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Best Probiotic Supplements: Do They Work, Safe To Use, and Effective?

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that may benefit a person's health. Some people prefer Probiotic Supplements over foods, but Erica Mesirov, MS notes that Probiotic foods are a better choice. Let's move forward and explore more about probiotics.

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Updated: 2023, Jun 1
Disclosure: Every product is independently selected by our editors. Things you buy through our links may earn Health Insiders a commission. Learn more about our review process here.
Best Probiotic Supplements

The best probiotic supplements of 2023 that help you maintain a healthy gut - Health Insiders

The Research

There’s a lot of buzzes these days about probiotics. It seems we’re all lacking in these healthy bacteria.

So more of them can only be a good thing.

But is there any value in taking a supplement?

Well, the answer isn’t so easy.

But First, What are Probiotics?

“Probiotics are a mix of live bacteria and yeast that live naturally in your body. But, these bacteria are beneficial, “friendly bacteria,” says Ariana Fiorita, a registered dietician nutritionist at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine.

Probiotics are a form of bacteria that benefits your digestive system. There are two types of bacteria in our gut: the good kind and the bad kind. Everybody has both. But the balance of the two is what makes the difference.

Think of the kid’s game ‘cops and robbers’. Some of the bacteria are good guys. And some are bad guys. So the more of the good guys you have, the more they’re able to destroy the bad guys. And the good guys are what we call probiotics. A Study has also presented a document regarding ISAPP’s consensus meeting on the appropriate use and scope of the term “probiotic”.

What You Should Know About CFU in Probiotics

In probiotics, the CFUs are the number of viable bacteria in the probiotic supplement. CFUs are typically measured per milliliter or per gram. A supplement with 5 billion CFUs means it contains 5 billion probiotic bacteria strains. Are high-billion-count probiotics better that those with lower CFU? Not really, this is somewhat of a myth and marketing strategy that brands use as a selling point to attract customers.

Who Benefits The Most From Probiotic Supplements?

The people who benefit the most from probiotic supplements are those who have too many of the robbers – aka ‘the bad bacteria”. When there aren’t enough of the good guys, the bad guys run rampant through your digestive system.

How do you know you have too many bad bacteria?

Well, there are a few significant risk factors of which you want to be aware. These increase your risk of a bacterial imbalance.

If you’ve taken multiple rounds of antibiotics in your lifetime, you’re at increased risk. This is also the case for women who’ve taken long-term hormonal birth control. And if you’ve eaten a standard Western processed and high-sugar diet, you may also have too many bad guys.

What Foods are Good Sources of Probiotics?

“Probiotics thrive when an individual consumes adequate prebiotic-rich foods within a diverse diet,” says Ariana Fiorita, RDN.

Probiotics can be found in more than just supplements. They can be found in natural whole foods.

What foods are good sources of probiotics?

That would be any fermented food. Things like miso, kombucha, kimchi, kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, and tempeh. ISRN Nutrition has also cited the beneficial properties of Probiotics focusing on those available in food.

There’s a current trend for food manufacturers to supplement other types of food with beneficial probiotics bacteria. So you’ll now see probiotics in foods that never had before like ice cream and sports bars. These foods have been enriched with probiotics.

But is getting these healthy bacteria from food enough? Or is taking it in pill form better?[1] Well that really depends on the number of beneficial bacteria your digestive system needs.

Beneficial Bacteria in Probiotic Supplements

Probiotic supplements offer beneficial bacteria in the billions. So a low-dose probiotic may offer one or two billion CFUs. A high-dose supplement can offer something like 50, 60, or 70 billion.

Let’s compare that to what you find in fermented foods.[2]

A cup of sauerkraut will contain a few billion CFUs. The same goes for yogurt and miso. You get the idea. We’re dealing with a relatively small dose, which is excellent for people who already have a healthy gut.

But what if you need more?

If you’ve spent good amounts of time on medications, especially antibiotics, the chance goes up that you have a significant bacteria imbalance and you need a higher dose. And this is when a probiotic supplement can be useful.

