Growing up, bacteria is something we’re taught to avoid at all costs. It explains why we shower daily, clean our homes regularly, wash our hands frequently, and follow the ‘five-second rule.’
What many people don’t realize is that our bodies actually contain trillions of bacteria. There’s more bacteria in your body than there are cells, with the majority residing in your gut. Despite our desire to avoid bacteria, it’s impossible—researchers estimate the average human body contains around 40 trillion bacteria. In a healthy body, 85% of that bacteria is considered ‘good bacteria’ while 15% is ‘bad bacteria.’ Disruption of this balance—too much or too little of either type—is cause for concern.
For those with excess bad bacteria or insufficient good bacteria, doctors often recommend probiotics. These specialized supplements help restore bacterial balance, working toward that optimal 85-15 equilibrium.
Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic is one such supplement. The question is: is it truly worth adding to your routine? Let’s examine this probiotic supplement to see if it lives up to its reputation in this comprehensive review.
What Is Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic?
Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic is a probiotic supplement from Phillips’ Daily Care, a Bayer-owned company. It’s formulated to boost immune function and enhance digestive health, featuring a 4-in-1 symptom defense against gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
This supplement promises 1.5 billion CFU’s at expiration. CFU’s (colony-forming units) measure bacterial count. While many probiotic companies promise around 1 billion CFU’s, the actual amount you receive can vary.
Since probiotics are live microorganisms, there’s no guarantee they’re all viable when consumed. That’s why purchasing a quality probiotic supplement and adhering to storage instructions—especially expiration dates—is crucial.
Check Out Our TOP RATED Probiotic Our team has reviewed hundreds of popular supplements - this is our favorite probiotic supplement.Click here to learn morePhillips’ Colon Health Probiotic excludes soy, gluten, dairy, and GMOs from their capsules, making them suitable for most individuals. You can find it in most grocery and department stores with pharmacy sections, ensuring wide accessibility.
With over 12 years on the market, Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic has refined their formula, which contains three distinct probiotic species: Lactobacillus gasseri KS-13, Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1, and Bifidobacterium longum MM-2.
Why Do Our Bodies Need Probiotics?
Earlier, we discussed how our bodies contain both beneficial and harmful bacteria. Ideally, our bodies maintain a healthy balance of 85% good bacteria and 15% bad bacteria. Unfortunately, this balance isn’t always achieved.
When harmful bacteria proliferate, digestive issues and autoimmune problems increase. Eventually, bad bacteria flourish in your body—primarily in your gut—leading to numerous health concerns.
Probiotics are crucial because they restore this balance. Since beneficial bacteria combat harmful bacteria, probiotics return your body to the equilibrium necessary for optimal performance.
Probiotics also prove helpful when individuals require antibiotic treatment. While antibiotics target harmful bacteria, they also eliminate beneficial bacteria. Taking probiotics alongside antibiotics helps eliminate bad bacteria while replenishing good bacteria.
Are Probiotics The Same As Prebiotics?
Probiotics and prebiotics are distinct supplements that work synergistically. We know probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria) essential for a healthy body and gut. We also understand antibiotics kill bacteria, but what are prebiotics?
Think of prebiotics as fuel that probiotics consume while functioning in the body. Since probiotics are living microorganisms, they require nourishment to survive. When you combine prebiotics with probiotics, it maximizes your probiotic supplement’s effectiveness.
Note that probiotics don’t require prebiotics to function. However, prebiotics enhance probiotic effectiveness. If you’re considering adding a quality prebiotic to your regimen, worthwhile options include PrebioThrive, Performance Lab Prebiotic, and Dr. Tobias Prebiotics.
Are There Different Species Of Probiotics?
We now understand the distinctions between probiotics, prebiotics, and antibiotics, plus their importance and interactions. However, there’s more complexity because multiple probiotic types exist.
Hundreds of different probiotic species inhabit the gut, and researchers believe thousands exist throughout the entire body. Each species offers unique characteristics. Fortunately, most supplements today focus on two primary types: bifidobacteria and lactobacillus.
