: 13kcal
Bimuno TRAVELAID: 26kcal
How much sugar does Bimuno contain?
At the recommended daily dosage the sugar content of Bimuno is as follows:
Bimuno Powder: 1.9g
Bimuno IBAID: 1.6g
Bimuno IMMUNAID: 1.6g
Bimuno TRAVELAID: 3.0g
How much fat does Bimuno contain?
At the recommended daily dosage the fat content of Bimuno is as follows:
Bimuno Powder: 0.3g
Bimuno IBAID: 0.0g
Bimuno IMMUNAID: 0.0g
Bimuno TRAVELAID: 0.0g
How much lactose does Bimuno contain?
At the recommended daily dosage the lactose content of Bimuno is as follows:
Bimuno Powder: 1.1g
Bimuno IBAID: 0.36g
Bimuno IMMUNAID: 0.36g
Bimuno TRAVELAID: 0.7g
It should be noted that lactose doses of less than 10g per day are likely to be tolerated by most of the population of lactose deficient adults. EFSA Journal (2007)565.1-6.
Can Bimuno powder be added to food and drinks?
Bimuno Powder can be added and stirred into everyday food and drink such as cereal, coffee or tea. For the best dispersion Bimuno should be recommended to be taken with the patient’s favourite hot drink. Bimuno is flavour free and does not alter the taste of food or drink.
DIGESTIVE ISSUES
Can I recommend Bimuno as treatment or prevention of diarrhoea including Travellers’ Diarrhoea?
There is both indirect and direct evidence that Bimuno helps prevent diarrhoea. In scientific studies, Bimuno has been shown to help prevent the attachment of diarrhoea producing salmonella and e.coli bacteria in the gut. In a clinical study (Drakoularakou A et al) Bimuno significantly reduced the incidence, intensity and duration of Travellers’ Diarrhoea.
Can I recommend Bimuno as treatment or prevention of bowel function problems?
There is both indirect and direct evidence that Bimuno helps prevent problems associated with bowel function. The prebiotic effect of positively balancing gut microflora has been shown to help enhance gut function. In a clinical study, Bimuno has been shown to significantly reduce flatulence, bloating, need to defecate and (Vulevic et al). In another clinical trial, Bimuno demonstrated significant improvements in abdominal pain, stool consistency, bloating and flatulence (Costabile et al).
Can I recommend Bimuno as treatment or prevention of the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Bimuno’s unique action and superior efficacy profile has demonstrated effectiveness in helping prevent the symptoms of IBS. In the Silk et al clinical trial Bimuno improved stool consistency, flatulence, composite score of IBS symptoms, SGA and anxiety scores. There are also a number of Bimuno clinical trials demonstrating a significant increase in the beneficial bacteria, Bifidobacteria, which are normally found in reduced numbers in IBS patients.