We usually get bacterial imbalances from unnatural situations: things like high dose medications, high-sugar diets, and lots of stress. So finding everything you need just from whole foods might not work in this situation. This is when a supplement may be the answer.

How We Choose The Best Probiotic Supplements

Our team of experts works hard and is always transparent about the facts of the supplements and why certain supplements are recommended by us. We provide all the reports and information about supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science. We place a high value on certain product attributes such as product ingredients, product benefits, as well as research studies and customer reviews to narrow down the best probiotic supplements.

Overview of Our Best Pick of Probiotic Products

  • Best Multi Strain Probiotic: Advanced Restorative Probiotic
  • Best Weight Loss Probiotic: Nucific Bio-X4
  • Best Probiotic for Good Gut Bacteria: VitaPost Probiotic Support
  • Best Digestive Probiotics: 24 Strain Probiotic
  • Best Probiotics for Immune Health: Perfect Biotics
  • Best Daily Probiotic Supplement: Gut Balance
  • Best Plant-Based Probiotic: Nucific Probiotic Complex
  • Best Probiotic Blends: 1MD Complete Probiotic Platinum
  • Best Pre and Probiotic Supplements: Unbloat
  • Best for Overall Health: Yourbiology Gut+
  • Best Probiotic for Men: Biotics 8
  • Best Probiotic for General Health: Florastor Daily Probiotic Supplement
  • Best Probiotic for Overall Wellness: Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic
  • Best Nutritional Probiotic: Align Probiotic Extra Strength
  • Best Probiotic for Gut Health: HUM Gut Instinct
  • Best Probiotic for Women: Dr. Formulated Probiotics
  • Best Over The Counter Probiotics: Ritual Synbiotic+

How Do You Know If You Would Benefit From Probiotic Supplements?

Checking with your doctor or alternative healthcare provider is an excellent place to start. They can help you assess whether this would be a good option. And if you’ve had long-standing symptoms, you can always experiment with a supplement and see if it helps make things better.

Just make sure not to self-diagnose if you’re experiencing new symptoms. Many of the symptoms I listed as possible indications of a bacterial imbalance have a multitude of causes. And while most of them are innocent, occasionally the onset of one of these symptoms could indicate something more serious. That’s why you want to see a doctor first.

So do you need to take a probiotic supplement? And do you need to take vitamins with probiotic supplements?

Now you know that the answer depends on you. If you haven’t already start paying attention to your body’s signs and signals. And that will help you know whether supplementing with beneficial bacteria might be the answer.

When it comes to CFUs in probiotics, quality overrides quantity. The strains that can reach the gut alive are superior to those that can’t. So instead of going for the product with the super-high billions count, consider the probiotic strain quality. However, we do not mean that you should ignore the billions count altogether. In fact, the best probiotic supplements should have an average of 1 to 10 billion CFUs.

Probiotics with extremely high CFU count may have a negative impact on the digestive tract and users may experience stomach upset. Alternatively, the bacteria may be flushed out of the system without benefiting the digestive tract.

Best Probiotic Supplements of 2023

Advanced Restorative Probiotic

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Best Multi Strain Probiotic

Advanced Restorative Probiotic (30 strain probiotic) is an organic supplement that supports digestive health and provide gut with a huge number of good bacteria.

Quick Facts & Specs

  • Form:Pills
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Strengthens the immune functioning, provides healthy gut bacteria
  • Brand:ActivatedYou
  • Active Ingredients:Lactobacillus Casei, Lactobacillus Brevi, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Lactobacillus Infantis, Lactobacillus Fermentum
  • Price:$69.99*

Advanced Restorative Probiotic Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It could provide your gut with healthy bacteria
  • It may provide you with added energy and elevate the mood
  • The product strengthens your immune functioning

Cons

  • The product may be quite expensive
  • It may lead to some mild digestive symptoms in the first few days
Lactobacillus Casei microorganism is healthy bacteria that can flourish in the digestive system. An article in Frontiers in Microbiology, examined the history and benefits of Casei and its effects on human health.
Lactobacillus Brevis is a type of bacteria which produces lactic acid. A study published in Food Sciences of Animal Resources found that this strain has potent probiotic properties.