Bifidobacteria produces both lactic acid and acetic acid as metabolic fermentation byproducts. For every glucose molecule, this species generates 2.5 ATP molecules (energy), 1.5 acetate molecules, and 1 lactate molecule. It cannot survive in oxygen’s presence.
Bifidobacteria is renowned for digestive benefits and infection-fighting capabilities.
Lactobacillus produces only lactic acid. For every glucose molecule, this species generates 2 ATP molecules (energy) and 2 lactate molecules. It can survive in oxygen’s presence.
Lactobacillus is celebrated for strengthening intestinal lining and improving gut health.
The Claims For Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic
Like most supplements, Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic makes various product claims. As we examine the ingredient list, we’ll determine their validity, but first, let’s review these claims.
- Contains three different types of good bacteria from both bifidobacteria and lactobacillus species
- Replenishes good bacteria in the body, especially the gut
- Improves digestive system and colon health
- Protects your body against gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation
- Delivers 1.5 billion CFU’s of good bacteria at the time of expiry
- Free of gluten, soy, dairy, and GMOs
On the surface, Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic appears to be an effective probiotic supplement that enhances digestion in multiple ways. It primarily targets the gut and colon—hence the name. It’s also designed for daily use, potentially benefiting those with frequent symptoms.
Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic Ingredients
Now that we understand what Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic is and its intended bodily functions, let’s thoroughly examine the ingredients in each capsule. This represents the most crucial step when selecting a new supplement.
The ingredient label provides essential information for probiotic purchases. It reveals the bacterial species and types you’re consuming, expected dosages, and any additional ingredients.
While Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic contains no additional ingredients, let’s examine the three bacterial types in their formula: Lactobacillus gasseri KS-13, Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1, and Bifidobacterium longum MM-2.
Lactobacillus gasseri KS-13
Lactobacillus gasseri KS-13 has gained significant popularity recently. It naturally occurs in the genital, urinary, and digestive systems. Most current research suggests potential benefits for weight loss and obesity treatment, though ongoing studies are needed for full validation.
Some studies indicate this bacterial strain prevents body weight and fat accumulation while offering anti-inflammatory properties. It may also reduce bad cholesterol, total blood cholesterol, and triglycerides.
This strain is also available in Better Body Co Provitalize.
Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1
Bifidobacterium bifidum represents the most common probiotic throughout the body, likely explaining Phillips’ inclusion in their Colon Health formula. It helps the body resist harmful bacteria, maintains healthy bacterial balance, improves digestion, and strengthens immune function.
What makes Bifidobacterium bifidum exceptional in the gut is its ability to attach to intestinal cells. By occupying these cells, it prevents harmful bacteria from doing the same and causing damage. When no cells remain for bad bacteria to colonize, they simply pass through the gut harmlessly.
This bacterial strain also reduces allergy symptoms, enhances nutrient absorption, and provides anti-inflammatory properties.
Bifidobacterium longum MM-2
While less common, Bifidobacterium longum MM-2 is another highly popular probiotic found in numerous supplements today. It naturally resides in the gastrointestinal tract and offers various bodily benefits.
For instance, some studies demonstrate immune system improvements, while others suggest it helps modulate the intestinal environment. Like other strains, additional research is needed to fully substantiate these claims, though progress continues.
Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic Pricing
Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic resembles other probiotic supplements found in department stores like Target or Walmart. While it maintains a professional supplement appearance, it comes in similarly sized packaging with comparable front design.
The box front is predominantly purple with a human body outline background. Besides the supplement name, the company highlights the ‘4-in-1 symptom defense’ claim and emphasizes the once-daily dosage requirement.
The back label contains extensive information, showing the three probiotic strains and recommending one daily capsule with meals. While it specifies 1.5 billion cells per capsule, it doesn’t break down individual strain CFU amounts.
The label also notes potato starch, gelatin, and silicon dioxide usage. These capsule ingredients aid supplement delivery to the gut.
Each Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic box contains a 60-capsule bottle. You can find it at Target, Walmart, and other department stores with pharmacy sections. A 60-count bottle typically costs under $25, lasting two months at one capsule daily.
Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic Pros vs. Cons
By now, we’ve examined Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic comprehensively. We understand what it is, its intended purpose, and realistic expectations. Overall, it’s a solid probiotic that millions use regularly.
To provide a clear, straightforward breakdown of our assessment, let’s examine the pros and cons of Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic.
Pros
- Phillips’ company has over 150 years of experience in the industry
- Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic has been around since 2008
- Bifidobacterium longum helps reduce inflammation, cholesterol, allergies, and constipation
- Bifidobacterium bifidum helps ward off bad bacteria in the gut
- Lactobacillus gasseri improves the body’s immune system and digestive system
- Contains three different types of good bacteria from both bifidobacteria and lactobacillus species
- Replenishes good bacteria in the body, especially the gut
- Improves digestive system and colon health
- Protects your body against gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation
- Delivers 1.5 billion CFU’s of good bacteria at time of expiry
- Free of gluten, soy, dairy, and GMOs
- Not very expensive and easy to maintain
- Only need to take one capsule per day
Cons
- The 1.5 billion CFU is rather low compared to other formulas on the market
- This formula is rather outdated to some of the other options available today
- Doesn’t include Lactobacillus rhamnosus or Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Doesn’t include Bifidobacterium lactis
- Doesn’t include prebiotics, such as Inulin
Claims vs. Reality
Earlier in this review, we examined various claims Phillips’ makes about their Colon Health formula. After thorough analysis, this supplement offers considerable advantages compared to other probiotics.
For example, Align Probiotic contains only one probiotic strain (Bifidobacterium longum)—versus the three in Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic. Since both are typically found in the same stores and online retailers, Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic clearly provides better value.
While the formula supports these claims, it doesn’t guarantee results. The supplement hasn’t received FDA evaluation, despite extensive research on these strains. It’s a well-constructed formula, but won’t work for everyone.
Additionally, other formulas utilize more diverse strain combinations. For instance, it would have been beneficial to see Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, or even Bifidobacterium lactis in this formula.
Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic Alternatives
While Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic surpasses some formulas like Align Probiotic, superior options exist—if you’re willing to invest more.
I wouldn’t consider Align Probiotic a true competitor, especially since it’s a single-strain formula costing over $60 for two months—compared to Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic’s $22 price point.
That said, several supplements give Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic strong competition. Let’s examine two favorites: Daily Care Probiotic and Seed Synbiotic Subscription.
Daily Care Probiotic
Like Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic and Align Probiotic, Daily Care Probiotic is available in most department stores. We favor this probiotic for its diverse strain selection—featuring 12 different strains total.
The Lactobacillus blend (7 billion CFU total) includes L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, L. bulgaricus, L. fermentum, L. helveticus, L. brevis, and L. reuteri. The Bifidobacterium blend (3 billion CFU total) contains B. breve, B. lactis, B. longum, B. bifidum, and B. infantis.
Daily Care Probiotic also includes 100mg of Inulin to provide prebiotics for the probiotics, ensuring your live microorganisms receive necessary nourishment for optimal performance. A two-month supply costs around $50, compared to Colon Health’s $22.
Seed Synbiotic Subscription
For a modern probiotic experience, Seed Synbiotic Subscription is ideal. As the name indicates, this formula contains both probiotics and prebiotics (synbiotic).
The formula features 24 different probiotic and prebiotic strains for maximum customer benefit. A one-month supply costs $50 through subscription service, ensuring continuous monthly deliveries.
Each capsule provides over 53 billion AFU. The capsules feature scientifically designed 2-in-1 delivery technology: the outer prebiotic capsule provides nourishment, while the inner probiotic capsule delivers live bacteria.
Final Verdict: Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic
In the competitive probiotic market, numerous companies claim to offer the best formula. Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic falls in the middle range—not the best available, but far from the worst.
For department store shoppers needing a probiotic, I recommend Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic (budget-friendly) or Daily Care Probiotic (higher budget). For a comprehensive probiotic experience, choose Seed Synbiotic Subscription.
Overall, Phillips’ Colon Health Probiotic is a solid choice. While it would benefit from prebiotics and more diverse strains, it should still support gut health effectively.
