Bio-Kult Review: Products, Pros, Cons, and More

Bio-Kult is a line of probiotic supplements developed by doctors, scientists, and nutritionists.

The brand’s products contain a unique formulation of multispecies, multistrain probiotics designed to help support bacterial balance in your intestines.

Probiotics are bacteria that promote a healthy gut balance and can provide numerous health benefits when consumed (1, 2).

Probiotic supplements have been linked to benefits such as improved digestive, brain, and immune health, reduced inflammation, and weight loss (3, 4).

Plus, specific strains are linked to different effects on health (2, 5).

As a result, there are many reasons why someone may choose to take a multistrain probiotic supplement like Bio-Kult.

Along with a general probiotic, Bio-Kult offers other probiotic products that are targeted toward specific areas of health, such as brain or urinary tract health.

These supplements often contain additional ingredients, such as vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, or fruit extracts.

All of Bio-Kult’s supplements are manufactured in a U.K.-based facility that adheres to the current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs).

Products also undergo in-house testing to guarantee stability and bacterial count for up to 2 years.

Unlike many other probiotics on the market, Bio-Kult’s capsules don’t have to be refrigerated because they have a special protective coating created during processing.

Bio-Kult products are marketed for people who are seeking an easy and effective way to support the health of their gut microbiome.

The company offers supplements formulated to support several aspects of health, including digestive issues, chronic migraine, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), and yeast infections.

Additionally, Bio-Kult offers probiotic supplements for all ages, including Bio-Kult Infantis, which can support digestive health in infants, toddlers, and young children.

Bio-Kult currently offers an original probiotic blend and seven other supplements.

The brand also offers Bio-Kult Boosted, which contains a more concentrated dose of the same probiotics found in its original probiotic blend, along with vitamin B12.

While the ingredients vary by product, all Bio-Kult supplements are non-GMO verified and free of gluten, eggs, nuts, and artificial colors and flavors.

In addition to their main ingredients, Bio-Kult capsules contain cellulose as a bulking agent, as well as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, a vegetable-based coating.

As with any supplement, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before adding any Bio-Kult products to your or your child’s routine.

Product overview

• Bio-Kult Original and Boosted
• Bio-Kult Infantis
• Bio-Kult Mind
• Bio-Kult Migréa
• Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan
• Bio-Kult Candéa
• Bio-Kult S. Boulardii

Bio-Kult Original

• Price: $–$$
• Intended use: general digestive health and immune function
• Best for: children and adults

Bio-Kult Original contains 14 strains of bacteria and is marketed as a multispecies, multistrain probiotic to promote overall gut and digestive health in kids and adults.

It has also been studied for its ability to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with regular use. However, the company that manufactures Bio-Kult products funded this study, and that may have affected the results (6).

Each capsule contains at least 2 billion colony-forming units (CFUs), a measurement of the number of live and active microorganisms per serving.

Bio-Kult Boosted is also available and contains 8 million CFUs per serving — with the same probiotic strains as the original blend — plus 2.5 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B12.

Bio-Kult Original and Bio-Kult Boosted contain the following probiotic strains:

• Bacillus subtilis PXN 21
• Bifidobacterium bifidum PXN 23
• Bifidobacterium breve PXN 25
• Bifidobacterium infantis PXN 27
• Bifidobacterium longum PXN 30
• Lactobacillus acidophilus PXN 35
• Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus PXN 39
• Lactobacillus casei PXN 37
• Lactobacillus plantarum PXN 47
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus PXN 54
• Lactobacillus helveticus PXN 45
• Lactobacillus salivarius PXN 57
• Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis PXN 63
• Streptococcus thermophilus PXN 66

Bio-Kult Original and Bio-Kult Boosted can also be used alongside antibiotics to help maintain or restore gut bacteria balance, as well as prior to and during travel to protect against traveler’s diarrhea.

Bio-Kult Boosted is a bit more pricey and is currently available in only a 30-count package.

Shop for Bio-Kult Original online.

Shop for Bio-Kult Boosted online.

Bio-Kult Infantis

• Price: $$
• Intended use: immune health and digestive support
• Best for: infants, toddlers, and young children

Bio-Kult Infantis is formulated to support the digestive and immune systems of infants, toddlers, and young children. Rather than capsules, the supplement comes in a powder form that can be mixed with water, milk, or food.