How to Use:
One capsule daily, with a full glass of water and a meal.

Nucific Bio X4

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Best Weight Loss Probiotic

Bio-X4 is a probiotic-based nutritional supplement that claims to control appetite, boost metabolism and improves digestive health.

Quick Facts & Specs

  • Form:Capsule
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Promote gut health and some weight loss.
  • Brand:Nucific
  • Active Ingredients:Probiotic Blend, Digestive Enzyme Blend, Weight Management Blend, Craving Control Blend
  • Price:$99.00*

Nucific Bio X4 Pros & Cons

Pros

  • This product is likely to promote gut health and some weight loss
  • It helps ensure smoother, more comfortable digestion
  • It helps boost metabolism and energy levels

Cons

  • Mild stomach pain and nausea may occur
The probiotic blend is a mixture of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. A study in the EPMA Journal states that probiotics belonging to Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains have been used for their health benefits in the treatment and prevention of many pathological conditions and in promoting human health.
Weight Management Blend contains green tea extract that is 50% epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a highly potent antioxidant naturally found in green tea. A study in the International Journal of Obesity found that green tea leads to weight loss.

How to Use:
Take 1 capsule 3 times per day with meals.

VitaPost Probiotic Support

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Best Probiotic for Good Gut Bacteria

VitaPost Probiotic Support is made with a high-tech blend of beneficial bacteria that support healthy digestion and digestive flora.

Quick Facts & Specs

  • Form:Pills
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Supports the immune system and healthy digestive functioning, maintains levels of good bacteria
  • Brand:VitaPost
  • Active Ingredients:Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Bifidobacterium Lactis, Lactobacillus Paracasei
  • Price:$34.95*

Probiotic Support Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Supports balanced gut flora
  • It may maintain healthy skin
  • It replenishes good bacteria

Cons

  • The product may not be a vegetarian product
  • There may be some uncommon allergens
Lactobacillus Acidophilus is an intestinal bacteria that helps provide healthy bacteria that supports its overall wellness and balances the bad bacteria. An article in Journal of Clinical Pathology, examined the mechanisms and clinical effectiveness of lactobacilli.
Lactobacillus Plantarum is a useful bacterium that helps to eliminate bloating, cramping, and other stomach issues. A review study in the Journal of Microbiology provides that it is a non-gas-producing lactic acid bacterium with numerous benefits on brain health, gut health, and metabolic health.

How to Use:
Take one capsule during the day and one capsule in the evening; i.e twice a day with food.

24 Strain Probiotic

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Best Digestive Probiotics

24 Strain Probiotic is the most potent probiotic supplement and a combination of 24 unique probiotic strains each designed to help manage and maintain digestive balance and encourage the “good bugs” in the system to thrive.

Quick Facts & Specs

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Supports smoother and regular digestion, eases gas and bloating
  • Brand:GundryMD
  • Active Ingredients:Bifidobacterium lactis, Saccharomyces Boulardii, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
  • Price:$65.95*

24 Strain Probiotic Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It improved energy levels and focus
  • The product supports a balanced, more nourished digestive system
  • Protects healthy probiotic bacteria

Cons

  • Supplement may be on the expensive side
  • The product has got mixed reviews
Bifidobacterium lactis is a good bacteria present in the large intestines of humans. Clinical studies proclaim that it plays a beneficial role of maintaining intestinal barrier function during gastrointestinal infections.
Saccharomyces Boulardii is a highly beneficial yeast-type probiotic. A review study in the Journal of Microbiology has been linked to a huge number of digestive benefits, especially when it comes to maintaining a regular, comfortable digestive system.

How to Use:
Take 1 capsule once daily, in the morning, with water.

Perfect Biotics

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Best Probiotics for Immune Health

Probiotic America Perfect Biotics is scientifically formulated to help bring you closer to gut bacteria equilibrium and helps you experience increased energy, improved metabolism, better digestion, and many benefits of a healthy digestive tract.

