BioGaia Protectis Baby Probiotic Drops – 5 mL

What is BioGaia Protectis Baby Probiotic Drops and who is it for?

BioGaia Protectis Baby Drops are an oil-based infant probiotic formulation designed for newborns and babies from birth onwards. Each 5-drop daily dose delivers a minimum of 100 million live Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 cells suspended in sunflower oil. This product is specifically formulated for parents seeking a gentle, research-backed probiotic option during the critical early months of infant development, particularly for babies experiencing occasional digestive discomfort or colic-related fussiness.

Why choose this specific formulation?

Not all infant probiotics are formulated equally, and delivery method matters significantly during the first months of life. BioGaia Protectis Baby Drops utilise an oil-based suspension rather than powder or capsule formats, which is crucial because infants lack the enzymatic capacity to efficiently break down and absorb nutrients from solid or powder-based supplements. The oil vehicle allows L. reuteri DSM 17938 to bypass unnecessary digestive processing and reach the lower intestine where colonisation occurs.

Additionally, this strain was specifically isolated from human breast milk and has been studied in vulnerable populations including preterm infants, demonstrating an exceptional safety profile across multiple decades of research.

How does it work?

Think of your baby’s emerging microbiome as a newly planted garden. During birth and the first weeks of life, beneficial bacteria begin colonising the infant gut, but this process is fragile and easily disrupted. L. reuteri DSM 17938 acts as an early microbial pioneer, establishing a stable presence that influences how the entire ecosystem develops.

Establishes temporary colonisation: Unlike probiotics that simply transit through the digestive system, L. reuteri DSM 17938 is specifically adapted to temporarily colonise the infant gut lining. While it does not remain permanently and requires daily replenishment, it actively interacts with the developing microbiome during the critical window when microbial patterns are being established. This temporary but consistent presence shapes the trajectory of lifelong microbial diversity.

Produces reuterin as a natural regulator: Once established in the lower intestine, this strain produces reuterin, a naturally occurring antimicrobial compound that helps regulate the growth of less beneficial bacteria without disrupting the development of other beneficial species like Bifidobacteria. This selective action is particularly important in infants, where aggressive antimicrobial activity could prevent the establishment of a diverse microbiome.

Supports intestinal barrier maturation: The intestinal lining in infants is still developing its tight junction architecture and protective mucus layer. L. reuteri DSM 17938 influences the expression of tight junction proteins and supports mucus layer thickness, helping establish the selective barrier function that prevents unwanted substances from crossing into systemic circulation while allowing nutrient absorption. This barrier-supporting action is especially relevant during the transition from exclusive milk feeding to solid foods.

Modulates early immune programming: Approximately 70% of immune tissue resides in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). During infancy, this system is learning to distinguish between beneficial commensal bacteria, harmless food antigens, and genuine threats. L. reuteri DSM 17938 helps support balanced immune responses by promoting anti-inflammatory signalling pathways while reducing excessive pro-inflammatory activation, essentially training the infant immune system toward tolerance rather than reactivity.

What can this support?

This formulation provides nutritional support for:

Occasional infant colic and fussiness: Research demonstrates that L. reuteri DSM 17938 may help reduce crying time and fussiness associated with digestive discomfort during the first months of life, particularly when used consistently from an early age.

Microbiome establishment after birth: All infants benefit from early microbial seeding. Daily use from birth supports the natural colonisation process, particularly important for babies born via caesarean section who miss the initial maternal microbial transfer.

Recovery from antibiotic exposure: When infants require antibiotics for bacterial infections, these medications disrupt the developing microbiome. Starting L. reuteri DSM 17938 during antibiotic treatment (separated by at least 2 hours) and continuing for several weeks afterward helps restore beneficial flora and supports microbiome resilience.

Support for exclusively breastfed infants: Since L. reuteri DSM 17938 is naturally present in breast milk, supplementing with this strain supports the natural microbial ecosystem that breastfeeding establishes, particularly valuable when breastfeeding is interrupted or supplemented with formula.

Digestive comfort during feeding transitions: Whether transitioning from exclusive breast milk to formula supplementation, or later from milk to solid foods, L. reuteri DSM 17938 supports stable digestive function during these microbial shifts.

Early immune system development: By supporting healthy gut barrier function and balanced immune signalling during the critical first year, this probiotic contributes to the foundational immune programming that influences lifelong resilience to common childhood challenges.

Common questions

Is this safe from birth?
Yes, BioGaia Protectis Baby Drops are suitable from birth. L. reuteri DSM 17938 has been studied extensively in vulnerable populations including preterm infants and demonstrates an excellent safety profile across decades of research. However, the manufacturer does not recommend use in preterm infants, so consult your healthcare practitioner if your baby was born prematurely.

How do I administer the drops?
Shake the bottle well for 10 seconds before each use to ensure even distribution of bacteria throughout the oil. Dispense 5 drops onto the breast, into expressed breast milk, into lukewarm (not hot) formula, or onto a sterile spoon. Do not add drops to hot liquids or feed directly from the bottle into the baby’s mouth, as heat can reduce bacterial viability.

Can I use this if my baby is on antibiotics?
Yes, and this is actually an ideal time to use it. Separate doses by at least 2 hours so the antibiotic does not reduce probiotic viability. Continue use for several weeks after antibiotic treatment concludes to support microbiome recovery.

How long should my baby take this?
L. reuteri DSM 17938 does not permanently colonise, so consistent daily use provides ongoing support. Many families use it continuously during the first 12 months, then reassess based on their baby’s digestive comfort and development. It is safe for long-term use and can be continued as long as needed.

Does it need to be refrigerated?
No, BioGaia Protectis Baby Drops are shelf-stable and do not require refrigeration. Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C with the bottle tightly closed. This makes it ideal for travel, daycare, and the unpredictable schedules of early parenthood.

Is this suitable for formula-fed babies?
Yes, absolutely. The drops can be mixed into formula (at lukewarm temperature) just as easily as breast milk. The benefit of L. reuteri DSM 17938 is independent of feeding method, though the specific microbial ecosystem will differ between exclusively breastfed and formula-fed infants.

Key Features

• 100 million CFU of L. reuteri DSM 17938 per 5-drop daily dose
• Oil-based suspension formulated specifically for infant digestion
• Naturally isolated from human breast milk
• Safe from birth, including preterm and vulnerable populations
• Shelf-stable, no refrigeration required
• Works with breast milk, formula, or can be dispensed on a spoon

Suggested Use

Administer 5 drops once daily. Shake the bottle well for 10 seconds before each use. Dispense drops onto the breast, into expressed breast milk, into lukewarm formula, or onto a sterile spoon. Do not add to hot liquids or feed directly from the bottle. Use consistently every day for optimal support. Suitable from birth. If using during antibiotic treatment, separate doses by at least 2 hours.

Ingredients (per 5-drop serving)

• Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (L. reuteri Protectis®) – minimum 100 million CFU
• Sunflower oil
• Mono- and diglycerides (emulsifier)

5 mL bottle (approximately 30-day supply at recommended dose)
Free from: Gluten, lactose, milk protein, artificial colours, artificial flavours
Non-GMO

These statements have not been evaluated by the TGA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.