Each sachet contains 1 billion CFUs, 100 IU of vitamin D3, and more than 1 milligram (mg) of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), two types of omega-3 fatty acids.

Research suggests that probiotics may help reduce symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation that result from gastrointestinal-related conditions in infants and young children (7, 8, 9).

However, there’s currently insufficient evidence to recommend the routine use of probiotic supplements in healthy infants or young children for general health (9).

Because research in infants and kids is generally limited, it’s important to talk with your pediatrician before giving your child Bio-Kult Infantis.

Additionally, because this supplement contains fish-derived DHA and EPA powder, it is unsuitable for vegetarians or kids with fish allergies.

Shop for Bio-Kult Infantis online.

Bio-Kult Mind

• Price: $$
• Intended use: digestive health and brain function
• Best for: adults

Bio-Kult Mind is designed to support both digestive and brain health.

Ongoing research suggests a link between brain health and the gut microbiome.

While more research is needed, early studies in humans have observed improvements in brain function in people with cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease who took probiotics (10, 11, 12).

Unlike other Bio-Kult products, Bio-Kult Mind contains only one strain of bacteria — Bacillus subtilis.

While research on Bacillus subtilis is currently limited to worm studies, it’s being researched for its potential role in protecting against Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. However, these effects have not been confirmed in humans (13, 14).

In addition to 1 billion CFUs of Bacillus subtilis, each capsule provides 2 mg of zinc and 45 mg of grape and blueberry extracts.

Grapes and blueberries are known to be high in flavonoids, plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that have been linked to brain function benefits and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease (15, 16, 17, 18).

Still, the specific benefits of Bio-Kult Mind for brain health and brain-related diseases have not been studied.

Shop for Bio-Kult Mind online.

Bio-Kult Migréa

• Price: $$
• Intended use: relief from migraine and fatigue
• Best for: adults

Bio-Kult Migréa is marketed to help your gut and mind by reducing tiredness and fatigue. Customers also report taking it to help prevent migraine attacks.

The supplement contains the same 14 probiotic strains found in Bio-Kult Original, as well as the same number of microorganisms — 2 billion CFUs per capsule.

The main difference between the two supplements is that Bio-Kult Migréa also provides 90 mg of magnesium and 8 mg of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine).

Both magnesium and vitamin B6 play essential roles in energy metabolism. Plus, limited studies have found that magnesium supplements reduce fatigue in individuals with depression (19, 20, 21).

Still, no research has shown that taking either nutrient in supplement form improves energy levels in healthy individuals.

Nevertheless, the supplement may benefit those who regularly experience migraine attacks. Both magnesium supplements and Bio-Kult Original have been linked to helping reduce the onset and severity of migraine attacks (22, 23, 24).

In a study in 79 adults with episodic or chronic migraine, taking 2 capsules of Bio-Kult Original daily for 8–10 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of migraine attacks compared with a placebo (24).

While the study didn’t use Bio-Kult Migréa specifically, it may have the same beneficial effects.

Overall, while Bio-Kult Migréa may not result in noticeable improvements in energy levels, it could help those who experience frequent migraine attacks.

Shop for Bio-Kult Migréa online.

Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan

• Price: $–$$
• Intended use: UTI prevention and digestive health
• Best for: women with recurrent UTIs

Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan is marketed to women as a way to support digestive health and prevent UTIs.

Each capsule contains 500 million CFUs, which include a mixture of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum, as well as 18 mg of cranberry extract proanthocyanidins and 160 mcg of vitamin A.

Lactobacilli species and cranberry extract have both been linked to helping prevent recurrent UTIs in women (25, 26).

Additionally, Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan specifically has been shown to be effective for this purpose (27).

One study in 81 women with recurrent UTIs found that taking Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan twice per day for 26 weeks resulted in significantly fewer recurrent UTIs than taking a placebo (27).

Furthermore, those taking the probiotic were less likely to need an antibiotic and experienced shorter UTI durations (27).

However, note that ADM Protexin International Ltd, the company that manufactures Bio-Kult products, funded the above study, which may have affected the results.

Shop for Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan online.