Quick Facts & Specs

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Supports digestive and immune health
  • Brand:Probiotic America
  • Active Ingredients:Bifidobacterium Bifidum, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium longum
  • Price:$69.95*

Perfect Biotics Pros & Cons

Pros

  • The supplement relieves gas, fatigue, bloating, or indigestion
  • It may restore a healthy balance to the gut.
  • Boosts metabolism and energy

Cons

  • It may take 3-4 weeks to see the results
  • The shelf life of the product may be one year from the date of manufacture
Bifidobacterium bifidum is the most abundant bacteria of the human gut. The studies say that it supports the immune system and alleviates inflammatory activities associated with certain gut dysfunctions
Saccharomyces Boulardii is a bacteria resides in intestinal tract. The studies in Frontiers in Microbiology show that it prevents harmful bacteria from growing.

How to Use:
One capsule per day with water, preferably with your first meal of the day.

Gut Balance

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Best Daily Probiotic Supplement

Gut Balance is premium digestive balance support formula that adds four potent types of prebiotic fiber directly into the digestive tract to nourish and strengthen the good gut bacteria.

Quick Facts & Specs

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Supports regular digestion, boosts energy and mood, nourishes the gut and digestive tract
  • Brand:Activated You
  • Active Ingredients:Acacia Fiber, Flaxseed, Oat Bran, Larch Arabinogalactan Fiber
  • Price:$49.95*

Gut Balance Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Maintains the balance of good to bad gut bacteria in the gut
  • Supports regular bowel movements
  • It may ehance overall health

Cons

  • It may take some time to work
  • Individual results can and will vary
Flaxseed helps to improve digestion. According to a research study by the Nutrients journal, flaxseed supplementation had an effect on microbial environment in the digestive tract. Other studies in the journal claimed that flaxseed increased the abundance of Bifidobacterium.
Acacia firber is a highly soluble fiber that is used to regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels. A clinical trial in the Nutrients journal observed the benefits of acacia fiber supplementation and found that it improved gut health. It was also found to reduce cholesterol and uric acid concentration.

How to Use:
Take four capsules each day; two in the morning, two at night; with a full glass of water.

Nucific Probiotic Complex

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Best Plant-Based Probiotic

Nucific Probiotic Complex is an advanced probiotic formulation and supplies with 15 most effective probiotic strains that help with smoother digestion, improved energy levels, and relief from unhealthy cravings.

Quick Facts & Specs

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Supports smoother digestion, promotes weight management, helps reduce gas & bloating
  • Brand:Activated You
  • Active Ingredients:Bifidobacterium breve, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Bifidum, Bifidobacterium infantis
  • Price:$45*

Probiotic Complex Pros & Cons

Pros

  • The supplement provides weight management support
  • Improves energy levels and focus
  • It may not contain unnatural additives

Cons

  • It may take some time to work
  • It may interact with some common medications
Bifidobacterium Infantis is a friendly strain of bacteria. The research in National Library of Medicine has shown to be working effective for gut and digestive functioning.
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus most widely used probiotic strains. According to the clinical trial and researchit works on gastro-intestinal infections and diarrhea, and stimulates immune responses and even prevent certain allergic symptoms in the gut.

How to Use:
One pill everyday with a full glass of water with before or during the first meal of your day.

1MD Complete Probiotic Platinum

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Best Probiotic Blends

1MD Complete Probiotic Platinum supplies the digestive tract with 51 billion CFUs. These probiotic strains reach the stomach alive, providing the intestines with a diverse microbiota colony.

Quick Facts & Specs

  • Form:Pill
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Prevents gas, indigestion, and bloating; inhibits toxins from entering the blood
  • Brand:1MD Nutrition
  • Active Ingredients:Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, NutraFlora prebiotic fiber
  • Price:$40.99*

1MD Complete Probiotic Platinum Pros & Cons

Pros

  • May provide gastrointestinal lining support
  • May improve nutrient digestion and absorption
  • May be safe for sensitive users as it is free from dairy, peanut, wheat, and shellfish

Cons

  • May cause unpleasant digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and stomach upset
Lactobacillus species, in this formula, there are 7 strains of Lactobacillus species. These probiotics may improve gastrointestinal function. A research study in the journal of BioMed Research International found that Lactobacillus species have the ability to change the population of gut microbiota and their functioning. Additionally, these probiotics are suitable for treatment in various diseases.
Bifidobacterium species microbes that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract. They are categorized as healthy bacteria since they have health benefits on their host. Bifidobacteria naturally occur in the animal gastrointestinal tract. According to a review study in the journal of Frontiers in Microbiology, bifidobacteria have health-promoting properties. These probiotic strains are incorporated as active ingredients in many functional foods.

