In a world where the options for nutritional supplements are endless… it’s important to know which ones are actually beneficial. So yes, we’re implying that not all products on health food store shelves are effective or even necessary.
But when it comes to gut health, probiotics do in fact play a role in maintaining and restoring the good bacteria. The modern diet can easily strip the gut of good bacteria and if you’re not restoring this “flora,” then the experience can be quite unpleasant (And you don’t want that).
The gut is often referred to as the “second brain,” and when things go awry in the body; it’s always a good idea to implement dietary changes.
“If someone has disrupted his gut microbial balance, this is where a probiotic can be of benefit. But whether it’s really going to help and whether you’re taking the right ones are the big questions out there,”
– said Gail Cresci PhD, RD, an intestinal microbe specialist with Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition.
Here Are Our Top Probiotic Picks for 2023
Note: Many of these products are for both men and women unless mentioned otherwise.
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In a Hurry? Here’s The Editor’s Pick: Vitamin Bounty Pro-50
Pro-50 has 13 strains of 50 billion CFU with 80mg of fermented greens (Barley grass, oat grass, wheatgrass, and alfalfa) all combined in a patented, delayed-release Embocaps. The fermented greens are a natural and very important source of feeding healthy bacteria and it’s a great addition to a quality product. (1)
Supplements with additional healthy ingredients are always a plus!
30 servings per bottle
Vitamin Bounty Pro 50 Probiotic
Vitamin Bounty Pro 50 Probiotic
Vitamin Bounty Pro 50 Probiotic shown to promote immune and digestive health. It's gluten-free. Unlike others, it only contains 1 or 2 strains of the probiotic strain.
MAV Nutrition PRE-PRO Prebiotic + Probiotic
A combination of pre and probiotics is referred to as microbiome therapy because the probiotics are the food for probiotics to thrive. A serving contains a proprietary blend of 20 billion live cells. There’s also 250mg of inulin which helps healthy bacteria to grow in the gut. (7)
It’s hard to look past this combination supplement if you want good quality and effectiveness.
60 servings per bottle
MAV Nutrition Probiotics + Prebiotics
MAV Nutrition Probiotics + Prebiotics
MAV Nutrition Probiotics + Prebiotics support healthy digestion. Help boost other body systems. Reduce bloating. Also, supports a healthy immune system.
Earth’s Pearl Probiotic + Prebiotic
“The World’s Best Probiotic + Prebiotic”… that’s what Earth’s Pearl claims on the label. But whether or not it really is, all we know is that it’s a quality product.
One pearl has 4 billion CFU of the patented, time-released formula which contains 100mg of a proprietary probiotic blend, plus 25mg of probiotics.
The pearls are safe for men, women, and children.
60 servings per bottle
Earth’s Pearl Probiotic & Prebiotic
Earth’s Pearl Probiotic & Prebiotic
Earth’s Pearl Probiotic & Prebiotic is a multi-strain probiotic. Ease digestive distress. It contains beneficial bacteria.
Dr. Tobias Plus Deep Immune Probiotics and Prebiotics
Dr. Tobias is a popular health brand and their probiotic plus prebiotic has 4.4 billion CFU of probiotics and 15mg of a probiotics blend. The advanced formula prevents a lot of stomach acid breakdown of the probiotics and there’s no refrigeration required.
It’s hard to wrong with a brand and product that has such positive feedback and proven ingredients.
30 servings per bottle
Dr Tobias Deep Immune Probiotic
Dr Tobias Deep Immune Probiotic
Dr. Tobias Deep Immune Probiotic is essential for gut health and it's advanced formulated. This strain doesn't require refrigeration.
Nutrition Essentials Probiotic
Nutrition Essentials claims to have the highest number of CFU’s per serving in their probiotic formula.
Each effective dose has 75mg of a probiotic blend consisting of 15 billion CFU of probiotics and 500mg of Nutri-Fructo B-88 (fructooligosaccharide) for digestive health. The formula is safe and natural consisting of only quality ingredients. (8)
So, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth!
60 servings per bottle
Nutrition Essentials Probiotic
Nutrition Essentials Probiotic
Nutrition Essentials Probiotic help assist in weight control and appetite helps in energy increase. Aids in digestive health.
Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra Ultimate Probiotic formula
Garden of Life usually creates some pretty decent products and their probiotic is no different. The ingredients are made from whole food homeostasis soil organisms and it’s an overall very healthy vegetarian formula.
There’s 15 billion CFU from 13 strains in a serving plus 10% iron from ionic plant-based minerals.
90 servings per bottle
Primal Defense Ultra Ultimate Probiotic
Primal Defense Ultra Ultimate Probiotic
Primal Defense Ultra Ultimate Probiotic support digestice comfort, normal absorption and assimilation of nurtients. Maintain healthy immune system.
Dr. Qutab Probiotics Plus Melatonin
There are 10 billion CFU and 1mg melatonin (micro active) in a serving. Melatonin is used as a sleep aid and many people find it to be very effective for this purpose. Research even shows that it can be effective for sleep disorders. Possible side effects are typical but not serious for most users. But it can also interact with certain medications so make sure to inquire before use. (9)
There are no artificial colors or preservatives. And the ingredients are clinically tested by doctors. But the great thing is both men and women can enjoy this product.
30 servings per bottle
Probiotics Plus Melatonin By The Doctor’s Doctor
Probiotics Plus Melatonin By The Doctor’s Doctor
Probiotics Plus Melatonin By Dr. Qutab kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Promotes digestive health. Support a healthy immune system and Urinary tract health.
