Biocare Psyllium Intensive Probiotic Food Supplement

RRP: £11.50 for 100g

--What does the promo say?--
"Psyllium Intensive is a potent powder combining BioCare's proprietary LAB4 bacteria with psyllium husk fibre and fructooligosaccharides (FOS). Also includes Prune, Burdock and Rhubarb. Mixes easily with water to make a pleasant tasting drink. Contributes to intestinal transit, function and wellbeing, and helps to maintain a healthy bowel."

--Packaging--
A white plastic tub whose lid closes securely. Also comes with a blue plastic scoop to accurately measure the required amount.

--Usage--
Mix two teaspoons of the powder (around 10g) into 200ml water and drink this mixture once a day, with food.

--Appearance--
The grey-pink powder turns into an unappetisingly beige colour when mixed with water. Most unattractive.

--Smell--
Actually has no particular scent, which is a little disappointing, as given the presence of the rhubarb, burdock and prune, I'd thought it would be sweeter and fruitier.

--Taste--
This is actually reflected in the taste. It tastes of nothing at all really, which is rather off-putting given the texture (see below), as the lack of apparent flavour would be more bearable otherwise. 

--Texture--
The powder turns into a rather thick, almost gel-like, consistency upon contact with water, not entirely unlike a smoothie or milkshake. This means you almost have to chew it to get it down, leading to me adding the same amount of water again for a thinner, more drinkable liquid. Even then, it was still rather bitty and unpleasant to drink.

--Effects on the body--
Left me feeling a little bloated for 2-3 hours after consumption (meaning that at least it might be good for weight loss in the longer term, as you don't feel inclined to eat), and then later, both gassy and constipated. Brilliant :-/

--Value for money--
As far as I can tell this has little going for it. My digestive tract did not feel eased by consuming it, it tastes of nothing, and the texture is unpleasant. I might go as far as sprinkling some on my porridge or bircher muesli in the morning in the hope of seeing some of the alleged health benefits, but I don't feel optimistic and am more inclined to stick to Biocare's line of vitamin tablets instead.

perfect partners
BioAcidophilus Forte, £31.40 for 30 tablets
HepaGuard Forte, £18.30 for 60 tablets

Biotrue Rewetting Drops

RRP: £9.99 for 10ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Biotrue Rewetting Drops 10ml bottle are perfect for keeping eyes that are prone to dryness moist and protected throughout the day. Brought to you by Bausch & Lomb, who also produce Biotrue OneDay and Biotrue multipurpose solution, Biotrue Rewetting solution will help maintain moisture on your eyes. Throughout the day exposure to air-conditioning, digital screens and warm environments can increase evaporation from your contact lens. This leaves the eyes uncomfortable and irritated. Biotrue wetting eye drops help re-moisturise your contact lenses and also soothe irritated eyes. Biotrue Rewetting Drops are preservative free. This makes them the ideal eye drops for sensitive eyes. Plus, you can use these drops whilst your hard or soft contact lenses are in your eyes – without risking your vision or the quality of your contact lens. This helpful 10ml bottle can be used as often as needed throughout the day. Biotrue Rewetting drops contain 0.2% hydraulic acid - a natural tear lubricant. This keeps your eye hydrated in a way similar to tears. The product feels natural and gentle – even for those with the most sensitive eyes."

--Packaging--
It takes a while to work out that the blue handle-like appendage on the side of the bottle is actually used to dispense the drops into your eyes; additionally, this tends to jam occasionally. However, the appearance, size and non-leak properties of the bottle all get the general thumbs up.

--Application--
Tilt your head back and push down the dispensing handle to release 1-2 drops per eye. Easy as.

--Appearance--
The liquid is clear and no visible residue is left around the eye area.

--Scent--
Odourless - so should bother nobody who is picky about smells of products.

--Texture and consistency--
While quite liquidy, the solution stays in the eye, unlike some drops, which can run down into your throat later.

--Effects on the eyes--
Successful hydration of the eyes is achieved, and the solution can be comfortably used during the day whenever your eyes feel dry.

--Value for money--
This seems a lot of money on the face of it, but ultimately this is a high-quality product that would last a long time and is great for travel and home use to combat dry eyes.

perfect partners
One-Day Lenses, £16.98 for a box of 30
Multi-Purpose Contact Lens Solution, £12.29/300ml
Flight Pack, £6.49 for 2 x 60ml bottles
Rewetting Drops, £6.50 for 30 x 0.5ml vials
Eyelid Wipes, £7.00 for 20