How to Use:
Take 1 capsule on an empty stomach or between meals. Users with sensitivity concerns can take with a light meal.

Unbloat

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Best Pre and Probiotic Supplements

Unbloat is an all-natural dietary supplement aimed at improving digestive health, and specifically at decreasing bloating and related symptoms like gas, diarrhea, and stomach upset.

Quick Facts & Specs

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Digestive Health Supplement
  • Benefit:Improves digestive health, decreases bloating, promotes regular bowel movements
  • Brand:Unbloat
  • Active Ingredients:Probiotics, prebiotics, turmeric root, peppermint Leaf, fennel seed, inulin, folate, magnesium
  • Price:$64.99*

Unbloat Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It can promote improved digestive health.
  • The supplement may decrease symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea
  • It may lead to weight loss

Cons

  • The results may differ somewhat for different customers.
  • The product is only for sale online
Turmeric is highly anti-inflammatory, and it decreases swelling in the gut for better digestive health. An article World Journal of Gastroenterology explored the therapeutic potential of curcumin in digestive diseases.
Fennel Seed is a plant high in fiber, which promotes healthier digestion and may ease bloating and other GI symptoms. A study in African Journal of Biological Sciences found that this strain has potent probiotic properties.

How to Use:
Take two pills daily within 30 minutes of a large meal.

Yourbiology Gut+

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Best Probiotic for Overall Health

Yourbiology Gut+ is a supplement purports to reduce stress, boost digestion and excretion, support weight loss, increase energy levels and mental clarity, and strengthen immunity, and promotes overall gut health.

Quick Facts & Specs

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Improves digestion, boosts energy and focus, strengthens immunity, improves skin health
  • Brand:Yourbiology
  • Active Ingredients:Lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus plantarum, fructooligosaccharide, MAKTrek Marine polysaccharide complex
  • Price:$119.99*

Yourbiology Gut+ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It could improve healthy digestion of food in the gut
  • Supports regular bowel movements
  • The product eliminates gut health issues such as bloating

Cons

  • It may require long-term use for effective results
  • The gut issues may return once one stops using the supplement
Marine polysaccharide complex ingredient derived from brown seaweed extract. The research studies indicate that seaweeds can modulate intestinal metabolism, inhibit pathogen adhesion and evasion, and can treat inflammatory bowel disease.
Fructooligosaccharide are carbohydrates found naturally in plants. According to the studies fructooligosaccharides have positive effects on growth performance, intestinal microbiota, gut morphology, and immunological parameters.

How to Use:
Take 2 capsules with a glass of water first thing in the morning.

Biotics 8

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Best Probiotic for Men

Biotics 8 combines the perfect combination of probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, fiber, and vitamin D to help support men’s overall gut health and well-being.

Quick Facts & Specs

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Helps breakdown food, improves digestive health, strengthens the immune system, boosts energy levels
  • Brand:Bauer formulas
  • Active Ingredients:Oat straw extract, L-Tyrosine, Bacopa monnieri extract, L-theanine, Resveratrol
  • Price:$119.99*

Biotics 8 Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It helps reduce stomach gas and bloating
  • Improves mental focus and concentration
  • It helps restore a balance of bacteria in the gut

Cons

  • it is only designed for men
  • Individual results may vary since people are different
L-Tyrosine is a popular ingredient in many dietary supplements since it produces brain chemicals that help improve mood. According to the studies tyrosine supplementation helps improve mood, improve sleep, boost cognitive functions, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Bacopa Monnieri extract is an herb used in traditional medicine because of its amazing health benefits. The Hindawi journal evaluates the efficiency of bacopa monnieri extract in enhancing memory functions in healthy adults.

