When it comes to choosing the best probiotic supplements, the stakes are surprisingly high. The gut is a complex ecosystem, and ensuring it has the right balance of beneficial bacteria is crucial for everything from digestion to immune health. With a dizzying array of brands and formulas on the market, it's easy to feel lost among the promises of better health and improved digestion.
Many supplements can vary significantly in terms of potency and the strains of bacteria they contain, so we've teamed up with gut health expert Dr. Raghda Alraei, a Registered Dietitian, to navigate this bustling probiotic landscape. We will also showcase a selection of top-rated products from platforms like Amazon to guide your choices. Our comprehensive buying guide will equip you with all the necessary information, from understanding different strains to choosing the right supplement for your specific health needs.
Quick List - Top Probiotic Supplement
Physician's Choice
A High Strength Assortment of Probiotics and Prebiotics
Dr. Raghda Alraei, DCN, MS, RD, CDCES, is a Registered Dietitian, doctor of clinical nutrition, and Adjunct Assistant Professor at Brooklyn College, City University of New York, with over 17 years of experience in the field of nutrition and a demonstrated history of working in clinical nutrition and higher education industry. Skilled in diabetes care and education, medical nutrition therapy, nutrition education, clinical research, wellness coaching, and disease prevention. Strong education professional with a Doctorate focused in Clinical Nutrition from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-Newark, a master's degree in nutrition sciences, and a background in biology and biochemistry. Raghda is passionate about the role of nutrition in health and wellness and is eager to learn new findings in this dynamic and evolving field and share that knowledge with others.
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Table of Contents
Probiotic supplements have shown significant benefits in enhancing gut health, primarily depending on the strain and quantity of bacteria present. These tested strains have been particularly effective in improving digestive issues, including reducing antibiotic-associated diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and lactose intolerance.
Beyond digestive health, probiotics also offer benefits for the immune system, skin, and urinary and vaginal health. For example, some strains have been shown to help prevent and manage antibiotic-induced diarrhea and eczema in children. Similarly, others are beneficial for managing IBS symptoms.
Probiotics can generally benefit people with digestive issues, but some strains can also help manage other health conditions.
Specific strains of probiotics can significantly benefit people with digestive issues like IBS, constipation, and diarrhea. Conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and lactose intolerance also respond well to probiotic supplementation. These beneficial bacteria can help restore and maintain a healthy gut flora, easing discomfort and improving overall digestive health.
Women and men alike can use probiotics to support vaginal and prostate health. Breastfeeding women may find relief from certain products. Infants and children benefit from probiotics for preventing and managing diarrhea, colic, eczema, and common infections, ensuring their developing systems are well-supported.
Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best probiotic supplements for a healthy gut.
Consumers can check third-party organizations like the NSF and ISAPP that review probiotic products to find a reliable option.
Since supplements are not regulated by the FDA, its important to ensure the products have certifications or have been evaluated by third-party research, such as the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) and ISAAP (International Serviced Accommodation Accreditation Process). This verification can provide assurance of the product’s quality and efficacy.
Additionally, before making a purchase, you can make sure to refer to resources like the Clinical Guide to Probiotics Products Available in the USA. This guide lists brand names, probiotic strains, dosages, and specific conditions, covering probiotics for adults, infants, children, and women's health. Ensuring these details can help make an informed choice when selecting probiotic supplements.
The dosage depends on many factors, but most research shows in general doses for children range from 5 - 10 Billion CFU, and adult doses range from 10 - 20 CFU.
For effectiveness, a probiotic should generally contain at least 10 billion CFUs. This ensures a sufficient amount of beneficial bacteria to positively impact gut health. However, the ideal dosage can vary depending on the specific strain, age group, and condition being treated.
In infants, doses ranging from 0.5 billion to 6 billion CFUs can treat conditions like necrotizing enterocolitis and colic. For children, 10 billion CFUs are effective for managing diarrhea. In adults, doses range from 1 billion CFUs to 20 billion CFUs. Always check the specific dosage guidelines for each product to ensure optimal results.
The human body hosts over 500 species of microorganisms, totaling around 38 trillion, and taking multi-strain probiotics can enhance gut and immune health, ensuring a balanced and diverse microbiome.
Several Lactobacillus strains have shown beneficial results for vaginal health, including L. rhamnosus LbV 96, L. crispatus LbV 88, and L. reuteri RC-14.