Bio-Kult Candéa

• Price: $$
• Intended use: vaginal flora balance
• Best for: women

Bio-Kult Candéa contains seven unique strains of probiotics, as well as grapefruit and garlic extracts, to help protect against fungal infections caused by yeast, such as Candida and vaginal yeast infections.

It also claims to help support a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina, which may help prevent conditions like bacterial vaginosis (28).

Lactobacilli species specifically have shown promise in helping treat and possibly prevent bacterial vaginosis, as well as Candida and yeast infections (29, 30, 31).

However, Bio-Kult Candéa hasn’t been studied for its effectiveness in preventing these infections.

Still, given that it contains several strains of probiotics that have been shown to have promising effects, including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, it may be beneficial for those looking to treat or protect against these types of infections.

Shop for Bio-Kult Candéa online.

Bio-Kult S. Boulardii

• Price: $$
• Intended use: immune function and digestive support
• Best for: children and adults

Bio-Kult S. Boulardii is a supplement that aims to help support the health of the immune system and digestive tract.

It contains 500 mg of live yeast microorganisms in each 2-capsule serving, along with 6 mcg of vitamin D3 and a prebiotic blend.

Some research shows that vitamin D may play a key role in immune function and that a deficiency could be linked to a higher risk of certain autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases (32, 33).

Saccharomyces boulardii, the specific probiotic strain featured in this formulation, has also been studied for its potential immune-boosting and antimicrobial properties (34).

However, keep in mind that there is no research on the effectiveness or possible benefits of Bio-Kult S. Boulardii specifically.

Shop for Bio-Kult S. Boulardii online.

Consumers may wonder whether Bio-Kult probiotics are effective for managing symptoms of IBS, aiding in weight loss, and supporting general aspects of digestive health.

IBS

Probiotics are often helpful for people who have IBS, a common digestive disorder associated with altered bowel movements and frequent abdominal discomfort and bloating.

Although probiotics can’t cure IBS, they may help reduce its symptoms (6).

For treatment purposes, IBS is often divided into three categories based on whether an individual primarily experiences diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both. These types are referred to as (35):

• IBS diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D)
• IBS constipation-predominant (IBS-C)
• IBS mixed type (IBS-M)

Probiotics have been suggested as a way to help reduce symptoms associated with all types of IBS, including diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain (35).

Research is mixed on whether single-strain or multistrain probiotics are more effective for reducing IBS symptoms. However, early research suggests that Bio-Kult’s 14-strain original supplement may be a good option (6, 36, 37, 38, 39).

In a study in 400 adults with IBS-D, taking Bio-Kult Original daily for 16 weeks reduced severe abdominal pain by 69%. It also significantly improved bowel movement frequency and quality of life scores (6).

Furthermore, the number of participants who rated their symptoms as moderate to severe decreased from 100% to 14% after 5 months (6).

Note that the company that manufactures Bio-Kult products funded this study, and that may have affected the study results.

Overall, Bio-Kult Original appears to be a promising way to reduce symptoms in those with IBS-D. However, it’s unclear whether those with IBS-C or IBS-M will experience the same degree of relief.

Digestive health

There’s ongoing research on the potential benefits of probiotics for digestive health (40).

Probiotics — particularly Lactobacillus rhamnosus — have been found to help reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea when taken alongside a course of antibiotics (41, 42).

Additionally, probiotics are popular among those who plan to travel, as research has shown that certain strains of probiotics are effective against traveler’s diarrhea (43, 44).

One review of 12 studies found Saccharomyces boulardii, which is not present in Bio-Kult Original, to be particularly effective against traveler’s diarrhea (44).

The review also found a potential link between Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus, which are found in Bio-Kult Original, and a reduced risk of the traveler’s diarrhea. However, the effect was not statistically significant (44).

Probiotics may also help reduce symptoms of other digestive disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease and Helicobacter pylori infections. Still, more research in humans and on specific strains of probiotics is needed (45, 46, 47, 48).

Overall, Bio-Kult Original may benefit general digestive health. Furthermore, it contains specific probiotic species that may protect against antibiotic-associated diarrhea and traveler’s diarrhea.

However, the effectiveness of its specific probiotic formulation for these uses has not been studied.