How to Use:
Take two capsules on the daily basis.

Florastor Daily Probiotic Supplement

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Best Probiotic for General Health

Florastor Daily Probiotic Supplement is made with the Saccharomyces Boulardii CNCM I-745; key ingredient; that helps increase the natural flora in your digestive tract and supports overall health by strengthening your digestive balance and supporting a healthy immune system.

Quick Facts & Specs

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Provides immune support, digestive health support, detoxing
  • Brand:Florastor
  • Active Ingredients:Saccharomyces Boulardii CNCM I-745
  • Price:$62*

Florastor Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It may maintain healthy balance of intestinal bacteria
  • The supplement could help with the absorption of nutrients and increase digestive enzymes

Cons

  • It may interact with other medications
  • Many effective and key ingredients are missing
  • In some cases, allergic reaction (such as skin rash) may occur

How to Use:
Take two capsules on the daily basis.

Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Best Probiotic for Overall Wellness

Culturelle probiotics are naturally sourced with scientifically proven ingredients to keep your digestive system in balance; helps reduce occasional gas, bloating and diarrhea.

Quick Facts & Specs

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Healthy digestive support, boosts immunity
  • Brand:Culturelle Probiotics
  • Active Ingredients:Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, inulin
  • Price:$40.94*

Culturelle Pros & Cons

Pros

  • The product may support digestion and immune defenses
  • It could minimize travel-associated digestive issues

Cons

  • Many side effects have come to light
  • The product is only available online for purchase
  • It may not have worked for many users

How to Use:
Take two capsules per day.

Align Probiotic Extra Strength

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Best for Nutritional Probiotic

Align Probiotic is formulated with the unique strain Bifidobacterium 35624 and naturally helps soothe occasional abdominal discomfort, gas, and bloating.

Quick Facts & Specs

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Helps build & supports healthy digestive system
  • Brand:Align
  • Active Ingredients:Bifidobacterium Longum
  • Price:$80*

Align Probiotic Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It could protect against occasional digestive upsets
  • It may help maintain normal and healthy bowel functioning

Cons

  • Many reviewers said the packaging was bulky
  • More ingredients should have been used
  • It contains the common food allergen; milk

How to Use:
One capsule every day.

HUM Gut Instinct

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Best Probiotic for Gut Health

HUM Gut Instinct is potent probiotic for balanced gut health contains 10 strains for a balanced gut microbiome and healthy digestion.

Quick Facts & Specs

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Promotes good digestion and boosts immunity, maintains a balanced gut microbiome
  • Brand:HUM
  • Active Ingredients:Lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacterium lactis, lactobacillus casei, strepto thermophilus,
  • Price:$28*

HUM Gut Instinct Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It can be consumed on an empty stomach
  • It nurtures the gut to support overall health

Cons

  • Many reviewers said the packaging was bulky
  • It may require refrigeration after opening
  • It contains the common food allergen; milk

How to Use:
Take one capsule, at any time, on an empty stomach.

Dr. Formulated Probiotics

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Best Probiotic for Women

Garden of life Dr. Formulated Probiotics is packed with 16 strains of friendly bacteria to support good digestion, boost your immune health, and support a healthy environment for vaginal flora.

Quick Facts & Specs

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Supports women’s health, immune and digestive health support, stomach health support
  • Brand:Garden of life Probiotics
  • Active Ingredients:Lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus plantarum, lactobacillus casei, bifidobacterium lactis, bifidobacterium bifidum, bifidobacterium breve

Dr. Formulated Probiotics Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Supports immune system and digestive health
  • It contains 16 probiotic strains

Cons

  • The product may only be designed for women
  • It may not be a verified vegan
  • It contains only a month’s worth of capsules

How to Use:
Take one capsule daily with or without food.

Ritual Synbiotic+

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Best Over The Counter Probiotics

Synbiotic+ is 3-in-1 clinically studied supplement containing prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotic to support a balanced gut microbiome.