Some probiotics are specifically formulated for women to bolster the immune system and promote healthy vaginal flora. Lactobacillus acidophilus has been shown to be effective in this regard, supporting vaginal health and maintaining a balanced microbiome.
Other beneficial Lactobacillus strains for vaginal health include L. rhamnosus LbV 96, L. crispatus LbV 88, L. jensenii LbV 116, L. gasseri LbV 150N, L. reuteri RC-14, and L. rhamnosus GR-1. These strains work synergistically to enhance vaginal health, providing comprehensive support for women. Checking for products targeted towards women from trusted brands can help you find these strains.
While research is limited, there are several probiotic strains that can have a positive impact on prostate health.
Probiotics formulated for men provide key benefits, including support for prostate health. While a healthy mix of strains is best for most people, certain products target prostate health with specific strains.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus and other Lactobacillus strains have been shown to be particularly effective in reducing inflammation and maintaining a healthy prostate in combination with certain Bifocaterium strains. Collectively, these stains can contribute to supporting a healthy prostate in older men.
Different strains are proven to help in different ways. Be sure to choose products that contain probiotics that will address your needs whether it be for digestion or meeting your health goals.
Targeted products containing certain Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains can be effective for specific health conditions such as IBS and diarrhea.
Many people turn to probiotics for digestive issues, and a healthy mix of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria can be particularly beneficial. However, there are many well-researched products that contain specific strains known to help with particular issues. For IBS, Bifidobacterium longum 35624 is effective. For diarrhea, strains like L. rhamnosus GG and L. reuteri DSM 17938 are recommended.
These strains have been shown to relieve symptoms and improve gut health. Bifidobacterium lactis has proven beneficial for constipation. Checking reputable sources and specific strain efficacy can help you select the right probiotic for your digestive needs.
According to research on weight loss, several strains of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, paired with lifestyle modifications, have the potential to help reduce body weight.
Probiotics can potentially support weight management. Certain strains, such as Lactobacillus gasseri, show effectiveness when combined with healthy lifestyle choices. Research has highlighted this strain's role in aiding weight loss.
Additionally, a systematic review found that several probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium breve, may help reduce body weight when used alongside lifestyle modifications. While more research is needed, these findings suggest that probiotics can be a valuable component of a weight management plan.
In addition to checking the ingredient list does not contain dairy, milk sugars, lactose, or gelatin, vegan certification is an important indicator.
Not all supplements are vegan, so it's essential to search for products with official vegan certification. Additionally, check the ingredient list to ensure the product is free from dairy, milk sugars, lactose, and gelatin. This helps confirm the product is truly vegan.
Important strains for vegans to look for include Lactobacillus rhamnosus, L. acidophilus, L. casei, Bifidobacterium breve, and Saccharomyces boulardii. These strains offer various health benefits while adhering to a vegan lifestyle, ensuring both efficacy and dietary compatibility.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CFUs | Strains | Form | Servings per Container | Dosage | Specifications | |||||
1 | Physician's Choice Physician's Choice|60 Billion Probiotic | ![]() | A High Strength Assortment of Probiotics and Prebiotics | 60 Billion | 10 | Capsules | 30 | Take one capsule daily. | Non-GMO, Gluten-free | |
2 | Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics|Once Daily Women's | ![]() | Nourish Your Gut, Empower Your Health | 50 Billion | 16 | Capsules | 30 | Take one capsule daily. May be taken with or without food. | Non-GMO, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Soy-free, Dairy-free | |
3 | Culturelle Culturelle|Pro Strength Digestive Daily Probiotics | ![]() | An Extra-Strength Single Strain | 12 Billion | 1 | Capsules | 60 | Take one capsule daily. When traveling, take two capsules daily (one in the morning and one at night) before and during the trip. During antibiotic use, take one capsule daily and continue for 10 days after completion of antibiotics. | Non-GMO, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Soy-free, Dairy-free | |