Weight loss

Animal studies have found that probiotics promote weight loss. However, research in humans is inconsistent and limited to mostly small, short-duration studies (49, 50).

Some studies have observed increased weight loss and reduced waist circumference and body fat percentage with daily probiotic use, while others have found no significant benefits (4, 51, 52, 53).

Bio-Kult Original contains several strains of bacteria that have been linked to benefits for weight loss, including Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus plantarum (51, 54).

However, it’s unclear whether taking probiotics with these strains or others will support your weight loss efforts.

What’s more, no research currently exists to support the specific effectiveness of Bio-Kult supplements for weight or fat loss.

Bio-Kult — a trademark of parent company Protexin Healthcare — is known for producing high quality probiotic supplements that are safe and effective.

In fact, the company regularly collaborates with universities and research institutes and has been studied in a handful of clinical trials.

Though Bio-Kult products are not tested by an independent lab, they are manufactured in CGMP-certified facilities and tested in-house to ensure safety, strength, and quality.

At the time of publishing, Bio-Kult holds a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot based on 102 customer reviews.

Many reviewers report feeling satisfied with the effectiveness of the products, and some note that they have experienced improvements in regularity and digestive health.

Conversely, some less favorable reviews mention issues with shipping or delivery, as well as technical issues on the website.

Probiotics are generally well tolerated and considered safe for most people. Bio-Kult specifically hasn’t been linked to any serious side effects (6, 27, 55).

However, probiotic supplements are not necessary or appropriate for everyone. For example, those with compromised immune systems should not take Bio-Kult, as probiotics could result in dangerous infections (55).

There’s also a growing concern that probiotic use could lead to negative effects on digestive health, including bacterial overgrowth, as well as antibiotic resistance. Therefore, you should use probiotic supplements only while under the supervision of a trusted healthcare professional (55, 56).

Some digestive side effects, such as bloating and mild abdominal pain, may occur in the first few days of taking probiotics.

While Bio-Kult products are free of gluten, nuts, and eggs, they contain milk and soy. Therefore, these supplements are unsuitable for those with milk or soy allergies.

Bio-Kult is not lactose-free, but it contains several strains of probiotics that have been shown to aid the digestion of lactose. As such, some individuals with lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate these supplements (57).

With the exception of Bio-Kult Infantis, which contains fish, the rest of the company’s supplements are vegetarian but not vegan-friendly.

It’s always best to check with a healthcare professional before taking any of Bio-Kult’s supplements.

There are many probiotic brands to choose from. Here’s a quick look at how Bio-Kult compares to some of its main competitors:

What are the benefits of taking Bio-Kult?

Each supplement from Bio-Kult is formulated to provide a different set of health benefits or address specific issues, such as migraine headaches, recurring UTIs, and yeast infections.

However, some products have stronger research to support their potential benefits than others.

Does Bio-Kult cause constipation?

Probiotic supplements, including Bio-Kult, can cause constipation in some people. However, this typically subsides within a few weeks of starting supplementation (58).

What are the signs you need probiotics?

Probiotics may be beneficial if you have any digestive issues, such as IBS. Some probiotic supplements have also been shown to help with recurrent UTIs and chronic migraine (6, 24, 27).

If you have any of these health issues, you can consult a healthcare professional to determine whether probiotics may be beneficial.

How long should you take probiotics?

Though some probiotics are intended to be taken for short periods to treat issues such as diarrhea, other supplements are designed for daily use.

However, because there is limited research on the long-term safety and effectiveness of probiotics, it’s best to work with a healthcare professional to determine whether and how long you should take probiotics (59).

Bio-Kult is a supplement brand that offers a variety of probiotic blends to support overall gut health. In particular, Bio-Kult products have been shown to be beneficial for those with IBS, recurrent UTIs, and chronic migraine.

Additionally, as they don’t need to be refrigerated, Bio-Kult supplements are a good option when traveling.

However, there’s a lack of evidence on their role in aiding weight loss, energy levels, or brain health. Furthermore, it’s unclear whether healthy infants and young children would benefit from taking Bio-Kult probiotics regularly.

As most people don’t need to take a probiotic, it’s best to discuss these supplements with a healthcare professional before adding them to your wellness routine.