What are live cultures? Your frequently asked questions, answered

Curious about live cultures and gut health? You’re not alone. With 68% of UK adults considering gut health to be essential to overall wellbeing, it’s no surprise there’s growing interest in the role of beneficial bacteria in supporting everything from digestion to mood. While the term “probiotics” appears frequently in scientific literature, current UK guidance prevents brands from using it in product claims. That’s why we refer to them as live cultures, and they are an important part of any gut health routine. Whether you’re looking to support your digestion or simply improve how you feel every day, we’ve compiled the latest evidence to answer your most common questions.

What are live cultures and how do they work?

Live cultures are beneficial bacteria that help support a healthy balance in your gut microbiome, the community of trillions of microbes that live in your digestive system. These friendly bacteria help keep your body functioning at its best by supporting digestion, immune health, and even the production of serotonin (your “happy hormone”). An unbalanced gut can lead to issues like bloating, fatigue, poor immunity, or even changes in mood. That’s where live cultures come in. Adding friendly bacteria to your routine may help rebalance the microbiome and improve overall health.

What are the benefits of live cultures?

Live cultures help restore the natural balance of gut bacteria, which has been linked to several key health benefits:

Support digestive health

Live cultures may be used to help reduce bloating and support regular digestion and research has even shown benefits for individuals with tricky digestive symptoms. In fact, the NHS has reported that at least 40% of adults experience digestive symptoms, so if this is you, you’re not alone.

Strengthen immune function

Roughly 70% of your immune system is located in your gut. A diverse gut microbiome may be linked to better resilience against infections, stronger immune responses, and faster recovery after illness. Biomel includes vitamins B6, D and calcium, which are proven to support the normal function of the immune system. Biomel also contains live cultures (which are not authorised health claims under UK regulations) but are included for those who choose to consume them as part of their gut health routine.

Support mood and emotional well-being

The gut-brain axis is a growing area of interest in nutrition science. Your gut is often called the “second brain” because it’s the only organ, aside from your brain, with its own nervous system. It also produces 95% of the body’s serotonin, a key neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation. Researchers now believe your gut may influence how you feel, which could explain those “gut feelings” or why nerves can show up in your stomach first.

How can I add live cultures to my routine?

To support your microbiome, consider including foods and drinks with live cultures in your everyday diet. These can include:

Fermented foods

Fermented foods are rich in naturally occurring live bacteria, created during the breakdown of sugars by yeast and microbes.

Common fermented foods include:

• Sauerkraut
• Yoghurt
• Kombucha
• Kefir
• Pickles
• Tempeh and miso

These foods often have a tangy taste and contain a range of microbial species that support gut balance.

Live culture supplements

Supplements containing live cultures are available in capsule or powder form. However, quality and effectiveness can vary between brands depending on the type and number of strains used. Always check the CFU count (colony forming units) and look for brands that offer robust testing.

Live culture drinks

Biomel is a convenient, vegan, dairy-free drink that contains added nutrients including B6, D, and calcium to support immune, digestive, and hormonal health. Biomel also contains live cultures (while live cultures are commonly researched in relation to gut health), they are not an authorised health claim, so are included for those who choose to consume them as part of their gut health routine.

When should I take live cultures?

There’s no strict rule; the most important thing is consistency. Taking live cultures regularly (once daily) is more beneficial than worrying about exact timing. Some research suggests more beneficial bacteria survive when taken before meals. However, a study found that live cultures had positive effects regardless of whether they were taken with or without food. Try adding Biomel to your morning smoothie, pouring it over cereal, or sipping it alongside breakfast for a simple, effective habit.

Tip: We love adding Biomel to overnight oats, blending it into a protein shake, or using it as a creamy base for breakfast bowls.

Do live cultures survive stomach acid?

Great question and an important one. The journey through the digestive tract is tough, and not all beneficial bacteria survive it. For live cultures to be effective, they need to reach the small intestine alive.

The survival rate of live cultures depends on several factors:

• The strain used
• The delivery method (e.g., capsule, drink)
• The presence of a protective coating to shield against stomach acid

Biomel contains spore-forming live cultures that are designed to survive the digestive process. We include them for consumers seeking a source of live cultures (though we make no health claims for these ingredients). Every batch of Biomel is rigorously tested to confirm the survival and viability of our live cultures.

Final takeaway

The science shows a healthy gut can play a key role in everything from digestion and immunity to mood and energy. Adding live cultures to your routine is a simple way to support your overall well-being.

Note: Live cultures are included in Biomel products for those choosing to consume them as part of a balanced lifestyle. No health claims are made for these cultures in accordance with UK regulations.

Trusted sources

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At Biomel, your well-being is our top priority. While we take great pride in our expertise in gut health and overall wellness, we understand that every gut is unique. The content we provide is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness, or replace the advice of your GP. We strongly encourage you to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any health concerns. Rest assured, we are here to support you throughout your journey, so you are never alone. Our in-house nutritionists will always be here to support you on your journey to optimal gut health.