4 | NewRhythm Probiotics 50 Billion CFU 20 Strains | ![]() | 50 Billion CFUs of 20 Strains | 50 Billion | 20 | Capsules | 30 | Take two capsules daily. For intensive use, take two capsules twice daily. | Non-GMO, Vegetarian, Gluten-free | |
5 | Unilever OLLY Vitamins & Supplements.|Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic Gummy | ![]() | Probiotic and Prebiotic Gummies for Gut and Immune Support | 500 Million | 1 + Prebiotic Fiber | Gummies | 30 | Chew one gummy daily. | Gluten-free | |
6 | BioCodex Florastor|Daily Probiotic Supplement | ![]() | Strengthening Digestive and Immune Health Naturally | unknown | 1 | Capsules | 50 | Take two capsules 1-2 times daily. | Non-GMO, Vegetarian, Gluten-free | |
7 | Amazon.com Amazon Basics|Prebiotic & Probiotic Gummies | ![]() | Probiotic and Prebiotic Gummies for Daily Gut Health Support | 2 Billion | 1 | Gummies | 25 | Chew two gummies daily. | Vegetarian, Gluten-free | |
8 | Nature’s Bounty Nature’s Bounty Acidophilus Probiotic | ![]() | Nurturing Your Gut Health Naturally | 100 Million | 1 | Tablets | 120 | Take one tablet daily. | Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Soy-free, Dairy-free | |
9 | Align Align|24/7 Digestive Support*§ Probiotic Supplement | ![]() | A Supplement Containing Only Bifidobacterium Infantus | 1 Billion | 1 | Capsules | 63 | Take one capsule daily. | Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Soy-free | |
10 | Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics|Prostate+ | ![]() | Targeted Support for a Healthy Prostate and More | 50 Billion | 15 | Capsules | 30 | Take two capsules daily. May be taken with or without food. | Non-GMO, Gluten-free, Soy-free, Dairy-free |
CFUs | 60 Billion |
---|---|
Strains | 10 |
Form | Capsules |
This is a high-potency probiotic containing 10 different strains (including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) and prebiotics in a time-release capsule. As the name implies, it includes six times our recommended per-serving dose of CFUs. Many customers have reported improved digestion, reduced bloating, and a stronger immune system (becoming sick less often and with less severity).
CFUs | 50 Billion |
---|---|
Strains | 16 |
Form | Capsules |
Garden of Life's Dr. Formulated Probiotics Once Daily Women's is tailored to meet women's specific digestive and immune needs. With 50 billion CFU and 16 diverse probiotic strains in each capsule, including clinically studied strains like L. reuteri and L. fermentum, this supplement provides comprehensive support.
Additionally, this formula includes a whole food prebiotic fiber blend to nourish the growth of beneficial bacteria. With a focus on supporting vaginal health, this probiotic helps maintain a healthy balance of gut flora and pH levels, which is crucial for immune system function, digestive health, and overall well-being.
CFUs | 12 Billion |
---|---|
Strains | 1 |
Form | Capsules |
This supplement features a single probiotic strain (12 billion CFUs of Lactobacillus rhamnosus) specifically chosen for its digestive health benefits. Culturelle claims they referenced “over 1000 scientific studies” when selecting their probiotic strain. Customers have reported relief from common digestive issues like bloating, gas, and constipation. Some users have mentioned that the blister packaging makes it more convenient to bring these pills when traveling.
CFUs | 50 Billion |
---|---|
Strains | 20 |
Form | Capsules |
This supplement from NewRhythm combines 50 billion CFUs of probiotics and prebiotics to support gut health and overall well-being. The probiotic strains used are focused on different varieties of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Customers appreciate the convenient, stomach-acid-resistant capsule form and the noticeable improvement in digestion and energy levels that they provide.
CFUs | 500 Million |
---|---|
Strains | 1 + Prebiotic Fiber |
Form | Gummies |
OLLY Probiotic + Prebiotic gummies contain Bacillus coagulans, a resilient strain of probiotics that can support digestive health and immune function. Combined with prebiotic fiber, these gummies help nourish the good bacteria in your gut, promoting better digestion and overall gut balance.
With no artificial flavors or colors, these peach-flavored gummies are gluten-free and easy to incorporate into your daily routine. They offer a convenient, chewable option for individuals who prefer not to take capsules or powders, making them a popular choice for both gut health and immune support.
CFUs | unknown |
---|---|
Strains | 1 |
Form | Capsules |
Florastor's Daily Probiotic Supplement offers dual-action support for digestive and immune health. This probiotic supplement contains 250mg of the exclusive probiotic strain Saccharomyces boulardii, which has been extensively researched for over 65 years.
