Celebrating more than 30 years of probiotic innovation
Curiosity, perseverance, excellence
For over three decades, BioGaia has been on an incredible journey dedicated to exploring the fascinating world of probiotics.
What began as a quest to understand the intricate world of bacteria has evolved into a legacy of scientific excellence and consumer trust.
Our story is one of curiosity, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Here’s a glimpse into how our 30+ years of research have shaped the products you know and trust today.
The beginning: A vision takes root
Over thirty years ago, the founders and a small group of visionary scientists came together with a shared dream: to unlock the potential of beneficial bacteria. They believed that these tiny organisms held the key to enhancing our everyday lives.
And with this bold vision, BioGaia was born.
Pioneering research
In 1990, through meticulous studies and trials, a groundbreaking discovery was made.
BioGaia scientists discovered the unique qualities of L. reuteri, a probiotic species. The amazing L. reuteri became the cornerstone of our product line.
Limosilactobacillus reuteri (formerly Lactobacillus reuteri)
For 35 years, we have been researching L. reuteri. A probiotic naturally found in the human body, this remarkable bacterium has been co-evolving with humans since the beginning of time.
Every BioGaia product features strains of L. reuteri, which are carefully selected and make BioGaia products a trusted choice for probiotics of healthcare professionals and consumers alike.
Clinical studies and research
Our commitment to conducting rigorous clinical trials ensures that our products are backed by solid evidence and trusted worldwide.
BioGaia’s probiotic supplements are among the most extensively studied in the world. Over 250 clinical studies involving around 22,000 people have documented the efficacy and safety of BioGaia’s L. reuteri.
Extensive global scientific network
At BioGaia, we believe in the power of collaboration, and our clinical studies are often conducted in partnership with leading universities, hospitals, and independent research organisations worldwide.
Our network includes: the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala, Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Texas Children’s Hospital in the USA, and the University Hospitals of Bari and Turin in Italy.
These collaborations have enabled us to stay at the forefront of probiotic research and innovation.
You can trust that every BioGaia product is backed by decades of research and a commitment to delivering the very best in probiotics.
Global research, open for all: Why BioGaia publishes all results
As a world leader, we believe in transparency and maintaining the highest standards in scientific research. That's why we encourage researchers to design and report their studies in a way that allows them to be published in respected medical journals. Our commitment is to publish all studies, no matter the outcome.
Additionally, BioGaia ensures that every study is ethically approved and registered on public websites like ClinicalTrials.gov & PubMed.gov. This openness allows everyone to benefit from our research, reinforcing our dedication to science.
How we conduct our clinical studies
The majority of our research is ‘randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials’ (RCT). This method is preferred because it minimises bias and provides the most reliable evidence for evaluating probiotics.
By following these standards, we can accurately assess the efficacy, safety, and benefits of probiotic strains, ensuring that the results are credible and can guide effective use in real-world settings.
Here’s why RTCs are important for probiotic research
Randomly assigning participants to either the probiotic group or placebo group ensures that any differences in outcomes are due to the probiotic itself and not other factors.
In a double-blind trial, neither the participants nor the researchers know who is receiving the probiotic or placebo. This prevents expectations from influencing the results, which is crucial since the perceived health benefits of probiotics can be subjective.
Using a placebo allows for a direct comparison of the probiotic's effects versus no treatment, helping to establish the real impact of the probiotic strain.
RCTs in probiotics often focus on specific, measurable outcomes like changes in gut microbiota, immune response, or other markers of digestive health, providing clear and quantifiable evidence.
How BioGaia’s innovation became a worldwide sensation
Over the years, our dedication to research has led to trailblazing discoveries.
In 2000, BioGaia developed the world’s first chewable probiotic tablet, a groundbreaking innovation that made probiotics easier and more enjoyable to consume.
The chewable tablet was designed in a convenient format, eliminating the need for swallowing pills or mixing powders.
Perfect for adults and children, our chewable probiotic quickly became a worldwide bestseller for its ease of use and great taste, revolutionising how probiotics are consumed around the world.
In 2004, BioGaia introduced the world’s first probiotic oil drops, another pioneering innovation in probiotic delivery. These drops were designed to offer a convenient and effective way to incorporate probiotics into daily routines, especially for newborns and infants needing probiotic support. Since its launch, over 100 million baby drop products have been sold.
Scientific milestones
BioGaia is founded by Peter Rothschild and Jan Annwall, starting its journey in probiotic research and innovation.
BioGaia launches the world’s first chewable probiotic tablet, making probiotics more convenient and accessible for everyone.
A game-changing innovation, BioGaia introduces the first-ever probiotic oil drops, particularly beneficial for infants and children.
A world leader within oral health probiotics, BioGaia launches the first probiotic Lactobacilli for Oral Health.
BioGaia establishes the Foundation to Prevent Antibiotic Resistance, supporting global efforts to combat antibiotic resistance through research and education.
BioGaia opens a cutting-edge research laboratory focused on further advancing the science of beneficial bacteria.
BioGaia opens a sustainable-certified research laboratory focused on next-generation probiotics, further advancing the science of beneficial bacteria.
BioGaia’s probiotic supplements are among the most extensively studied worldwide.
International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP)
BioGaia is proud to be a member of the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP), a global non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing the science of probiotics, prebiotics, and related topics. Since its founding in 2002, ISAPP has brought together leading scientific experts worldwide to help shape the way probiotics and prebiotics are studied and understood.
ISAPP is committed to ensuring that research in this field is conducted with the highest scientific integrity and transparency standards. By promoting rigorous scientific methods and clear, science-based communication, the organisation helps ensure that advancements in probiotics are grounded in reliable, trustworthy research.
At BioGaia, we share ISAPP’s dedication to upholding these principles and are proud to be part of an organisation that is shaping the future of probiotics for the benefit of all.
Foundation to Prevent Antibiotic Resistance (PAR)
In 2017, BioGaia established the Foundation to Prevent Antibiotic Resistance, also known as the PAR Foundation, to tackle one of the most pressing global health threats: antibiotic resistance. This independent foundation is dedicated to supporting research, education, and information initiatives aimed at preventing the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections.
Antibiotic resistance poses a significant risk to public health, potentially undermining modern medicine. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in healthcare, agriculture, and food production can turn common infections into severe, life-threatening conditions that are harder to treat. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), this growing issue demands urgent global action to preserve antibiotic effectiveness.
To address this challenge, BioGaia established the PAR Foundation, where our funding supports innovative research projects exploring new ways to combat antibiotic resistance and funds educational and awareness programs in Ecuador, Malaysia, and several African countries.
These efforts aim to enhance public understanding and implement effective measures to prevent resistance, ensuring that antibiotics remain a powerful tool for future generations.
BioGaia is a Swedish healthcare company that has been at the forefront of microbiome and probiotic research for more than 30 years.
At BioGaia, we are dedicated to pioneering the future of probiotics through cutting-edge research and innovation.
BioGaia’s probiotic supplements with L. reuteri are among the most extensively studied in the world.