Nutrisuppz Probiotic Ultra
This is Nutrisuppz’ best probiotic formula due to the effective delivery system and quality, tested ingredients.
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A serving has 40 billion CFU delivered through the MakTrek probiotic delivery system which allows the strains to reach further in the gut. The live bacteria are covered in brown seaweed which is a marine polysaccharide. This seaweed helps to prevent stomach acid from breaking down a lot of the bacteria.
30 servings per bottle
Nutri Suppz Probiotics Ultra 40 Billion CFU’s
Nutri Suppz Probiotics Ultra 40 Billion CFU’s
Nutri Suppz Probiotics Ultra 40 Billion CFU's support digestive health and immune system. Support weight loss. Assists gas and bloating. Contain 4 live strains.
Havasu Nutrition Premium Probiotic Gummies
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to enjoy your probiotics and you absolutely can with these delicious, natural gummies by Havasu.
The gummies are made from nutritional yeast and so there’s a natural probiotic strain naturally found in the intestine. 2 gummies contains 1 billion CFU of probiotics. There are 20 calories, 4g of carbs, and 3g of sugar per serving.
No refrigeration is required for these sweet treats and the probiotics can easily survive high temperatures. Plus, there are no preservatives.
Additional ingredients include pineapple, natural flavor, and natural color.
30 servings per bottle
Havasu Nutrition Probiotic Gummies
Havasu Nutrition Probiotic Gummies
Havasu Nutrition Probiotic Gummies Supports Digestive & Gut Health, Shelf Stable; Dairy Free; NON-GMO. Contains 1 Billion CFU of Friendly Bacteria.
Physician’s Choice 60 Billion Probiotic With Prebiotic Fiber Blend
This 100% natural doctor-formulated supplement contains 10 strains with 60 billion CFU of probiotics. It also has 150mg of an organic prebiotic fiber blend with Jerusalem artichoke root, gum arabic tree exudate from stem and branches, and chicory root powder for digestive and heart health.
Each cap is made with acid-resistant technology and the formula is made for adults due to the high potency.
30 servings per bottle
Physician’s Choice 60 Billion Probiotic
Physician’s Choice 60 Billion Probiotic
60 Billion Probiotic contains 10 Strain Probiotic and potent organic prebiotic fiber. Support digestive and immune health. Reduce bloating. Promote healthy cholesterol.
Here is everything you need to know on probiotics:
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms and there are trillions of bacteria in our bodies. (2)
But probiotics help to restore bacteria in the gut which causes many disease and illnesses. However, there are both good and bad bacteria which often dwell in the gut.
Now, there are many different strains which serve a different purpose. But in this case, we’re going to focus on the kind which promotes gut health since certain strains are not always necessary.
Many foods contain probiotics like yogurt, kefir, certain vegetables but supplements are a viable option for additional health benefits. (3)
How to Use Probiotics
Probiotics are often taken for general digestive health. But a common use is for antibiotic-associated diarrhea and constipation is another big one.
However, there are several reasons why people may choose to take antibiotics and research supports potential benefits. (4)
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Urinary tract infections
- Vaginal infections
- Eczema in children
- pylori (bacteria which cause ulcers and sores)
- Oral health
- Mental health
How Much Is Sufficient?
At least 1 billion CFU of beneficial probiotics is recommended for therapeutic use. But you want to make sure you’re getting the right strains. However, you can never go wrong with the most common forms. (5)
Different Species of Probiotics
The following species of bacteria are the most studied for their benefits but they consist of several different strains…
- Bifidobacterium supports the immune system and reduces the number of bad bacteria in the gut.
- Lactobacillus is an enzyme which breaks down lactase and which produces lactic acid which can fight off the bad bacteria. It’s found in the small intestine and mouth.
- Saccharomyces boulardii also fights off disease-causing bacteria in the gut.
What Research Says
Surprisingly, research is mixed on probiotics. It definitely has a positive effect but some studies revealed that it’s not a “cure-all” for gut health.
Now, food is always the best option when it comes to maintaining a healthy digestive system. Kefir, sauerkraut, certain researched yogurts, and even tempeh made from soy are a few.
“Go for foods first, but there’s always a niche for the supplements, like if you need a certain strain of bacteria that’s not available in a food source,” explained Gail Cresci Ph.D., RD.
But supplements which provide the above-mentioned strains of probiotics show promise for improving and promoting a healthy gut. (6)
However, prebiotics (fermentable fiber) may be just as important to support healthy bacteria according to research. (6)
Are Probiotics Safe?
Generally yes. But infections have been reported in people who suffer from certain health conditions like a weakened immune system.
So, it’s best to take probiotics if you’ve checked out as generally healthy by your doctor. (10)
And probiotics are not regulated by the FDA so companies must ensure they are producing quality products so it’s important to purchase from reputable brands. (11)
Wrapping Up
While probiotic supplements may not be necessary for everyone, there’s certainly promise when it comes to the gut health aiding benefits.
Research has shown benefits for consuming healthy live bacteria in an effort to replace the bad kind and maintain a healthy digestive system. But if using a supplement, quality is key. Always make sure the three staple probiotics are listed on the label and make sure the company is trusted.
Oh, and don’t forget your prebiotics as well to feed the healthy bacteria and you should be good to go. However, by no means is supplementation with probiotics a replacement for getting health checking and seeking medical advice from your doctor.
Probiotics can help but they are not necessarily a cure for any ailment. )
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