It helps strengthen digestive support by flushing out bad bacteria and promoting the growth of good bacteria. By breaking down carbs and sugars, Florastor improves digestion and supports immune health. These easy-to-take capsules are suitable for both men and women and can be taken at the same time as antibiotics, making them a convenient choice for maintaining gut health.
CFUs | 2 Billion |
---|---|
Strains | 1 |
Form | Gummies |
Amazon Basics Prebiotic & Probiotic Gummies combine chicory fiber prebiotics with 2 billion CFU of probiotics per serving to support both gut health and digestion. The chicory fiber feeds beneficial bacteria, while the probiotics help maintain a balanced microbiome. The combination of these ingredients may help ease digestive discomfort and promote regularity.
These gummies are vegetarian, gluten-free, and blue raspberry-flavored, making them a simple and tasty option for daily gut health support. They are also pectin-based, which can be beneficial for those who prefer plant-based ingredients.
CFUs | 100 Million |
---|---|
Strains | 1 |
Form | Tablets |
Acidophilus Probiotic from Nature’s Bounty is formulated to support both digestive and immune health by providing friendly bacteria. Each tablet contains 100 million active Lactobacillus Acidophilus cultures, which are guaranteed through expiration. This probiotic strain is naturally found in the intestinal tract, making it a beneficial addition to your daily routine.
To help maintain a healthy gut flora balance, simply take one tablet daily, preferably with a meal. This supplement is also gluten-free, dairy-free, and wheat-free, making it suitable for vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions.
CFUs | 1 Billion |
---|---|
Strains | 1 |
Form | Capsules |
This proprietary single-strain probiotic from Align focuses on digestive health. Customers often report relief from digestive issues like bloating, gas, and constipation. However, some users find the price point a bit high for a supplement containing a two-month supply of pills containing only 1 billion CFUs per serving.
CFUs | 50 Billion |
---|---|
Strains | 15 |
Form | Capsules |
Garden of Life's Dr. Formulated Probiotics Prostate+ is a comprehensive supplement designed to support prostate, digestive, and immune health. With 50 billion CFU, 15 probiotic strains, 500mg of organic cranberry, 440mg of organic prebiotic fiber, and 1,000 IU of Vitamin D3, this formula provides targeted support in just two capsules a day.
Backed by science, Prostate+ includes B. animalis subsp. lactis and other clinically studied ingredients to promote lower urinary tract and prostate health as men age. The inclusion of organic cranberry, prebiotics, and Vitamin D3 further enhances its effectiveness. This doctor-formulated supplement offers a holistic approach to men's health, supporting overall well-being.
Adding fermented foods to your diet can provide valuable probiotics that promote a healthy gut microbiome.
Foods like kefir, miso, sauerkraut, kombucha, yogurt, kimchi, tempeh, pickles, and natto are excellent sources of probiotics. These fermented foods naturally contain beneficial microorganisms that support gut health, making them a valuable addition to any diet.
Additionally, fermented vegetables, dry fermented sausage, aged cheese that is not pasteurized, and raw apple cider vinegar also provide live beneficial microorganisms. Incorporating these foods into your diet can enhance gut health and provide a variety of probiotic strains to support overall well-being.
Prebiotics are indigestible fibers that help good bacteria grow in your gut. Foods like garlic, chicory root, onions, bananas, whole oats, and apples are excellent sources of prebiotics. These fibers promote a healthy gut microbiome by feeding beneficial bacteria.
Other good sources of prebiotics include Jerusalem artichoke, soybeans, leafy greens, and berries. Prebiotics are also added to high-fiber bread and cereals. Consuming at least 5 grams of prebiotics daily is recommended for optimal gut health. Combining prebiotic-rich foods with probiotics, such as yogurt with bananas or fermented vegetables, can enhance gut health even further.
No. 1: Physician's Choice|Physician's Choice|60 Billion Probiotic
No. 2: Garden of Life|Dr. Formulated Probiotics|Once Daily Women's
No. 3: Culturelle|Culturelle|Pro Strength Digestive Daily Probiotics
No. 4: NewRhythm|Probiotics 50 Billion CFU 20 Strains
No. 5: Unilever|OLLY Vitamins & Supplements.|Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic Gummy
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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