Quick Facts & Specs

  • Form:Capsules
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Provides bloat support, strengthens the immune support, supports gut barrier function
  • Brand:Ritual
  • Active Ingredients:Lactobacillus rhamnosus, bifidobacterium animalis, PreforPro, Tributyrin
  • Price:$54*

Ritual Synbiotic+ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It may support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria
  • It help support immune health

Cons

  • Some users might experience minor bloating, gas, or stomach discomfort initially
  • Results probably will take at least a few weeks to develop
  • Some of the benefits may not be very noticeable

How to Use:
One capsule daily; morning or night.

CAUTION: “Do not take more than the suggested dosage under any circumstances.”

Are There Any Physical Clues That You Have An Imbalance?

It would be impossible to write down every possible symptom. And symptoms can often mean more than one thing. But some symptoms hint at the fact you may benefit from probiotic pills.

Here are a few of the symptoms you may experience when you have too many bad bacteria –

  • Diarrhea/Constipation
  • Gas/Bloating
  • Acid Reflux
  • Acne
  • Headaches
  • Brain Fog
  • Exhaustion

Probiotic Supplements – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What Are Probiotics Good For?
A: Probiotics are good bacteria that have multiple benefits including; improving digestive and immune systems, preventing and reducing digestive issues, and minimizing inflammation and allergies.

Q: What Do Probiotics Do?
A: Probiotics work to strike a healthy balance in the body. Harmful bacteria usually knock the body out of balance thus it is up to the good bacteria to restore this balance. Generally, probiotics improve digestion, keep bad bacteria levels in check, support the gut lining, and enhance nutrient absorption.

Q: Do Probiotics Make You Poop?
A: Yes, especially if you are constipated. While probiotics are not laxatives, they help soften stools and increase bowel movements.

Q: Are Probiotics Good For You?
A: Yes, probiotics are good bacteria that keep the body healthy and functioning properly.

Q: How Long Does it Take For Probiotics To Work?
A: On average, probiotics can take 2 to 3 weeks for results to be achieved.

Q: Can Probiotics Cause Diarrhea?
A: Yes, in the first days of consumption, probiotics may cause side effects such as diarrhea, flatulence, and bloating.

Q: Can Probiotics Cause Constipation?
A: Apparently, probiotics can also cause constipation in some users.

Q: Do Probiotics Help With Constipation?
A: Yes, probiotics may relieve constipation by increasing bowel movements.

Q: Can You Take Probiotics With Antibiotics?
A: Yes, but they should be taken a few hours apart. Probiotics are typically used to restore the gut bacteria balance after antibiotics.

Q: Do Probiotics Help You Lose Weight?
A: While probiotics cannot be used as weight loss supplements, they have a positive effect on weight loss. Some Lactobacillus strains are claimed to reduce body fat thus supporting weight loss.

Q: What is The Difference Between Prebiotics and Probiotics?
A: Probiotics are good bacteria strains that improve the digestive system environment. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are plant fibers that are used as food by probiotics.

Q: Can You Overdose On Probiotics?
A: Overdosing on probiotics may not necessarily cause death, but may cause adverse effects such as gas, bloating, and nausea.

Q: How Long Should You Take Probiotics?
A: Most probiotic brands suggest that users should use their products for at least a month to achieve results. Long-term use of probiotics may cause major issues.

Q: Do Probiotics Help With Acne?
A: Yes, Probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus as well as Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements can reduce acne by targeting factors that contribute to acne formation. These probiotic vitamins stimulate the production of ceramides to help restore healthy fats to benefit acne and minimize side effects.

Best Probiotics – The Conclusion

There you have it, these are the best probiotic supplements according to our research. All these good probiotics and gut health supplements work to improve gut health and immune health after consistent use. Fortunately, the ingredients in this product are evidence-based meaning they may work effectively.

Apart from our review, read more reviews online to settle for the probiotic that is right for you. For better results while taking probiotic suppplements, ensure to eat healthily and indulge in regular exercise.

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Health Insiders relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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Erica Mesirov, MS

Erica Mesirov is a food coach, helping people optimize their health and lose weight to live fully and vibrantly. She specializes in hel...

HealthInsiders Team
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The Health Insiders Team takes pride in bringing you the latest in nutritional research, skincare, healthy living, and wellness hacks. Together our researchers...

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