A Winning Combination: Prebiotic Fiber and Probiotic Bacteria Team Up for Digestive Health

MORRISTOWN, N.J., June 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The more than 70 million Americans who suffer from occasional digestive upsets can now take extra comfort in a convenient, two-in-one probiotic plus fiber supplement that potentially alleviates the need for multiple products and steps to relief.  Phillips'™ Colon Health® Probiotic + Fiber, the newest addition to Bayer Consumer Care's popular digestive health line, uses an innovative approach by combining its proprietary blend of three probiotic strains with the prebiotic fiber Inulin to help nourish good bacteria in the digestive system and naturally defend against occasional constipation and irregularity issues.

According to a recent survey, 81 percent of people who currently use digestive relief products would rather help avoid occasional constipation than treat it.  The special combination of probiotics and prebiotic fiber in Phillips' Colon Health Probiotic + Fiber works together to help defend against occasional constipation and promote colon health in two steps:

• Step 1:  Inulin is a soluble prebiotic fiber that not only supports regularity but also supports the growth of good bacteria in the intestines
• Step 2:  The proprietary 3-strain blend of probiotics, or good bacteria, in Phillips' Colon Health (Lactobacillus gasseri, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium longum), forms an advanced digestive health formula, which helps to promote the colon's natural balance

Taking Care of the Colon

There are billions of bacteria living in the digestive tract at all times and without them we would not be able to stay alive; however, not everyone knows that imbalances between "good" and "bad" bacteria in the intestines are often the source of digestive upsets.

"The colon is at the heart of the digestive system, and keeping it balanced is essential to good digestive and overall health," explains Dr. Anish Sheth, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine.  "More often than not, undesirable digestive issues occur when the number of 'good' bacteria is depleted by poor diet or stress.  Many of my patients are surprised to learn that prevention can be as simple as taking a daily probiotic."

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are similar to the good bacteria already inside the body.  Available mainly through food and dietary supplements, probiotics can restore intestinal balance by significantly boosting the number of beneficial bacteria.  Studies have also shown that probiotics may stimulate the immune system and help with overall health.

Prebiotic Fiber: An Added Benefit

In addition to probiotics, medical professionals like Dr. Sheth emphasize the role special fibers called prebiotics play in supporting proper digestive health.

"Because it does not get digested, fiber adds bulk to the stool and supports regularity; however, not all fibers are prebiotic fibers.  The prebiotic Inulin has the additional benefit of serving as 'food for probiotics,' helping them grow and work more effectively," said Dr. Sheth.  "Probiotic supplements containing prebiotic fiber are an innovative option because they combine two key components for digestive health. This could be especially helpful for people who suffer from occasional irregularity."  

About Phillips' Colon Health Probiotic + Fiber

Phillips' Colon Health Probiotic + Fiber is a once-daily probiotic supplement that provides the added benefit of a prebiotic fiber to replenish good bacteria and help restore the digestive system's natural balance.  While most probiotic supplements contain only one strain of bacteria, Phillips' Colon Health Probiotic + Fiber is formulated with three strains of the most common and studied bacteria, each supporting a different area of the digestive tract.  These bacteria have played a role in the body's digestive and immune system since birth:  

• Lactobacillus gasseri: To support nutrient absorption and lactose digestion.

• Bifidobacterium bifidum: To help guard against intestinal disturbances.

• Bifidobacterium longum: To support digestive and immune health.  These bacteria help naturally defend against occasional digestive upsets.

Inulin, the 100% natural prebiotic fiber in Phillips' Colon Health Probiotic + Fiber, nourishes and supports growth of the proprietary blend of three strains of bacteria to help them grow and defend against occasional diarrhea, constipation, gas and bloating.  Phillips' Colon Health Probiotic + Fiber is a flavor-free, grit-free powder that can be added to most beverages and foods without changing their texture.

Phillips' Colon Health Probiotic + Fiber can be found nationwide in drug, grocery and mass retailers in the Digestive Health section with the other probiotics.  The new product is currently available.  For more information, visit www.phillipsrelief.com.

Phillips' has been a trusted name in colon health for more than 125 years. In addition to Phillips' Colon Health, the brand also offers a full line of stimulant-free, cramp-free laxatives that work more naturally with the body. That's because they use magnesium, which is also found in food – for gentle, effective relief.

About Bayer Consumer Care

The Consumer Care division of Bayer HealthCare LLC, is headquartered in Morristown, N.J. It is among the largest marketers of over-the-counter medications and nutritional supplements in the world. Some of the most trusted and recognizable brands in the world today come from the Bayer portfolio of products. These include Bayer® Aspirin, Aleve®, Alka-Seltzer Plus®, Bactine®, Citracal®, RID®, Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia, Midol®, Alka-Seltzer®, One A Day®, One A Day® Women's Prenatal and Flintstones™ vitamins.  

SOURCE Bayer Consumer Care